September 12, (THEWILL) — The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has taken a bold step in repositioning the country’s tourism landscape with the official inauguration of its Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter in Abuja.
The colourful ceremony, which was held at Blu Cubana, brought together practitioners, investors, policymakers, and enthusiasts in what many described as a defining moment for tourism advocacy and development in the nation’s capital.
The event was presided over by the National President of ATPN, Prince Femi Fadina, who flew in from Lagos to personally officiate the inauguration. In his address, Fadina described the occasion as “a bold declaration that tourism in Nigeria is alive, vibrant, and ready to flourish in the corridors of power.”
He explained that Abuja was not just another city but the stage where Nigeria’s story must be told to the world. “The FCT is the heartbeat of governance, the pulse of diplomacy, and the centre of national decision-making. If tourism must thrive in Nigeria, it must be seen and heard in Abuja. That is why this chapter is critical”, Fadina said to loud applause.
The President urged members of the new chapter to embrace their mandate with courage and vision, reminding them that they are to serve as the face of tourism before policymakers, the voice before investors, and the strength of the association before the world. In an inspiring moment, he likened the day’s rainfall to blessings rather than disruption. “If the rain falls, don’t be troubled—it is not disruption, it is endorsement. These showers are not obstacles. They are blessings, washing the ground clean so that your chapter may grow strong, fruitful, and enduring.”
Fadina reassured members of his unwavering support, pledging that the national body would continue to empower practitioners, attract investment, and strategically position Abuja as a tourism hub not only in Nigeria but in West Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated chapter, the Vice President for FCT, Abigail Olagbaye, expressed gratitude to the national leadership for recognising Abuja’s importance and giving the chapter a platform to thrive. She described the inauguration as a turning point for tourism development in the capital city.
In her closing remarks, the newly elected Chairperson of ATPN FCT Chapter, Juli Ofuyeta, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, commending the vision of the national body and pledging that the chapter would live up to its responsibility. “We stand ready to be a dynamic, innovative, and strategic arm of the association. Abuja is ready to take its place in Nigeria’s tourism story,” she declared.
The Abuja inauguration was marked by optimism, networking, and renewed commitment as tourism practitioners looked forward to leveraging the city’s strategic position to influence policy, attract investors, and promote inclusiveness in the industry.
With this development, ATPN has once again demonstrated its dedication to professionalism, excellence, and inclusiveness in championing the growth of Nigerian tourism.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
