The Nigerian tourism industry mourns the death of one of its icons, Alhaji Rabo Saleh, who until his death was the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria [FTAN]. He died in the early hours of Friday, 16th April 2021 at his residence in Abuja. He has since been buried according to Islamic rites at Gudu Cemetery, Abuja.
As the news broke within the industry, many are still left in shock as to what could have happened to the man who was applauded as one of the finest that walked the streets of Nigeria’s tourism sphere. Friends and associates were left amazed at his sudden departure.
Members of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies [NANTA – Abuja Zone], thronged the home of the late tourism icon, who was an erstwhile National Vice President of the same association [2012-2016]. His goodness and humility were the major points of applause given to the departed stalwart.
Speaking at the burial site, the National President of NANTA, Susan Akporiaye, who handed over the baton to Late Alhaji Rabo at the zonal level could not control her tears while speaking with journalists; she expressed her shock as to how such a good man could die just at the peak of his career.
“Alhaji Rabo brought finesse and integrity to the travel and tourism industry, and I served with him as a Secretary of the association while he was the National Vice President. He was a father figure to me”, says Ambassador Kayode Adeshola, the current Vice President of NANTA – Abuja Zone.
Many dignitaries were present at the burial to pay their last respects to the departed tourism giant, who they believed had more to offer to the industry before death came calling. His death, as many agreed, has left an irreplaceable gap in the industry, due to his humility.
Alhaji Rabo was praised by many as a very humble and approachable man who does not flaunt his pedigree as a seasoned tourism professional from his university days. He was taunted as a potential minister of tourism due to his tourism-based educational profile. He will be sorely missed by all.
By Michael Oyetunji [Abuja]