Bolaji Obabiyi (intern)
The Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN), Ogun State chapter, was on Friday October 10, 2025 formally inaugurated, during a summit held at the Senate Green Chamber of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
Penpushing reports that Mrs. Bolatito Saka was inaugurated as the Ogun State Coordinator of the association alongside other executives which include Mr. Solanke Abayomi (Secretary), Dr. Aderele Francisca Gbemisola (Treasurer/Financial Secretary), Mr. Agbaje Usma (Publicity Secretary), and Mr. Adebanjo Lukman (Corporate Relations Officer).
The event, themed “Youth-Driven Initiative: Unlocking Opportunities, Technology/Skills Acquisition for Modelling a Thriving Tourism Village,” brought together academics, industry professionals, law enforcement officials, and students to discuss the future of tourism in Nigeria through the lens of youth engagement and technological advancement.
Penpushing further reports that Saka in her acceptance speech expressed deep gratitude to the national leadership and members of the association for their trust, emphasizing that her appointment was not merely a personal milestone but a collective call to action.
“I am truly grateful to the National Board and the zonal leadership for the confidence you’ve placed in me. I thank every member of HATMAN in Ogun State for your trust, support, and encouragement. Tourism and hospitality are not just industries they are catalysts for economic growth, cultural exchange, and community empowerment.”
Penpushing also report that she pledged to strengthen partnerships with government bodies, academic institutions, and private stakeholders while committing to mentor and empower young professionals in the sector.
The coordinator, however, called for unity and teamwork among members to build a vibrant Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN), and contribute meaningfully to the social and economic development of Nigeria
“Transformation begins with teamwork. Together, we will build a vibrant HATMAN presence that not only supports our members but also contributes meaningfully to the social and economic development of Ogun State and Nigeria at large’, she emphasised
Penpushing reports that Saka, gave special recognition to students present at the event, commending their eagerness to learn and adapt to new trends in the field of tourism.
“Our students are the reason we are here. They are becoming professionals. They are ready to embrace innovation, and that gives us hope for the future,” she said.
Penpushing further report that the keynote address was delivered by Dr. Abioye Adedipe, Head of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism, College of Food Science and Human Ecology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB), Ogun State who praised the association for choosing a youth-centric theme, noting that the integration of young people into tourism development is not only strategic but essential.
“Tourism is becoming more promising, more exciting, and more innovative. There are tremendous opportunities for the present generation and those to come, the keynote speaker stated
Penpushing also reports that Adedipe stressed the role of youths in Community-Based Tourism (CBT), identifying them as potential digital storytellers, tour guides, marketers, and entrepreneurs.
‘Tourism villages can thrive when youths are engaged as stakeholders from preserving cultural assets to leveraging digital tools for promotion. To build sustainable tourism, we must first develop local assets and involve community members in managing and benefiting from them.”
Penpushing further reports that he pointed out that tourism is a vital tool for economic development, infrastructural growth, and social integration, and emphasized the need for youths to embrace emerging trends in technology.
“The future of tourism is tech-driven. Our youths must be more digitally aware than their visitors. They must master innovations in digital marketing, social media, and smart tourism tools’, he said
Penpushing also reports that the former Divisional Police Officer of Oba-Oko, Oluwarotimi Ayotunde spoke on the importance of safety in tourism development, pointing out that without adequate security, efforts to attract local and international tourists would be futile.
“Security is the bedrock of a viable tourism sector. Negative international perceptions of Nigeria’s security landscape continue to hinder our tourism potential. If a tourist hears of kidnappings at a destination, no matter how beautiful that location is, they simply won’t come’, he said
Penpushing reports that Ayotunde, who is presently 2i/c Area Commander, Ifo Area Command urged collaborative efforts among law enforcement, government, tourism sector, and tech innovators to build a safer tourism environment.
The police chieftain acknowledged young Nigerians who are developing surveillance technologies that can help deter crime, and encouraged private investors to work with tourism operators to improve safety standards across the board.
“The image we portray online as young people impacts how the world views us. Social media must be used responsibly. We must communicate transparently and work together with international partners to improve our nation’s image’, he added
Penpushing further reports that the newly inaugurated officials expressed appreciation to the national leaders of the association, which include Chairman Board of Trustees (BOT) Alhaji Dr. Aliyu Badaki, Dr. Lilian Managwu (National President) Mrs. Adetola Olagunju (Zonal Chairperson)
Meanwhile, the inauguration of the Ogun chapter of the association marks a new chapter in the state’s tourism development journey, one that is centered on youth, technology, skills acquisition, and sustainable growth, and with the state rich in cultural heritage and natural attractions, the newly inaugurated leadership is poised to turn vision into action — working hand in hand with communities, institutions, and industry experts to model a thriving tourism village and redefine the state’s tourism identity on a national and global scale.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
