The Chairman, Yaba College of Technology, Governing Council, Prof. Funsho Afolabi has disclosed that the College tourism road maps towards professionalism and sustainable blue economy is engendering and aligning with the federal government Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Chairman made the disclosure during the 2024 United Nation’s World Tourism Day celebration held at the institution’s Tourism Village at her Epe campus in collaboration with Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) South West Zone wit the theme: “Tourism and Peace”.
Prof. Afolabi, who was the chairman of the occasion, said “there is no doubt of the fact that, by this assembly, we have created a Platform for intellectual discourse and engaging activitiesSuch as: exhibitions, cultural display, parades, entertainments, interactive session that would help in mapping and charting a course towards the development of both theories and best practices, that could serve as articular facet for understanding the positive relationship between Tourism and Peace to facilitate the federal government Renewed Hope Agenda”.
According to him, “for the world Tourism Organisation ( WTO ) to have brought up freshly, the issue of Tourism and Peace from the proceeding historic four years is what: Mr President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria- Aare Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu: Mai Grima Shugaban Kasa Najeriya ( GCFR )’s through Sectorial Screening of Ideas for Tourism Products Development, has enunciated his Vision of now and the future as; The Renewed Hope Agenda” and the College through her Department of Tourism Management Technology ( TMT), Epe Campus, is helping Mr President to fulfil his mandate.
Emphasizing the types of Tourism, Domestic Tourism (Internal), Inbound Tourism (National), Outbound Tourism (International),
Prof. Afolabi averred that the Department of Tourism Management Technology of the College in collaboration with NTDA South West Zone, is at the driver’s seat among the institutions of higher learning worldwide that is complying with the United Nation’s recommendations on Tourism statistics.
The Professor of Hospitality & Tourism opined that in celebrating 2024 World Tourism Day, along the paths of many Tourism and Hospitality related activities, the department of Tourism Management Technology has become a veritable organ of the United Nations World Tourism Organization using higher Education to attain the three types of Peace worldwide, which are spiritual, relation and emotional peace.
He, however, submitted that the world nations that are strong adherents of the three types of peace, are able to do things,often differently, that lead to Sustainable Tourism, in not less than three dimensions.
In his good will message, the Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul hinted that the World Tourism Day is dedicated to the exploration of our beautiful planet and the diverse cultures that enrich our lives.
Each year, this special occasion serves as a reminder of the vital role that tourism plays in fostering understanding, peace and international cooperation; he stated.
Dr. Abdul stipulated that tourism is not just about visiting new places; it is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the lives, traditions and stories of people from various walks of life, it nurtures connections, breaks down barriers and creates a shared respect for our global community.
He explained that by participating in world Tourism Day activities, we can promote tourism’s positive impact, foster global understanding and celebrate the diversity of cultures and destination around the world.
The 7th Indigenous Rector of the College expatiated that this year’s theme Tourism and Peace, highlights the importance of sustainable and responsible tourism practices, as we explore new destinations.
He charged the participants to remember the impact that their choices have on the environment and the communities they visit, it is the collective responsibility to protect these treasures for future generations, ensuring that they can enjoy the rich experiences that travel offers.
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According to him, “Tourism is also a powerful economic engine that creates jobs, boosts local economies and encourages cultural exchange. From small family-run businesses to large hospitality enterprises, the industry plays a vital role in supporting livelihoods worldwide. It is crucial that we work together to rebuild tourism in a way that prioritizes resilience and sustainability”.
“As we celebrate today, let us also commit to embracing inclusivity in tourism. Everyone should have the opportunity to explore and enjoy the wonders of our world, regardless of age, ability or background. By championing diversity and accessibility, we can create richer experiences for all”; he admonished.
During her welcome address, the head of department of Tourism Management Technology, Dr. O.L. Adedayo averred that this year’s theme: Tourism & Peace could not be more relevant in today’s world, and Tourism fosters understanding among different cultures, tribes, bridges gaps between nations, and promote peaceful coexistence.
Dr. Adedayo urged everyone to reflect on how tourism can be further leveraged to promote peace, tolerance and mutual respect in Nigeria and globally, it is through such harmony that nations thrives and communities flourish.
She noted that the Tourism Management Technology Department of YABATECH remains committed to nurturing the next generation of tourism professionals who will shape the future of tourism and drive the tourism industry forward in Nigeria and beyond.
The Deputy Zonal Coordinator of NTDA, Mrs. Alice Adesola who spoke on behalf of the Director General, Chief Folorunsho Coker, said that they practise tourism because tourism is life, and the Director is very passionate about the success story of tourism in Nigeria and concerned about the tomorrow of tourism and that established the reaching out to tourism students who will bring out tomorrow’s economic gain of tourism, our oil may run dry, but tourism is a pot that will continue to cook for everybody.
“Tourism encompasses all facet of life, our pride today is that Ambassador Saheed Balogun is part of tourism because it is the way of life, the way you dress, what you eat, our culture, even family life, what makes us what we are is tourism. Students, you did not make mistake to study tourism, because out there tourism is a lucrative profession, and I assured you that you will definite do well in your field of study along side hospitality. Tourism cannot bring in anything without peace, and that is why we are talking peace today, peace from me, peace from you, peace from all of us, and the nation will do better. Let us one at a time not only think about ourselves but think of Nigeria, reach out to every aspect that you can to bring out peace to the country, if there is peace there will be progress”.
The World Tourism Day celebration at Yaba College of Technology Tourism Village, Epe campus was with pomp and ceremony in which Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and Egun cultural groups displays from Tourism Management Technology Department of the College.
The pioneering Head of Department of Tourism Management Technology, who has retired, Mr. Gabriel Okunola was appreciated with bountiful gift.
The Chairman of Association of Tourism Practitioners in Nigeria (ATPN) Lagos Chapter, Hon. Samson Apata gave award to Governing Council Chairman of the College, reiterated that YABATECH is the only institution that has contributed immensely to ATPN, and their products remain the best in the market.
Hon. Apata said that the plague is to complement the efforts of the Chairman towards development of Tourism Management Technology Department in the College.
The products of Lagos Tourism Industry titled “Destination Lagos Award” were presented to both the Chairman and the Rector of the College, which symbolized that they are part of the project, and at the same time signified invitation of the two personalities to the forthcoming event of ATPN Lagos Chapter.
Dignitaries present at the event amongst others are the Monarch of Epe, Goge Africa, the Chairman of Epe Local Government representative and the representative of Ibeju Lekki Local Government.
