As the countdown to the maiden NBA-SBL Tourism & Retreat and Roundtable enters its homestretch, the Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) held a briefing at its 27 Ribadu Street Secretariat in Ikoyi, Lagos, to spell out the programme of activities lined up for the upcoming event.
NEWSWIRE Law Events magazine correspondent in Lagos reports that the press briefing was graced by the new Chairperson and Vice-Chairman of the SBL, Mrs. Ozofu ‘Latunde Ogiemudia and Baba Alokolaro, respectively. They were joined by the Chairperson of the SBL’s Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Committee, Chinenye Oragwu, as well as her colleagues on the Committee – namely, Saruyi Ayela-Uwangue, Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade, Pamilerin Akabunwa, Olufemi Fajolu, Kunle Olaofe, Folasade Augustina Ajibola and Nathalia Odidika-Esezobor.
In her remarks of welcome, Mrs. Ogiemudia, the SBL Chair, described the 3-day Retreat (scheduled to hold at the Green Legacy Hotel in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, from Friday, October 25, to Sunday, October 27, 2024) as an effort to bring together legal practitioners and stakeholders in the Nigerian tourism and hospitality industry in a bid to chart a course for the sustainable development of the industry, and to position it as a major revenue earner for the country. She said the choice of Abeokuta was intentional, on account of its numerous natural attractions and rich cultural heritage.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Committee, Chinenye Oragwu said the upcoming Retreat was a signal of her Committee’s determination to be a pivotal catalyst in the development of Nigeria’s tourism industry, in concert with government agencies and private sector players. The Retreat, Oragwu said, would feature a number of position papers on pertinent legal and regulatory matters.
The event, which is expected to host about 100 participants, would be punctuated by a robust complement of social events such as visits to notable sites across the ancient city.
Further elaborating on the array of activities lined up in the course of the Retreat, the Chairperson of the Retreat Planning Committee, Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade disclosed that the programme would commence at 7.30 am on Friday, October 25, with a train ride from the Ebute Metta Terminal in Lagos to Abeokuta. On arrival in the ancient city, she said, participants would pay a courtesy call on the Alake (Paramount Ruler) of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III. The famous Adire Market would be the participants’ next port of call, followed by lunch at the Presidential Lodge in the Ogun State capital. The rest of the day would see attendees hiking at the world-famous Olumo Rock, the striking natural landmark which overlooks most of the city and gave it its name (‘Abeokuta’ means, ‘under the rock’ in Yoruba). The day would end with a networking Dinner at the Green Legacy Hotel.
Akingbade also disclosed that Saturday, October 26, would see the convening of the main highlight of the Retreat, namely, the Tourism Roundtable, which would feature among other things, a Keynote Address by the Ogun State Commissioner for Tourism, Dr. Oluwasesan A. Fagbayu, as well as four panel sessions, as follows:
– Legal: Navigating Regulatory Challenges – A Perspective on Nigeria’s Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Industry;
– Travel: Challenges & Opportunities in the Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Industry;
– Cultural Tourism: The Role of Government Policies in Harnessing Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage for Economic Growth; and
– Hospitality: Leveraging Innovation for Sustainable Growth in Nigeria’s Hospitality Industry.
The Roundtable, Akingbade disclosed, would be followed by a Closing Party, which would afford participants yet another opportunity to unwind after the day’s intellectual heavy lifting, and to intensify their networking. She added that Sunday, October 27, would feature a visit to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library after breakfast, which would mark the end of the 2024 NBA-SBL Tourism Retreat. The day would end with a return train ride back to Lagos.
In separate conservations with the NEWSWIRE Law Events magazine, the NBA-SBL Chair, Ozofu Ogiemudia, the Chairperson of the NBA-SBL Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Committee, Chinenye Oragwu, and the Chair, Retreat Planning Committee, Uchenna Akingbade, all described the coming event as an opportunity to change the narrative around the potentials and prospects of tourism in Nigeria; to encourage Nigerians to spend their vacations in the country (rather than abroad, with its adverse effect on the nation’s foreign exchange profile); to prod policymakers into tackling the challenges confronting tourism in the country – such as funding, infrastructure and security; and to position tourism and associated industries as a source of employment for our teeming youths.
-Advertisement-
Grab our latest Magazine, "Hon. Chief C.O.C Akaolisa gets justice". Get your order fast and stress free.
For more details about Newswire Law&Events Magazine, kindly reach out to us on 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk. You will be glad you did
