The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) on Monday confirmed its strategic participation as a registered exhibitor at the November 5th to 7th World Travel Market ( WTM) with a prolific and innovative hashtag, capturing its massive membership presence and marketing reach.

The beautiful electronic flyer design rolled out from the stable of the association public relations officer, Mrs Adeola Adewole, amply signifies the intent of the association leadership to maximise the full potential of digital technology in marketing communications as nanta members who have registered and confirmed their participation, are encouraged to further escalate their brand and organisational skills through the coloured electronic flyer embossed by the a colourful wtm logo, indicating NANTA registered pavilion for easy location for trade enquiries and information about Nigeria cultural tourism products and offerings.

The association, apart from the “I will be at WTM,” will weekly unveil additional hashtags to drive robust digital marketing presence and reach, targeting foreign trade opportunities interested in Nigeria cultural tourism market and in addition to tagging global tourism groups and tourism platforms thus saturating global media space with nanta’s exponential hunt for corporate communities and individuals on search engines looking for creative marketing links and ready markets.

On its wtm delegates platform, about a hundred members of the association with visas and confirmed hotel bookings have embraced the NANTA/WTM hashtag train with their pictures and agency’s identity, flourishing their Facebook, Instagram and other social media handles, deliberately tagging their vast local and international contacts which has endeared the association to the Reeds exhibition, organisers of the biggest global tourism trade event.

The reeds exhibition organisation urged participating individuals, trade groups, and exhibiting nations to the November 2024 event slated for excel London to invite friends and associates to join the happy world of cultural tourism to mingle, buy offering packages and share experiences from diverse cultures and peoples from over hundred countries.

Yinka Folami, President of NANTA, stated that the commitment of nanta to Nigeria cultural tourism promotion is unquestionable and a selfless determination to put Nigeria first before personal or group gain

“I have heard about people questioning our intentional patriotic efforts, and my answer is that we as Nigerians must support our country and people before we can be taken seriously. Many years ago, most of our nanta icons were invited by foreign airlines, all expenses paid to come to wtm and under study how to leverage on the opportunities and contacts at the trade event in order to help sell Nigeria to the world. Those were the good old days when our principals were more Nigeria centric, but things have changed, and we in nanta must take the initiative to revive and sustain the presence of Nigerian cultural tourism beyond our shores.”

Susan Akporiaye, the immediate past president of NANTA, who drove the NANTA WTM mission during her tenure as a deliverable tailwind string of economic gain for nanta members, expressed happiness at the participation of nanta members this year for the third time, which promises to be bigger and better.

“It’s a revolution, and we are happy for the massive interest and support from our members. We are also happy to have awakened the consciousness of Nigerians to the need to put our country above our anxieties and worries. We are not in competition with our country or any trade groups. I believe someone, a group, should show the way when things are down and nanta has burned candles, made huge sacrifices, and shown absolute patriotism and pride in what is ours, our culture and creative economy,” Akporiaye said.

Pastor (Mrs) Chinyere Umeasiegbu, NANTA’s first national deputy president, who is coordinating the groundswell participation of nanta family at WTM, disclosed that the number of NANTA members heading to the global tourism trade event may hit an all time high of about two hundred if those awaiting their visas scale through.

“Marketing Nigeria destination at WTM this year is a game of numbers, and we intend to positively as we always done to bring the world to our exhibition stand. It is a mission of possibilities, and we are determined to lead from the front. This is not a jamboree or recreational outing. It is strictly serious business to showcase Nigeria and what we can do and trust our members, the Nigerian community in the UK has been mobilised to storm our pavilion and support our efforts to make Nigeria a preferred destination,” she said.

Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu, has replied Ayo Fayose, for calling on the Waziri Adamawa, Atiku Abubakar to stop contesting elections.

Read the response in full:

“WHO’S AFRAID OF ATIKU ABUBAKAR?

I have read a statement credited to former GOVERNOR PETER AYODELE FAYOSE advising ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR to stay away from ever contesting Presidential election again in Nigeria. This has raised a few salient questions.

Who are the younger persons he has in mind for 2027? MINISTER NYESOM WIKE or PRESIDENT TINUBU of APC that they are supporting openly while still in PDP?
It is undemocratic to tell anyone not to contest an election. If ATIKU contests and you don’t like him, you have the right to oppose him but you can’t stylishly disqualify him. AGE alone can’t invalidate a leader’s vision and mission in life or in politics. Who would have expected a PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN to come on the global stage after POTUS BARACK OBAMA? Or that a former POTUS DONALD TRUMP will be contesting against a much younger and smart woman VP KAMALA HARRIS today?

Let’s go further. What has been the effect of the participation of many of the younger folks in Nigerian politics of former GOVERNOR FAYOSE’s generation? (Absolute CALAMITY and CHAOS and unprecedented CORRUPTION). How many members of that generation have done meaningful and visible BUSINESS since leaving power other than continuing to live parasitically on the nation?

It must be noted that ATIKU ABUBAKAR has carried himself admirably as a true Democrat. He does not have a tyrannical grip on any STATE in Nigeria. He has never sponsored thugs or INEC to hijack elections. If GOD has blessed him with good health, what stops him from contesting? Why did the proponents of younger candidates not support VP YEMI OSINBAJO, ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CHIBUIKE ROTIMI AMAECHI, OMOYELE SOWORE, AMINU WAZIRI TAMBUWAL, DONALD DUKE, KAYODE FAYEMI, NASIR EL RUFAI, PETER OBI, RABIU MUSA KWANKWASO, and others but they worked actively to install PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU!!

Is FAYOSE assuring us that members of their group will soon come out boldly and openly to advise TINUBU not to contest in 2027?” – DELE MOMODU speaks

FirstBank, Nigeria’s premier financial institution and leading provider of financial inclusion services, is proud to announce the 63rd edition of the FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship. This prestigious international golf tournament, held under the First@Sports initiative, reinforces FirstBank’s unwavering commitment to sports development and nation-building.

A Legacy of Sporting Excellence

For over six decades, FirstBank has been a driving force in promoting sports in Nigeria, with a focus on golf, polo, and tennis. The FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship stands tall as Nigeria’s most esteemed international golf tournament, attracting top amateur golfers from around the globe.

Unveiling Talent and Fostering Success

This revered competition has become a springboard for success, propelling aspiring professionals to greatness. Many past winners have ascended to the elite professional class, while others have discovered their potential within the tournament’s nurturing environment. The championship provides a global stage for amateur golfers to showcase their skills, earn valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, and propel their careers.

This Year’s Edition

The 63rd FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship will take place at the golf club of Ikoyi Club 1938 from November 18-24, 2024. This edition introduces two exciting components:

1. “Search for 4 Stars” – empowering 150 young aspiring male & female golfers aged 18-30, currently working as caddies at Ikoyi Club.
2. “Championship Kitty” – allowing golfers with a handicap of 10 and above to participate, promoting inclusivity and diversity.

The Corporate Golf Challenge for Charity continues, with net proceeds from team entry fees donated to charities/NGOs under the FirstBank SPARK initiative.

Partnerships and Collaborations

FirstBank has forged strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations to amplify the impact of this year’s championship. These collaborations align with the Bank’s objectives, leveraging collective expertise to create a world-class experience for participants and spectators.

WHAT THEY SAY…

“We are delighted to announce this year’s edition of the Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship. As we celebrate 63 years of sponsoring the Championship, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering Nigerian youth and promoting national development. Golf has the power to unite, inspire, and transform lives. Through this tournament, we’ve witnessed remarkable success stories, from amateur golfers turning pro to community development initiatives driving positive change. FirstBank remains committed to supporting sports and development initiatives that shape Nigeria’s future and cement its position as a leader in Africa” – Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank

On behalf of Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf Club, we are proud and excited to host the FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship once again. This remarkable 62-year partnership has consistently inspired amateur golfers to push their limits and has paved the way for those aspiring to become professional players.

We are confident that the 63rd edition will continue to uphold the excellence of previous tournaments. We warmly welcome FirstBank, the valued Strategic Partners, and all participating golfers and guests to Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf Club – Tade Adekunle, Golf Captain, Ikoyi Club 1938

Concierge Sports is honoured to serve as the Consultant and Event Manager for the prestigious FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship. As we celebrate the 63rd edition of this iconic event, we are particularly excited about the introduction of new sub-events that enhance empowerment and inclusivity within the Championship.

We extend our gratitude to our long-standing Strategic Partners for their continued support and warmly welcome our newly onboarded partners. Their collaboration is integral to the success of this renowned tournament – Kayode Oguntayo, Concierge Sports

From 18th to 24th November, we will witness a thrilling week of golf, and we eagerly anticipate crowning the next Amateur Champion of the year.