By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
In this exclusive interview with Heritage News’ Gbenga Sodeinde, Chairman, ATPN in Ekiti, Dr. Olowokerrle- Ayodele speaks on the imports of Onidiri Ekiti Heritage Fair, how to join the ATPN in Ekiti Excerpt:
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS INTERVIEW
Question: Please let’s meet you ?
Answer: I am Dr. Mrs. Olusayo Oluwakemi Olowookere-Ayodele a.k.a Dr Olusayo, I am is the Chairman for the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria ATPN, Ekiti State Chapter. She is a lecturer in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University Oye Ekiti and the Founder/CEO of Lofty Advisory Medical Adventure Foundation – LAMAF.
Question: can you tell us more about this your association?
Answer:The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria ATPN is a recognized tourism professional body in Nigeria that promotes domestic and inbound tourism. It ensures quality service, protects consumers, trains and supports members, advocates for favorable policies, and fosters networking. ATPN strengthens Nigeria’s tourism industry by uniting practitioners, promoting destinations, and building trust with travelers. Additionally, it liaises with state tourism organizations to identify, harness, and promote potential contributions to the development of the tourism industry.
Question:your association organized a program, Onidiri Ekiti heritage over the weekend, what brought about this particular event?
The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria ATPN is a professional body promoting domestic and inbound tourism. Tourism encompasses many aspects of life, including culture, hospitality, recreational activities, transportation services and destination attractions. This year’s World Tourism Day theme for 2025 is Tourism as Sustainable Transformation, highlighting communities as major stakeholders. ATPN believes it’s fitting to promote tourism in Ekiti State and Nigeria by investing in our people and sustaining cultural heritage Irun didi in Ekiti State, theme – Onidiri Ekiti heritage fair
Question; we learnt that people that came participate went home with some gifts can you let us know about this?
Answer:
The Onidiri Ekiti Heritage Fair is a sustainable program organized by ATPN to invest in our people and create job opportunities in an environment that showcases attractions. We invested in participants who came to showcase their talents, particularly in expanding the art of Irun Didi. All participants received rewards, while the top 3 participants were awarded substantial cash prizes, plaques, and certificates of participation. Additionally, everyone who had their hair styled with Irun Didi received gifts, and all hair styling services were provided free of charge by ATPN Ekiti State Chapter.
Question: what can you tell about the gains of the program to the Ekiti and a whole and also as individual?
Answer:The Onidiri Ekiti Heritage Fair program, organized by ATPN, offers numerous benefits to Ekiti State and its individuals, including creating job opportunities, boosting the local economy, and preserving cultural heritage through the promotion of traditional crafts like Irun didi. It positions Ekiti as a national tourism hub, attracting visitors and investors, while fostering community engagement, unity, and development. The program also provides a platform for local artisans to showcase their skills, potentially increasing their income, and encourages private-public partnerships in cultural tourism initiatives, ultimately driving economic growth and promoting community development in Ekiti State.
Question: what are the next line of action for association in the State.
Answer: The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria ATPN Ekiti State Chapter plans to strengthen tourism development by promoting the state’s cultural and eco-tourism potential, engaging local communities, and building member capacity through training. They will develop a work plan, collaborate with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and community-based organizations, and organize events to showcase Ekiti State’s tourism potential and community development, with the Onidiri Ekiti Heritage Fair becoming a recurring event to promote Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage to the world.
Answer:We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Senator Babafemi Ojudu, our esteemed patron, for hosting the Onidiri Ekiti Heritage Fair at The Farm and providing unwavering support to our chapter. Special thanks to the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, for his visionary leadership and support for tourism development, and to the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for her tireless efforts in promoting cultural heritage. We also appreciate Amb. Wale Ojo-Lanre, DG Bureau of Tourism Development Ekiti State, for gracing the event and providing guidance. To our EXCO members, led by Dr. Mrs. Olusayo O. Olowookere-Ayodele, Mrs. Adesola Oluwasola, Dr Olugbenga Mayowa Agboola, Mr Akinwumi Bolarinwa Osalusi, Dr Marcus Adedara, Mr. Charles Abere, Dr. Mrs. Stella O. F. Aina, Mrs Adefunke Olugbenga, Mrs Abosede Idiaka, Ogbeni Babajide Fajuyi, Mr. Dayo Afolabi, and Mr Ojo Abiodun thank you for your dedication. To all participants, sponsors, and attendees, your contributions made the event a success. We are grateful for your support and look forward to continued collaboration.
Questions: what message do you have for Ekiti people?
Answer:To my fellow Ekiti sons and daughters, I urge you to join us in celebrating and preserving our rich cultural heritage. Let’s work together to promote tourism development, support local businesses, and showcase the beauty of Ekiti State to the world. Our state is blessed with a rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Let’s harness our collective energy to drive growth, unity, and progress in Ekiti State.
If you’re interested in joining the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria ATPN Ekiti State Chapter or you need Onidiri Ekiti heritage fair services, kindly reach out to us via:Email: ekitiatpn@gmail.com
Instagram: @ekiti.atpn_chapter
TikTok: @ekiti.atpn_chapter
Phone: +2347039407809
We look forward to working with you to promote tourism excellence in Ekiti State.
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