YABATECH Council Chair Urges Embrace of Sustainable Tourism Transformation
By DAYO ADESULU
The Chairman of the Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Prof. Funso Isolaowa, has called on stakeholders in Nigeria’s tourism sector to embrace innovative models and research-driven strategies that will drive sustainable transformation across the industry.
Prof. Isolaowa made the appeal during the 2025 World Tourism Day celebration at the Tourism Village, YABATECH’s Epe Campus. This year’s global theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” underscored the call for a forward-looking approach to tourism development.
Sustainable Tourism as a Growth Driver
Addressing tourism professionals, academics, and cultural promoters, Prof. Isolaowa highlighted the immense potential of sustainable tourism to create jobs, strengthen local economies, boost infrastructure, preserve the environment, and promote cultural heritage.
Citing a United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) report, he noted that international tourist arrivals are projected to grow by five percent in the first half of 2025 despite global uncertainties. He urged Nigeria to seize this opportunity by leveraging homegrown models such as Prof. Owa Afolabi’s “SLITOURISM” concept, which advocates a scholarly-led approach to tourism policy.
According to him, indigenous models must align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria’s economic revival. He further encouraged students and practitioners to explore innovative theories such as Fordism, Keynesianism, Taylorism, and Keiretsu in shaping Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Call for Stronger Collaboration
Prof. Isolaowa urged academics, professional bodies, and policymakers to deepen collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Tourism in order to build a sustainable and inclusive tourism industry.
Representing the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, Deputy Rector (Administration), Arc. Fẹmi Lawal, described tourism as “a bridge that connects people, cultures, and communities.” He stressed that beyond leisure, tourism promotes peace, unity, and economic growth.
Abdul highlighted Nigeria’s rich tourism assets, from Lagos beaches to the Osun-Osogbo heritage, Badagry’s historic walls, and Obudu Mountain Resort, positioning the country as a hub for cultural exchange and peace-building. He reaffirmed YABATECH’s commitment to producing graduates capable of driving sustainable tourism practices for future generations.
Stakeholders Advocate Heritage Preservation
In her welcome address, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Adedayo, Head of the Department of Tourism Management Technology, emphasized the need to harness tourism’s transformative power for economic growth, cultural exchange, and environmental protection. She called for stronger government-private sector partnerships to ensure grassroots communities benefit directly.
Traditional ruler, Oba (TPL) Abdul Razaq Akanni Musa, the Orijeru of Igboye, also stressed the importance of preserving Nigeria’s cultural identity. He warned against the erosion of heritage through neglect, urging government and communities to work together to safeguard cultural assets.
Lady Doja Otedola, former First Lady of Lagos State, commended YABATECH for hosting the event while praying for students and calling for inclusive job opportunities for host communities.
Tourism Practitioners Pledge Support
The National Vice President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) praised YABATECH’s contribution to tourism product development. He described the institution’s innovations as “iconic and destination-worthy,” noting that they had set new benchmarks for World Tourism Day celebrations.
He pledged ATPN’s partnership with YABATECH’s Department of Tourism to continue driving excellence in tourism education and product innovation.
A Celebration of Culture and Innovation
The event featured cultural displays, exhibitions of local projects and cuisine, interactive sessions, and awards recognizing contributions to tourism. It reflected the UNWTO’s vision of tourism as a force for peace, unity, and development.
Since its establishment in 1980, World Tourism Day has been observed annually on September 27 to raise global awareness about the role of tourism in advancing social, cultural, political, and economic progress.
