November 20, (THEWILL) -The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria, the oldest multi-sectoral tourism trade body in the country, has elected Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo as its National Public Relations Officer.
The election took place during the association’s Annual General Meeting held at the Kapital Club & Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja, on Tuesday.
Kiyaramo, a seasoned tourism expert and former Senior Special Assistant to the Bayelsa State Governor on Tourism, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
Speaking to journalists shortly after his election, he described the process as free and fair, commending the AGM Planning Committee led by Sir Andy Osa Ehanire, as well as delegates and board members for their support.
“Your trust in me is a tremendous honour, and I am thrilled to have contributed to my association’s growth.
“The success of our AGM is a testament to our collective efforts. I am particularly indebted to the National Vice President of ATPN (South-South), Chief Anthony Tosan Prest, for his unwavering support and encouragement during the election process,” Kiyaramo said.
Widely referred to as “Mr. Tourism,” Kiyaramo is the convener of the South-South Tourism Roundtable, which evolved into the BRACED Tourism Promotion & Development Initiative, a pioneering regional tourism destination management organisation in Nigeria’s South-South region.
He has also served as Acting Deputy Rector of Bayelsa State’s International Institute of Tourism & Hospitality, Technical Adviser to Bayelsa’s Commissioner of Tourism Development, and founder of the Ernest Ikoli Visitor Information Centre.
His contributions to tourism have earned him several awards, including induction into the Tourism 100 Club Nigeria in 2021.
The new ATPN executive council includes, National President, Prince Adetunji Fadina; 1st Deputy President, Prince Ayodele Martins Arokoyo; 2nd Deputy President, Hon. Ugwu Wilson Uche and Secretary General, Mrs. Juliana Tongrit
Others are Assistant Secretary General, Michael Peculiar Ekiran; Vice President (South-South), Chief Anthony Tosan Prest; Vice President (FCT), Dr. Abigail Olagbaye; Vice President (South-West), Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon;Vice President (South-East) Amb. Onyeka Atuloma Loveday and Treasurer, Ms. Oluwayinka Odusina
The highlight of the event was the induction of Nigeria’s former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, into the Tourism Hall of Fame.
Gowon was recognized for his role in fostering domestic tourism through the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in 1973, aimed at promoting national reintegration and reconciliation after the civil war.
ATPN also honoured its founding father, Chief Mike Amachree, for his resilience and pioneering efforts in developing and promoting tourism in Nigeria.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
