By Peter Dansu The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), South West Region, has strengthened its position as a leading ...
By Peter Dansu
The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), South West Region, has strengthened its position as a leading force in Nigeria's tourism industry following the successful hosting of the Ogun State Chapter's inaugural general physical meeting, which also marked the official commencement of the regional membership registration and documentation exercise and the launch of preparations for the South West International Tourism Expo (SWITEX 2026).
The landmark event, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta, brought together tourism practitioners, government officials, hospitality operators, investors, cultural stakeholders and industry leaders from across Ogun State and beyond.
The gathering marked a significant milestone for the ATPN Ogun State Chapter, which was formally inaugurated in 2025 and had previously operated through virtual engagements. The physical meeting provided members and stakeholders with an opportunity to review progress, strengthen partnerships and outline strategies for advancing tourism development within the state and across the South West region.
A major highlight of the event was the official launch of the membership registration and documentation exercise across the South West. While the exercise is currently being implemented nationwide by ATPN, the South West Region has taken the lead by establishing a coordinated framework aimed at ensuring wider participation and effective documentation of tourism practitioners.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the association's institutional structure, improve stakeholder engagement, enhance policy advocacy efforts and create a comprehensive database that will support capacity building, professional development and future planning.
The event attracted a strong lineup of stakeholders, including the Director of Tourism in the Ogun State Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mr. Michael Ogunbiyi; Business Development Manager of Olumo Rock Tourist Complex, Mr. Banjo; Chairman of the National Association of Tour Operators, Ogun State Chapter, Dr. Busayo Shoremekun; HATMAN Chairman, Ogun State Chapter, Mrs. Hanifat Saka; tourism administrator, Mr. Lekan Olaniyan; and renowned travel writer and environmental advocate, Mr. Pelu Awofeso.
Also present were representatives of women in sports, tourist boat operators, hospitality practitioners and several tourism advocates who pledged support for initiatives geared toward destination marketing, cultural preservation, investment promotion and sustainable tourism development.
Another major highlight was the official flag-off of preparations for SWITEX 2026, a regional tourism expo expected to bring together investors, policymakers, development partners, tourism operators, cultural organisations and international stakeholders to showcase the tourism and economic potential of the South West.
Addressing participants, ATPN National Vice President for the South West Region, Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, described the turnout as a clear indication that tourism practitioners across the region are ready to embrace a new era of professionalism, collaboration and strategic growth.
According to him, the South West's proactive approach to the membership exercise demonstrates a commitment to strengthening the association and ensuring that practitioners are properly represented and documented.
He stressed that collaboration remains the foundation for sustainable tourism development, noting that government agencies, private operators, investors, cultural institutions, media organisations and host communities must work together to unlock the region's vast tourism opportunities.
Nunayon also expressed confidence that SWITEX 2026 would serve as a major platform for promoting the South West's cultural heritage, tourism assets, hospitality industry and investment opportunities to both local and international audiences.
Speaking at the event, the South West Representative on the ATPN National Board of Trustees, Alhaji Dr. Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun Tarzan, commended the regional leadership for setting a commendable pace for other regions to follow.
He described the meeting as a significant step toward uniting tourism practitioners under a common vision and strengthening the industry's collective voice.
Balogun noted that sustainable growth in tourism can only be achieved through strong partnerships among stakeholders and urged continued collaboration between tourism operators, transportation providers, government institutions and development partners.
The meeting also featured the formal recognition of Mrs. Melutia Ogunremi, pioneer Chairman of the ATPN Ogun State Chapter. Ogunremi, a former Permanent Secretary in the Ogun State Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism and immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission, was honoured for her contributions to tourism development and public service.
Participants equally praised the Executive Committee of the Ogun State Chapter for the successful organisation of the event, describing it as a testament to teamwork, dedication and visionary leadership.
Special commendation was given to Ambassador Sola Alamutu, Director of Membership and Community Engagement, for her outstanding role in mobilising members, coordinating stakeholder participation and driving the membership registration exercise.
Stakeholders at the meeting described the inaugural physical gathering, the launch of the membership drive and the commencement of preparations for SWITEX 2026 as strategic milestones capable of repositioning ATPN and accelerating tourism development across Ogun State and the wider South West region.
With the momentum generated by the successful event, ATPN South West has reaffirmed its commitment to institutional strengthening, stakeholder engagement, innovation and collaboration as it continues to champion the growth of a vibrant, professional and globally competitive tourism industry in Nigeria.
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