September 20, (THEWILL) – President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mrs Susan Akporiaye,  won  Nigeria Media Platinum MERIT Award for her leadership and resilience in keeping  Nigerian  travel trade business together despite the impact of covid 19 pandemic on global travel and tourism.
In a  citation by the Board of the prestigious media award institution, Akporiaye was singled out for holding forth and steering the association and the entire downstream sector of the aviation industry out the woods of depression and hopelessness at height of ravaging COVID-19 pandemic, which shook  Nigeria Travel industry to its foundation.
Flanked by Mr. Yinka Folami,  The association Vice President Lagos zone and  Executive Secretary, Sylvester Olobor at the award podium, Mrs Akporiaye in brief acceptance speech, explained that Nigeria was not the worst place on earth despite the security challenges, adding that Nigerians must wake up and join hands to pull the nation out of woods and consequently help change our narratives.
” Yes, it is tough doing business because of COVID-19 impact, Yes, we have security challenges but tell me where in the world is too safe and without challenges? As Nigerians, we must hold forth at our various corners and speak well of our country.” She advised.
Appreciating  organisers of the Nigeria Media Merit Award, Akporiaye disclosed that NANTA welcomes, yet grateful for years of relationships with  Nigerian media which has helped the association and its  members to reach out to  various publics which has created needed enabling environment for travel trade and tourism business to thrive, and contributing positively to socio-economic development of the country.
” We respect the Nigerian media for its dogged partnership with NANTA and it didn’t start with me and will not end with me, so  this award means so much to me and our association. We shall do more  for our country and people and will not disappoint you all,” she assured.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
