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NANTA Asks for Bailout As Airlines Are Grounded, Postpones 2020 AGM
By Eric Elezuo
The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has announced the postponement of its earlier scheduled Annual General Meeting (AGM) billed for the city of Kano, Nigeria, saying that the association is “concerned about our people, their health and future wellbeing during and after when this plague.”
Making the announcement before newsmen penultimate weekend, the National President of the group, Mr. Bankole Bernard, declared that the postponement is in response to the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus disease currently ravaging the world.
Lamenting the desire to take such a decision, Bernard noted that it is imperative to understand that the decision was not taken out of fear as it is not his ‘style to enthrone fear where there is none’, but as a precautionary measure to put safety first, adding that it was a veritable time to explain the devastating blow the impact of the disease codenamed COVID-19 has had on the global travel business to which Nigeria is a veritable member. He noted that travel agencies were no longer ‘distributing inventory of our end users who are the passengers’.
He said: “NANTA is not unmindful of the consequences of COVID -19 economically to the wellbeing of our members and our principles but we are more concerned about the health of our industry players and consumers. We therefore, crave for understanding and urge all NANTA members to obey all government rules and regulations concerning the management of this pandemic. We are not alarmed or in panic mood but sufficiently aware to follow directives of the Federal Government task force on COVID -19, daily updates from Centre for Disease Control and daily monitoring of activities at our airports.
“Having taken into consideration, the effective consequence of the development, the EXCO and members of our association directed that our Kano AGM next week in Kano be postponed to a later date. It was a hard decision having assured you all two weeks ago that we are good to go. We are bent to be on the side of caution and not panic. We should know what COVID -19 is all about since we are at the Centre, the engine room of the travel business which is presently grounded globally.”
The president, who is a stickler to laid down rules, however, noted that the transfer of mandate to a new administration will still hold during a private ceremony in order not to cause a constitutional breach as officers for the various offices of the association have already been elected.
“Next week, in Lagos, the board of Trustees and the EXCO… will be here to witness the hand over to a new EXCO which should have been done in Kano but for COVID-19 watch regulations,” he informed.
Describing the airline industry as the hardest hit in the current crisis, Bernard said that the industry has lost a whooping sum of $200 billion and still counting owing to cumulative impact of loss of packing and landing fees and use of terminal charges among others.
Consequently, the association called for a bailout from the Federal government of Nigeria and the International Association of travel Agencies (IATA). This bailout, Bernard noted, should come in the guise of access to soft interest free loan and overdraft from the banks, and relaxation of payment circle even if there is a default.
Lending their voices to the call, the trio of Mr Yinka Folami of Travel and Logistic Agency; Mr. Daisi Olotu of Dees Travel and Mrs. Adelola Adewole of Tifa Travels, acknowledged the Federal Government for releasing N1.3trn to businesses as a relief to the impact of the Coronavirus scourge, but said that the travel agency industry was not captured in the spread. They therefore, variously asked the government to as a matter of urgency come to their aid.
“Let me reiterate that NANTA is not in panic or jumpy but in prayers that this sad period shall not remain a permanent feature. We are strong, hopeful and prayerful and at the same time, in sync with all established protocols to keep safe and avoid unnecessary past-time that may hinder the speedy return to normal life and business not only in Nigeria, but also all over the world,” Bernard concluded.
Popular socio-political activist, Aisha Yesufu, has lost the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial primary election for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
She lost the election to a chieftain of the party, Amanda Pam.
The activist-turned-politician had said her ambition to represent the FCT in the upper legislative chamber was driven by the desire to solve problems in the nation’s capital and give residents a stronger voice in government.
Aisha Yesufu is a staunch supporter of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The Federal government has declared Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, 2026 as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid ul Adha.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
The declaration was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
It said the declaration affirms the Federal government’s profound respect for the faith and spiritual heritage of millions of Nigerian Muslims who join the global Islamic community in observing this sacred occasion.
“The minister conveys the warm felicitations of the Federal government to all Muslim faithful in Nigeria and throughout the Diaspora. Eid ul Adha is a festival of deep spiritual significance, grounded in the values of sacrifice, obedience to God, and compassion for one’s fellow man.
“The Federal government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance upon the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for every citizen,” Ajani said.
“It is in the spirit of brotherhood, shared humanity, and national unity that the Federal government wishes all Muslims a peaceful, blessed, and joyous celebration,” the Permanent Secretary added.
Africa’s biggest corporate supporter of culture, Globacom, is commemorating the life and legacy of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, at this year’s Ojude Oba Festival, marking the 21st consecutive year of its sponsorship of the cultural event.
This year’s edition, themed “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona,” is taking place at the Festival Pavilion opposite the royal palace in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The celebration pays glowing tribute to the remarkable accomplishments of the late monarch, who transited on Sunday, July 13, 2025, after an illustrious reign spanning 65 years.
The departed monarch ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, and during his reign, the profile and prestige of the Ojude Oba Festival grew tremendously, making it one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural events.
In a statement issued in Lagos, Globacom posited that Oba Adetona’s unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Ijebu culture, traditions, and values was a major factor behind the company’s continued support for the festival.
According to the company, “This year’s celebration goes beyond our traditional role as sponsor over the past two decades. It is an opportunity to honour the exceptional legacy of the revered monarch, Oba Adetona, whose vision and commitment elevated Ojude Oba to its present status.”
Globacom recalled that the late Awujale played a pivotal role in transforming the festival into a unifying platform that brought together Ijebu sons and daughters from across the world, regardless of religious affiliation.
This inclusive vision and royal leadership, said Glo, inspired the company to begin sponsoring the festival 21 years ago. Over the years of Globacom’s sponsorship, Ojude Oba has evolved into a globally recognized cultural celebration, attracting thousands of visitors and dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining its support for the festival as part of its broader objective of showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the world.
