Inauguration of ITPN Ogun State Chapter: A New Dawn for Tourism in the Gateway State

The Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) on Wednesday, 11th June 2025, officially inaugurated Ogun State Chapter in Ibara, Abeokuta. The ceremony, anchored by MC Wale Ọmọ Dada, was a milestone event that brought together stakeholders in the tourism sector.

The event had in attendance:

Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ogun State duly represented by Deputy Director of Tourism; Mrs Tokunbo Peters, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Ogun State; Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, FITPN, National President, ITPN; Otunba Ayo Olumoko, FITPN, Vice President (Southwest Zone), ITPN; Dr. Kelani ABolaji J., FITPN, FOSHA, MTHC, DSc. The CEO of Aerovessel Travels and Tour and the Chairman of ITPN, Ogun State Chapter; Dr. Ibraheem Adesina Kukoyi, Ogun State Coordinator, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria; Professor H. A. Bakare, Senior Lecturer in department of Hospitality and Tourism, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun state; Dr. Abiola Lawal from Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State.

The National President led the formal inauguration of the Ogun State Chapter, followed by the induction of new members and the swearing-in of the chapter's executive council.

Executive Members

1. Dr. Kelani Bolaji J – Chairman

2. Mr. Muhammed Tijani – General Secretary

3. Mrs. Ifeoluwa Olaleye – Financial Secretary

4. Mr. Ayodele Ayodamola – Public Secretary

5. Miss Kudirat Titilope Kolawole – Welfare Director

6. Amb. Peace Onuiri – Treasurer

7. Mr. Daniel Aduragbemi – Director, Special Duties & Projects

8. Mr. Adebayo Adeshina – Ogun West Coordinator

9. Mrs. Rita Dairo – Ogun Central Coordinator

10. Prince Abiola Ogundeko – Ogun East Coordinator

11. Mr. Ibrahim Makanjuola – Member Director

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Kelani Bolaji J pledged to promote tourism professionalism in Ogun State. A Tourism Round Session and a panel discussion on “Sustainable Tourism: A Panacea for Job Creation and Economic Growth” followed, moderated by Prince Abiola Ogundeko with panelists from government, private sector, and academia.

Otunba Ayo Olumoko delivered a rich keynote, spotlighting Ogun State's cultural assets and exploring the history and ownership of àdìrẹ, reinforcing its tourism value.

Inductee List

SN Full Name Grade

 1 . Hon. (Chief) Sesan Abolaji Fagbayi Fellow

 2 . Amb. Peace Onuiri Fellow

 3 . Anyanwu Etheldreda Chinwe Member

 4 . Ismail Fatai Adesina Member

 5 . Fidelis Chedozi Eziashi Member

 6 . Mbagwu Benedicta N. Member

 7 . Abiola Olufemi John Member

 8 . Kolawole Kudirat Titilope Member

 9 . Adekunle Olayinka Ibrahim Member

10. Oranugo Chiwendu Precious Member

11. Yusuf Kolawole Member

12. Makanjuola Ibrahim Member

13. Samuel Temitope Olagundoye Member

 14 . Adebayo Akeem Adeyemi Member

 15 . Ubaka Elizabeth Azuka Member

16. Alabi Azeezat Atinuke Member

 17 . Abolaji Seun Member

 18 . Omotosho Ololade Grace Member

 19 . Omotolani Gabriel Member

20. Oyerinde Oyinlola Evelin Member

21. Sowunmi Boluwatife Associate

 22 . Olurebi Ibrahim Adeyinka Associate

 23 . Otakoya Grace Associate

24. Ibikunle Temitayo Mary Associate

25. Ikeazota Ebuka Associate

 26 . Omijie Godin Eboserebhen Associate

27. Olaleye Jesuferanmi Olatorera Student

The inauguration marks a significant step forward for tourism development in Ogun State, fostering collaboration, professional growth, and cultural pride.