It was a night of glitz, celebration, and recognition as the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) honoured individuals and organisations that have made exceptional contributions to the growth of Nigerian tourism.
The prestigious Tourism Icon Awards were presented during the eighth edition of the Nigeria Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) 2025 held in Abuja, alongside the investiture of FTAN’s newly elected National President, Dr Aliyu Badaki.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State was honoured as Best Tourism Governor 2025, represented at the event by Dr Kabir Ali Masanawa, Director General of the Katsina State History and Culture Bureau. Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, also received a Tourism Icon Award for her tireless commitment to advancing tourism, represented by Olayiwola Awakan, Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).
Other notable awardees included:
- Eko Hotel and Suites – Pioneer in Hospitality Innovation
- Lolo Ngozi Ngoka – Award of Excellence for Tourism Policy Drive
- Edosa Eghobamien – Hospitality Innovation Award
- TVC News – Tourism Promotion Award
- Mohammed Jammal – Excellence in Recreation and Leisure Award
Edosa Eghobamien, a visionary entrepreneur, leads multiple innovative ventures in hospitality, tourism, and infrastructure, while Mohammed Jammal, founder of Monoliza Sports and Recreational Centre, is recognised for curating tourism, leisure, and family entertainment experiences. Ngozi Ngoka, Managing Consultant at Zigona Advisory, contributes strategic insights to the travel and tourism sector and serves as the thematic lead for the Travel and Tourism Industries Thematic Group of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
The evening also marked a historic moment as Senator Smart Adeyemi conducted the investiture of Dr Aliyu Badaki as FTAN President, the first investiture in the Federation’s 30-year history, following his election during the AGM on July 30, 2025. Adeyemi congratulated Badaki and urged him to deliver on his mandate to advance the Federation’s vision.
The event celebrated excellence, innovation, and dedication across Nigeria’s tourism industry, highlighting the ongoing efforts to position the country as a premier travel and leisure destination in Africa.
