The Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) has announced plans to honour distinguished individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to the growth and development of tourism in Nigeria. The award ceremony, tagged “Celebrating Institutional Memory and Legacy,” is scheduled to hold on October 23, 2025, at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking on Creative Nigeria, a cultural tourism programme aired on Mainland 98.3 FM Lagos and hosted by Frank Meke and Bunmi Bade Adeniji, the President of ANJET, Okorie Uguru, said the event aims to recognise the legacy of outstanding figures who have shaped the tourism landscape in Nigeria.
He highlighted some notable honourees, including Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, former Minister of Tourism under President Olusegun Obasanjo; Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, former Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC); Chief Abimbola Bode Thomas; Mr. Jamie Alade, a pioneer tour operator; Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort; and Dr. Ganiyu Tarzan Balogun, CEO of Tarzan Marine Enterprises, who has contributed immensely to tourism and maritime development.
Otunba Runsewe will be specially recognised with the Nigeria Pillar of Tourism and Culture Award for his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s cultural and tourism sectors.
Uguru noted that the 2025 edition of the award coincides with Sheraton Lagos Hotel’s 40th anniversary (1985–2025), describing the hospitality brand as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality growth.
“Sheraton took the risk in 1985 when international hotel brands were few, and it has since refined Nigeria’s hospitality industry,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of government and private sector collaboration in developing the tourism industry, noting that ANJET has received more support from private stakeholders and its members. “ANJET is like an archive to society; we record, preserve, and promote Nigeria’s tourism heritage,” Uguru added.
On the sidelines of the programme, Chief Raymond Gold, representing the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), commended the Lagos State Government for its ongoing efforts to develop the waterways through initiatives such as the OminBus and Omi Eko projects in partnership with Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the European Union (EU).
Gold appealed for more government support to help boat operators upgrade their crafts and enhance safety, noting that water transport has eased Lagos traffic and improved mobility despite the removal of fuel subsidy.
