June 17, (THEWILL)- The Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria, FTAN, Lagos Chapter, converged in Benin Republic over the weekend to reunite the members, as well as to reawaken the exciting activities of the association.
Organised by Mr Tope Fajemirokun, FTAN Coordinator, no fewer than twenty-two people attended the Ileya Boat Cruise to Porto Novo, Benin Republic. Participants visited several tourist attractions in Porto Novo and Cotonou, such as Club des Rois, the Amazons of Benin inscription, and Martyr of January 16, 1977.
Participants boarded the long-tail boats to the Porto Novo terminal after arriving at the National Inland Waterway Authority terminal in Lagos.
Speaking to journalists during the gathering, Fajemirokun said, “We want to get back on track after a period of inactivity, and in order to do so, we need to take the members on a trip and get them all together. I want people to experience beautiful tourist sites within Porto Novo, as it is where I do my business,” he declared.
He commended the great turnout and thanked the members for ensuring the day was successful. He claimed that without them, the day would not have been successful.
However, he expressed optimism that the next meeting would be attended by all members without any hitch.
Mr Tunde Kolade, South-West Vice President FTAN, said: “We came here to have fun, and I’ve seen some really clean places; in contrast to Nigeria. They manage traffic orders without the need for traffic supervisors. Cleanliness is essential. In light of what I’ve witnessed today, I hope that Nigeria can imitate it and use its abundant tourism resources to develop the country.”
Mr Oluomo Jamiu Talabi, President of the Lagos Hoteliers Association (LHA), said: “I feel proud of FTAN for this reunion. I am excited that I am part of this memorable outing from Lagos, Nigeria to Porto Novo, but it’s worth the time and effort spent as we were able to visit beautiful monuments and a beach decorated with nature.
A member of the association in the person of Pastor Frank Meke said, “I believe you are witnessing a nation that is ready to conduct business, willing to learn from its mistakes and correct them. You have also witnessed a nation that is pretending to be in the tourism business. Thus, Nigeria is faking it to be a tourist destination.”
Ms Olusola Oladimeji, Welfare Lagos Hoteliers Association, said, “The tour from Lagos to the Benin Republic through the coastal lines was a good concept.”
Tour guide, Mr James Anago-Osho, said “My father used to take my siblings and me to the bar beach when we were little. Honestly, I can say that what I have seen so far has been encouraging. I also appreciate the president of the Benin Republic. However, I have noticed that the people of the Benin Republic are very interested in tourism, and there is a lot of infrastructure development taking place.
The environment is well-kept, the infrastructure development is extraordinary, and the Benin Republic is truly utilising the potential of tourism,” according to Anago-Osho.
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