'A pointer of confidence' Ayodele Olumoko appointed ITPN's Vice President

Eko Hotels and Suites was filled to the brim as Otunba Ayodele Micheal Olumoko was inducted as the vice president of Institute for Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ITPN) where dignitaries from all walks of life gathered to celebrate him

Delivering his keynote address, the guest speaker, Esv Victor Alonge – 2nd vice president, Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, said “In recent times, tourism development has been on the front burner of national discourse in Nigeria. This stems from the realization of its potential in job creation and generation of the badly needed revenue, most especially in foreign earnings. As with most African countries that experienced European colonization, Nigerian tourism industry has a chequered history.

“Prior to British colonialism, there were various objects of interests which often attract visitors to many cities and villages in the country. Available evidence suggests that apart from attractions and visitations to traditional and cultural festivals across the length and breadth of the country, tourists were also attracted by the various natural and man-made objects in these communities. As such, archaeological objects of historical significance were usually on display, thereby serving as centre of attraction to tourist.

“The tourism industry in Nigeria contributes immensely to national economic growth and development. As a non-oil and non-agricultural activity, tourism plays a substantial role in expanding and diversifying Nigeria’s economy, and providing income-earning opportunities for a large number of people. Through its contribution to GDP, export earnings, and government tax revenues, the tourism industry positively impacts the macro-economic indicators of the country.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inducted vice president, Ayodele Micheal Olumoko, promised to use his God’s given talent and connection to take the institute to another level, as he appreciated all those who came to celebrate with him.

Part of his statement reads; “I would like to thank the Special Guest of Honour and Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwolu, who has not only honored us with his presence here today but has shown recognition and acknowledgment for Tourism so much so that Tourism is one of the pillars of development of Lagos State under his administration. Thanks to the Chairman of this Investiture Ceremony, a tireless and visionary industrialist and great entrepreneur of our time, Chief (Dr.) Michael Ade Ojo, OON who out of his very tight schedules honored us with his esteemed presence and exceptional chairmanship of today’s event.

“I would also want to thank and indeed say that it is a great honor and privilege for the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) and me in particular to be honored by having in attendance and here present at my investiture today the, Royal Father of the Day, Oonirisa Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, Arole Ooduwa, Olofin Adimula, The Ooni of Ife and the Co-chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN); The Guest of Honour, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Lagos Chambers of Commerce, Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, CON, FNIM, CNIM; the President and Chairman of Council Institute of Directors (IoD – Nigeria, Dr. (Mrs.) Ije Jidenma, F.IoD; Chairman of the Board of Trustee of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Chief S.O. Alabi, The Iyalaje Oduduwa, Chief (Mrs.) Toyin Kolade. Thank you, our Guest Speaker, Victor Alonge, FNIVIS, FRICS, F.IoD, Senior Partner, Nelson Thorpe Alonge Estate Surveyors & Valuers and 2nd Vice President, Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV), whose presentation today has not only been enlightening but also incisive.

“I also acknowledge and say thank you to all of you distinguished ladies and gentlemen who made it a point of duty to be here today despite your other important engagements. I am encouraged by your distinguished and esteemed presence here today. It is for me , that with your support the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria in the South West, during my tenure as Vice President, South West, will not only witness tremendous progress and support, but will strive to be the most outstanding and accomplished region of the Institute operations with a vision for the Institute to emerge stronger in the years ahead.

“I would also like to thank the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), Aare Abiodun Odusanwo, FITPN, who took a chance on me years ago when he recommended me as a member of the Council of the Institute. It has been a great privilege to be a part of this leading sector professional body and Aare Abiodun Odusanwo has been a role model and a friend. I am sure his support is one of the reasons why I am here today. I would also not be here today but for the decision of the Governing Council of the Institute.

According to him, Olumoko said Tourism is a wide sector, a multidisciplinary phenomenon that interfaces with many other sectors of development like Transport, Health and Environment, Legal, Insurance, Agriculture, Finance, Construction etc. Tourism as an industry has proven over the years to be the largest employers of labour with the capacity to create 1/10 of global employment, the second highest foreign exchange earner after oil and Gas, it contributed about 10.4% to global GDP in 2019. Tourism has become a major industry and key sector upon which the economy of the developed nations of the world is built. We can achieve this for Nigeria, especially the South West with the resources at our disposal. The Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) is established with the basic mandate to develop and administer qualification; approve and monitor training centres and learning providers; provide continuous Professional Development for Private Sector and public service personnel form entry to professional level; award certificates and membership for every category of staff at different levels of skills, autonomy and responsibilities for the industry but we shall be taking this mandate a step further to integrate all the nuances of tourism promotions and development.

He further said “The South West Zone of the nation is one the blessed regions in Nigeria with abundant tourism potentials that if properly and well harnessed will provide solutions to the growing problems of unemployment in Nigeria. ack to why I am here. I’m here because Ayodele Michael Olumoko believes deeply in the power of tourism education, training and skills development as well as in the power and goodness of this remarkable Institute. I have stayed and practiced long enough in the industry to recognize the development and economic gaps that sparse professional competence, lack of recognized standards of entry level and management training appropriate to the needs of the tourism, hotel and travel industries has created between where we should be and where we are presently.The basic truth is that the opportunities and experiences the Institute is bringing to bear is not only beginning to change the performance and delivery profile of the industry but has earned her the Award of the ISO 9001 Certification from the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) as well as acknowledgment as the premier sector national accredited awarding and certification body in Nigeria for Tourism and Hospitality with the Institutes president also holding the office of the National Sector Skills Council for Tourism in Nigeria thus facilitating the opening doors for Tourism and Hospitality professionalism and Skills development as well as standards that many never knew existed.This is why I consider my investiture today as a great call to duty and unique opportunity to serve.

Ayodele Michae Olumoko is an accomplished Integrated Marketing Communications Specialist with a special interest in Community Cuture relations. He is currently the South-West Vice president.

A founder and MD/CEO of INFOGEM LIMITED. President of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN). He is a Past President of Rotary Club of Ikeja and a former Assistant Governor, former Zonal Coordinator and a member of the international service organization, the Rotary Club, and a host of others. Chairman, Awards and Recognition Committee for all 130 Rotary Clubs administration in Rotary District 9110, Nigeria.

Chief Festival Consultant to major Community Festival like UNESCO. He was a Council member of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) from 2015 to July 2021. He is married with children. He’s also the Chairman of McLeads Consulting and Yempat Rosy & Associate.

Otunba Ayo Oumoko is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (F.loD), Nigeria. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Credit OSUN GROVE with OSUN OSOGBO Festival (1999 through May 2019), Olojo Festival.

Otunba Ayo Olumoko has travelled far and wide. He is a Culture promoter, strategist, reader, motivator and role model.