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Odusanwo, Badaki Receive NASTOCE 2026 Meritorious Awards for Advancing Sports Tourism

Published

3 months ago

July 14, 2026

Cyril Ogar

The National President of Ringo Sport Club Nigeria (RSCN), Malam Ahmed Mohammed Sule, has presented the prestigious National Sports Tourism Conference and Exhibition (NASTOCE) 2026 Meritorious Awards to two of Nigeria’s foremost tourism leaders in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the growth of the country’s tourism industry and sports tourism development.

The recipients are the National President of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, and the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr. Badaki Aliyu.

The awards were presented during separate ceremonies at the recipients’ offices in Abuja.

Speaking during the presentations, Sule said the honours were in recognition of the recipients’ exceptional leadership, professionalism and strategic contributions towards strengthening tourism development while promoting the growing synergy between sports and tourism as catalysts for Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

According to him, Chief Odusanwo has distinguished himself as a transformative leader whose efforts have significantly advanced the professionalisation of Nigeria’s tourism sector.

He noted that under Odusanwo’s leadership, the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria has continued to champion standards, capacity building and competitiveness within the industry, positioning it for sustainable growth.

Sule also highlighted Odusanwo’s wealth of international experience, which includes tourism consultancy, harmonisation of tourism education in Europe, advisory roles to the World Bank and the World Trade Organization on Nigeria’s trade policy, as well as his leadership as Chairman of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria’s National Mirror Committee on Tourism and Related Services.

The Ringo Sport Club President equally commended Dr. Badaki Aliyu for his unwavering commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s tourism industry through the Tourism Transformation Movement initiative.

He explained that the initiative focuses on institutional strengthening, policy advocacy, public-private partnerships, capacity development, as well as greater inclusion of youths and women in tourism leadership.

Sule described Dr. Badaki as a respected tourism practitioner whose leadership journey—from Blissy Hospitality to serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hotel Managers Association of Nigeria (HATMAN) and now President of FTAN—has been marked by advocacy for unity, recovery and strategic collaboration across the tourism ecosystem.

He said the recognition of both leaders underscores the importance of visionary leadership and professionalism in driving Nigeria’s sports tourism agenda.

According to him, their commitment to excellence and collaboration will continue to unlock the enormous socio-economic opportunities that exist at the intersection of sports and tourism.

Responding to the honour, Dr. Badaki Aliyu applauded Ringo Sport Club for pioneering Nigeria’s first platform dedicated to bringing together key stakeholders from both the sports and tourism sectors to explore the economic opportunities within the sports tourism value chain.

He said the initiative has created an avenue for government institutions and private sector operators to forge meaningful partnerships capable of transforming sports tourism into a major contributor to the nation’s economy.

While pledging the continued support of private sector operators in the tourism industry to the activities of the Ringo Sport Club, Dr. Badaki urged the Federal Government to institutionalise the collaboration between sports and tourism through the establishment of a National Council on Sports Tourism.

Similarly, Chief Abiodun Odusanwo congratulated the Ringo Sport Club for successfully organising the maiden National Sports Tourism Conference and Exhibition (NASTOCE), describing the initiative as a landmark achievement for both sectors.

He expressed appreciation for the National Sports Tourism Meritorious Award (NASTMA), noting that the recognition would further motivate him to intensify efforts aimed at building a globally competitive workforce while advancing the professionalisation of Nigeria’s travel, tourism, hospitality and allied industries.

The maiden edition of NASTOCE, held on May 12, 2026, was themed “Leveraging the Intersection of Multi-Sectoral MDAs to Promote Sports Tourism in Nigeria.”

The conference, the first of its kind in Nigeria, was established as an annual event to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, investment promotion, networking and collaboration among stakeholders in the sports and tourism industries.

Organisers have already confirmed that the second edition of the conference will take place from May 4 to 5, 2027, with expectations that it will further strengthen partnerships and showcase the immense economic potential of sports tourism as a driver of national development.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

15 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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