With the theme, “Embracing Our Diverse Cultural Heritage from the City of Firsts: Redefining Our Role as Global Travel Ambassadors,” the Golden Jubilee event underscored the importance of cultural identity as a driver of tourism and economic growth. It also provided a platform for deeper engagement across the Western Zone, reinforcing Nigeria’s visibility and competitiveness in the international travel ecosystem.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the recognition of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), which received a Special Recognition Award for its consistent contributions to the development of aviation, tourism, and travel industries in Nigeria. The honour, presented during the Dinner and Award Night at the Jogor Event Centre, drew commendation from participants across the sector.
Presenting the award on behalf of NANTA, the association’s Public Relations Officer described LAAC as a critical stakeholder whose role in shaping industry narratives and promoting accountability has remained invaluable over the years. Receiving the award on behalf of the association, LAAC General Secretary, Anthony Awunor—who stood in for Chairman Sulaiman Idris—expressed gratitude, noting that the recognition reflected NANTA’s commitment to fairness and institutional integrity.
Awunor emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among industry players, particularly highlighting the media’s role in driving sectoral growth, policy alignment, and informed public discourse. He reaffirmed LAAC’s dedication to fostering partnerships that will strengthen the aviation and travel value chain.
The AGM also marked a leadership milestone, as NANTA President, Yinka Folami, was re-elected for another term. In his remarks, Folami described the association’s 50-year journey as a legacy of resilience, advocacy, and relevance within Nigeria’s travel industry. According to him, NANTA has evolved into the organized voice of the country’s downstream travel trade, representing over 3,500 members nationwide.
He outlined the association’s strategic focus on fair play, market protection, and market strengthening, anchored on principles of transparency, accountability, and equity. Folami further highlighted NANTA’s ongoing engagement with government institutions on policy reforms, taxation, and regulatory frameworks, as well as its collaboration with airlines and international partners to build a more efficient and competitive travel ecosystem.
Beyond the award ceremony, the Golden Jubilee programme featured a rich mix of activities, including technical sessions, tourism asset inspections, guided tours, and networking events. These activities were designed not only to celebrate NANTA’s achievements but also to showcase Ibadan’s cultural and economic potential as a major tourism hub.
As the curtains closed on the landmark event, the recognition of LAAC served as a reminder of the critical role of the media in shaping industry progress. In an era where information drives innovation and accountability, such acknowledgements reinforce the need for continued synergy among stakeholders committed to advancing Nigeria’s aviation and travel sectors.