The Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) recently held its annual general meeting (AGM) in Jos, Plateau State.
It was an event that has stamped the association as a major force within the Nigerian tourism industry. It also underlined the steady progress that association has made. Hitherto, the transition was quietly done and many had to be begged to hold elective positions.
The former executive of the association led by Mr. Nkereuwem Onung succeeded in building a foundation to rally round tour operators and build a cohesive body that has moved from a single digit membership to group.
The NATOP AGM was also an opportunity for the Plateau State government to re-assert the position of the state as leading tourism destination. The tour operators were taken on a tour of some of the tourist attractions of the state among which was the Assop Waterfall.
The AGM, after the intrigue, intense campaigns and lobby, saw Hajia Bilkisu Abdul from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) emerge as the new president of the association, while Mrs. Imeh Udo emerged as the deputy president. Miss. Dein Gbabo emerged as the secretary of the association.
A new Board of Trustees for the association was constituted. They included Malam Kabir Malan; Mrs. Fatima Garbati; Mr. Jemi Alade; Mr. Gab Onah; Mr. Nkereuwem Onung; Iyom Josephine Anenih and Mr. Ikechi Uko.
The Plateau State government put up a show at the AGM with colourful display by both the state’s cultural troupe and traditional musicians who were brought to entertain the guests. They also used the opportunity to reiterate that the state was once again ready to welcome tourists both local and inbound.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mr.Yakubu Datti, spoke on the efforts of the state government to create a conducive environment for tourism to thrive.
“We want to appreciate the tour operators for picking Plateau to host this AGM. That itself is an indication that the state is turning a new leaf. Indeed the Plateau Governor, Samuel Bako Lalong, has listed tourism as part of the key programmes to pursue. All these fall into the five policy thrust of the administration. Plateau has remained the centre of tourism because it is naturally endowed and the people are also so friendly. The weather you can’t find anywhere in Nigeria. So, there are lot of combinations that projects Plateau as the natural headquarters of tourism. I believe with this visit, most of you will bear witness of the abundance of tourism potential in the state.
“The governor is working round the clock for the sustenance of peace in the state. Without peace, there isn’t much you can do. But the fact that groups like yours are coming indicates and shows to the outside world that indeed that Plateau is at peace. Peace is not the absence of conflict. In every society, there are bound to be conflicts where human beings are involved, but the bud and ensure the capacity to be able to nib it in bud and ensure that we develop standard operating procedure to ensure that we control it, is what makes the difference.