By Taiye Olayemi
The Convener of Destination Lagos Awards, Apata Samson, has commended private tourism practitioners for their selfless and consistent efforts in grooming the industry.
Samson gave the commendation during the inauguration of a nomination committee for the maiden edition of Destination Lagos Award, on Thursday in Lagos.
He said: “I have observed that the private practitioners in the tourism industry have done a lot in repositioning the industry but they have not been well appreciated.
“So, the Destination Lagos Awards is created to appreciate these individuals and government, who have worked tirelessly in ensuring the industry stands strong.
“Many of these practitioners have embraced professions as tour guides, travel agents, tour operators, car hire operators, destination marketers, artistes and more.
“Their efforts have complemented government’s efforts in the industry.”
Samson announced Mr Frank Meke as the Chairman of the committee; Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director, National Film and Video Censors Board, as the Vice Chairman and Bunmi Bade-Adeniji as the Secretary.
He said other members of the committee included: Mr Okunlola Gabriel, Mr Iyiade Adedamola, Mr Ibrahim Ladejobi, Mrs Bosede kosemani, Mrs Chinyere Ibe, Mr Jimoh Babatunde, Omolere Afagbai and Taiye Olayemi, among others.
He said that the committee comprised of diverse seasoned professionals with expertise in various tourism related fields.
He urged them to engage their wealth of experience and knowledge to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation process for the upcoming awards.
“This is the maiden award, after this, it will be held annually,” he said.
Earlier, Meke urged the committee members to begin work on the entire nomination and ensure thorough research in the process.
“It is time to recognise those practitioners working at their various corners to make sure our industry remains competitive.
“I urge everyone of us to put in our best in this venture so that such practitioners can be spurred to do more,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
