Otunba Ayo Olumoko is a big name in the travel and tourism industry. An integrated marketing and business communication specialist that many have shown interest in for the presidency of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria [FTAN] in the next election billed for July 8, 2021.
Olumoko, a passionate professional and cultural tourism consultant with an unswerving interest in youth development made his intention known as early as 2020.
In some of his recent engagements with various tourism associations and individuals across the sector, he has repeatedly told them what his motivations are.
According to him, “I am contesting for the position of the President of FTAN, not just because I am available, but because I have a proven and dependable track record of experience and performance, both as a member of the federation and in all offices that I have held in the federation over the years. This, no doubt accounts for the prompting and persuasions by my member associations for me to come on board as president to reposition the Federation.
“I am running to reposition, grow and strengthen the Federation, Travel trade businesses and practitioners to a deserved height and voice; drawing from my experiences and track record”.
Olumoko went on to say that his record of achievements in previous positions in the Federations is proof of his capability, knowledge, and passion for the industry and its stakeholders, and the sector’s sustainability.
He also said that he is contesting to re-enact his successes in the various offices he had held in the Federation, particularly, as the Vice President, FTAN South West, where within his tenure, he successfully established robust and vibrant state chapters of the Federation in all the states in the South West; his focal region of mandate. The States are Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti, while the Lagos State Chapter was reinvigorated and repositioned.
“These state chapters were established despite the interruptions of COVID-19 within the period. These were in addition to expanding the membership base of the Federation within my region of mandate. It is on record that the region under my watch, is the best performing region of the Federation within my period of leadership and even hitherto”, he said.
When asked about his agenda for the Federation, he said it is knowledge-driven and based on detailed and careful needs analysis of FTAN, Stakeholders, and the Tourism industry in general. These agenda he listed include making FTAN a ‘must be involved’ Tourism sector organ across all facets of government’s economic and socio-cultural agenda; internalizing the relevance and involvement of the Federation with international Tourism and relevant sector organizations through the promotion of Nigeria-wide inbound tourism patronage, capacity building, and international engagements; ensuring the welfare of members and capacity to deliver on the Federation’s core mandate.
In addition, he stated that these will also be to encourage, establish and develop capacity across the board and deepen the relationship with government and development institutions at all levels, as well as work with relevant agencies to ensure that the right sectorial data are captured and appropriately attributed to Tourism.
Olumoko assured that his tenure would also engender a robust internal and external relationship and engagement with FTAN Board of Trustees and member associations, public sector institutions, and the larger Tourism and Travel trade industry and businesses in addition to impacting positively, digitally, and differentially on FTAN’s corporate administration and funding capabilities.
This is as he brings his business Midas touch and all previous responsibilities within and outside FTAN, which is an attestation of his ability to execute his programs and agenda to details beyond mere talk and promises as has been the experience of FTAN chapters and associations in the South West under his stewardship.
He informed that his career in the Tourism Sector dates back to 1999 when he was appointed Chief Festival Consultant to the UNESCO listed Osun Osogbo Grove, a position he held for 21 years, before being appointed the Cultural Consultant to the Oni of Ife, a position which he still holds to date.
Olumoko revealed that his company, Infogem, in I998 joined FTAN as an Associate [now Affiliate] Member, following which he became the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter between 2007 and 2010, and also became the Secretary of the South West region of FTAN.
He added that as a committed and passionate active Tourism industry player and member of the Federation as well as a Fellow of the Institute of Tourism Professionals of Nigeria [ITPN], he had at various times held several other offices and positions in FTAN, which include 2nd National Vice President, Member Constitution drafting Committee, Chairman, FTAN’s National Tourism Investment Forum & Exhibition and Vice President, FTAN South West, 2017 to Date.
This is in addition to representing the Federation at various platforms and events locally and internationally.