Gambia Tourism Board Honors Ambassador Ikechi Uko, Otunba Segun Runsewe and Two Nigerian Pilots for Contributions to Tourism Advocacy in Africa
The Gambia Tourism Board recently honored two distinguished Nigerians, Ambassador Ikechi Uko and Otunba Segun Runsewe, for their outstanding contributions to promoting tourism in The Gambia and across Africa.
The accolades were presented during the Gambia Tourism and Trade Investment Forum held in Lagos.
Ambassador Ikechi Uko, renowned as the convener of the Akwaaba African Travel Market, has been instrumental in advancing tourism initiatives within Africa. Similarly, Otunba Segun Runsewe, former Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, has played a pivotal role in advocating for cultural exchange and tourism development.
During the Gambia Tourism, Trade, and Investment Forum, the Director-General of Travel and Tourism remarked, “Ambassador Ikechi Uko has been doing a lot to connect travel professionals all around Africa as well as pushing for initiatives to grow and develop the African tourism industry.
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At the Gambia Tourism, Trade, and Investment Forum, while receiving the award Ambassador Ikechi Uko emphasized the significant role of Gambia in fostering African cooperation. He noted, ‘When Nigeria transformed its banking environment, the first country that accepted the Nigerian bank was The Gambia. If you have Nigerian banks dominating Africa today, Gambia gave them the opportunity. Today, if you talk about the five biggest banks in Nigeria, Gambia played a part.’ Ambassador Uko praised Gambia’s substantial contributions to the African narrative, highlighting its pivotal role despite being a small country.
In addition to these esteemed individuals, two Nigerian airline pilots were also recognized for their significant role in fostering aviation growth in The Gambia.
The forum, organized by the Gambia Tourism Board in collaboration with The Gambia Investment & Export Promotion Agency, TDRP, and key stakeholders from the tourism sector, aimed to facilitate discussions on investment opportunities and tourism promotion strategies. The event marked a crucial milestone in strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and The Gambia, aligning with The Gambia’s vision for tourism diversification and market expansion.
Attended by various stakeholders from the Nigerian tourism industry, including members of the Nigerian Tour Operators Association, travel agents, insurance brokers, airlines, and private investors, the forum served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration.
The Gambia Tourism and Trade Investment Forum provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to explore avenues for mutual growth and cooperation in the tourism sector, fostering greater connectivity and economic prosperity between Nigeria and The Gambia.