The President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Dr. Yinka Folami, has commended the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and its Director General, Dr. Ola Awakan, for putting together an impressive outing for Nigeria at the just concluded WTM London 2026, held at ExceL London between November 3 and 5, 2026.

Speaking on behalf of NANTA, the umbrella body for travel agencies in Nigeria, Dr. Folami said the NTDA’s outing was not just impressive, it was historic, it was dignified, it was Nigeria at its best.

Dr. Folami, who was represented in London by NANTA’s First Deputy President, Mustapha Mohammed, leading a high-powered NANTA delegation, with NANTA as the only association with a dedicated presence at the NTDA stand at WTM London, said he watched with pride as NTDA led Nigeria’s participation, with the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had commended Awakan for his immersive storytelling, collaboration and innovation in his first year in office.

He said: “On behalf of NANTA, I want to commend the Director General of NTDA, Dr. Ola Awakan, for putting together an impressive outing for Nigeria at WTM London. He did not just take Nigeria to London, he took Nigeria back to the world. After years of absence, after years of invisibility, Nigeria was seen, Nigeria was heard, Nigeria was engaged. The NTDA stand was a true national showcase. The storytelling was compelling. The partnerships were strategic. The visibility was real. This is what leadership looks like. This is what commitment looks like. And NANTA is proud to have stood side by side with NTDA in London.”

Dr. Folami noted that Nigeria’s participation at WTM 2026 enabled the country to present its tourism assets to a global audience, raising the profile of key destinations and products while opening new market possibilities, advancing collaboration, innovation and storytelling in promoting Nigeria’s tourism potential.

The NANTA President was emphatic: NANTA’s support for NTDA is not a one-off, it is a commitment.

“I want to assure Dr. Awakan and the entire NTDA that NANTA under my leadership will continue to support his leadership of NTDA. We will always partner with NTDA and other government tourism agencies to harness, develop, grow and market Nigerian tourism assets and destinations. That is our mandate. That is our promise. Government cannot do it alone. Private sector cannot do it alone. But together, government and private sector can put Nigeria where she belongs – on the world map, and on the world market.”

“We handed over in 2024 because we believe the goal is not who owns Nigeria’s stand, but that Nigeria has a stand. And now that NTDA has taken up the baton with such excellence, NANTA will stand beside NTDA – wherever Nigeria needs us, we will be there.”

In a special tribute, Dr. Folami appreciated Elizabeth Agbola, Founder and CEO of NTT Global Destinations, who worked hand in hand with NTDA to birth the return of Nigeria to the global tourism trade event.

“I want to specially appreciate our sister, Elizabeth Agbola, who worked hand in hand with Dr. Awakan to birth this return. Behind every successful outing, there are silent workers, there are bridge builders, there are people who make calls, and who encourage support for greater good. Elizabeth is one of them.

Dr. Folami prayed for greater visibility for Nigeria in international tourism expositions across the world.

“My prayer is that this WTM will not be a one-off. My prayer is that Nigeria will be at FITUR in Madrid, at ITB in Berlin, at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, at WTM in London, every year, with a bigger stand, with a bigger story, with bigger results. Visibility is not vanity. Visibility is business. If you are not seen, you are not sold. And Nigeria must be seen. Nigeria must be sold. May God give NTDA, NANTA, and all of us, the grace to sustain this momentum.”

The NANTA President also called on other players and associations to support government efforts to promote tourism in Nigeria.

“I am calling on all other players, all other associations – FTAN, NATOP, ATPN, hoteliers, tour operators, airlines, state tourism boards – let us support government efforts to promote tourism in Nigeria. Let us stop grumbling. Let us stop competing for who owns Nigeria. Let us compete for who serves Nigeria better. Government has done its part at WTM. Now we must do our part. Let us bring our products, let us bring our packages, let us bring our investments, and let us make Nigeria the destination of choice in Africa.”

Finally, Dr. Folami commended NANTA members and all stakeholders who came out in numbers to support NTDA and Nigeria’s return to WTM.

“To our NANTA members who travelled to London, who committed financial support to NANTA, who paid their way, who manned our stand, who marketed Nigeria with passion, I say thank you. To our NANTA BOT Chairman Alhaji Aminu Agoha, supported by BOT Member Alhaji Kabir Maiwada, who visibly graced the event with their support and presence, I say thank you, and To all stakeholders, FTAN, NATOP, AITEC World, the media, the diaspora community in the UK who stormed our pavilion, I say thank you. You came out in numbers to support NTDA and Nigeria’s return to WTM. You proved that when Nigeria calls, her children answer. This victory belongs to all of us.”

Dr. Folami concluded with a message of hope: “Nigeria is back. And by the grace of God, Nigeria is here to stay. NANTA will always partner with NTDA. NANTA will always put Nigeria first. That is not just our slogan. That is our legacy.”

Africa’s participation in the global technology industry should go beyond using digital products and services.

African engineers also have an opportunity to contribute to the technologies themselves, including the semiconductors that power smartphones, computers, vehicles and artificial intelligence. Nigerian semiconductor technology company ChipMango is working to develop this capability by connecting engineering education with practical chip-design and verification projects.

Through its investment in African venture capital funds, the European Investment Bank (EIB), under the Boost Africa initiative, is helping strengthen the ecosystem that supports innovative businesses like ChipMango. Boost Africa is a joint initiative of the EIB and African Development Bank, supported by the European Union.

Watch the video to discover ChipMango’s story and the opportunities it is helping create.

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Yomi Duroladipo, popularly known as Arole Asa and Oba, is stepping into a new phase of leadership in Nigeria’s entertainment industry as Governor of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Oyo State chapter. The son of legendary Yoruba theatre icon, Chief Duro Ladipo, Yomi brings a rich cultural heritage, years of experience in the performing arts and a vision to reposition the association for greater relevance.

Born into a family deeply rooted in Yoruba culture and traditional theatre, Yomi grew up surrounded by the performing arts. His father, the legendary Chief Duro Ladipo, popularly known as Sango, was one of the most celebrated figures in Yoruba theatre, while his mother is popularly identified with the cultural identities of Oya and Moremi Ajansoro.

For Yomi, inheriting such a distinguished family name is both a privilege and a responsibility. He acknowledges that maintaining his father’s legacy requires discipline, caution and a conscious commitment to upholding the values associated with the name.

However, rather than rely solely on his father’s reputation, he has worked towards establishing his own identity in the entertainment industry.

His distinctive appearance in traditional Yoruba attire and his trademark cap have become part of his personal brand. He has also developed a unique performance style by blending Western musical instruments with traditional Yoruba instruments, creating a fusion that distinguishes him from other cultural entertainers.

His passion for entertainment dates back to childhood, when he developed an interest in bringing people together through music, dance, drama and creative performances. His acting talent began taking shape during his primary school days, when he represented his school in a stage performance for the late educationist and founder of Mayflower School, Tai Solarin, in Ikenne, Ogun State.

That early exposure further strengthened his passion for the creative industry and eventually inspired him to establish Yomi Duroladipo Arts and Entertainment Company, popularly known as Y.DAD Entertainment.

Although he studied Mechanical Engineering, Yomi has built a career across different areas of entertainment. He is an actor, musician, dancer, stage director and movie director. He also plays the saxophone, which he creatively combines with traditional Yoruba drums during cultural performances.

His artistic philosophy revolves around creativity, innovation and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage, particularly through the fusion of traditional and contemporary entertainment.

Having been exposed to theatre and filmmaking from birth, Yomi describes his journey as a lifelong commitment to the arts, marked by continuous learning, experience and the desire to contribute to the development of the entertainment industry.

His emergence as Governor of TAMPAN Oyo State signals a new chapter in his professional journey, shifting part of his attention from individual artistic achievements to institutional leadership and the development of fellow practitioners.

TAMPAN, the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, is one of the major professional associations representing practitioners in Nigeria’s theatre and motion picture industry.

Yomi believes that the association requires renewed commitment to institutional development, structural reforms and improved opportunities for its members.

His administration is expected to focus on upgrading, reformation, rebuilding and transforming the Oyo State chapter.

Talent discovery and development will also form a major part of his agenda, with plans to identify emerging talents, encourage young practitioners and create opportunities for creative professionals to showcase their abilities.

Beyond these priorities, Oba ASA vision is to strengthen the association, promote professionalism, improve its relevance and establish a more productive environment for members to thrive.

For a man born into the legacy of one of Yoruba theatre’s greatest icons, the new responsibility presents another opportunity to demonstrate that preserving a great heritage is not only about celebrating the achievements of the past but also building institutions and creating opportunities for the next generation.

As Yomi Duroladipo begins this new chapter as Governor of TAMPAN Oyo State, expectations are high that his cultural background, creative experience and leadership ambitions will translate into meaningful reforms and a renewed direction for the association.