Enugu, Nigeria
— As the Things Fall Apart Festival (TFA) 2025 continues to gain momentum, the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has made a resounding call for greater unity among stakeholders and a renewed commitment to professionalism across the tourism industry in Nigeria.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the National President, Prince Adetunji Femi Fadina, Deputy President II Wilson Uche Ugwu emphasized ATPN’s appreciation for being part of the festival and the collective mission to reshape the tourism narrative in Nigeria.
“On behalf of the President of ATPN and the entire Nigerian tourism ecosystem, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to The Centre for Memories – Ncheta Ndigbo for the honour of participating in this year’s remarkable event.
It is more than a privilege—it is a powerful affirmation of our shared commitment to preserving heritage, amplifying stories, and building bridges across cultures. We are inspired by your work and remain grateful for the opportunity to contribute. Let us continue to journey together in shaping a more inclusive and memorable tourism narrative for Nigeria,” Ugwu stated.
Sector Challenges and Pathways Forward
During the session, stakeholders highlighted several key barriers affecting the growth of tourism in Nigeria, including poor infrastructure, fragmented policy implementation, and a lack of industry-specific professional training. However, speakers also identified promising solutions, such as:
Strengthening public-private partnerships
Advancing policy advocacy
Launching coordinated capacity-building initiatives
These strategies, they agreed, are essential for repositioning tourism as a viable sector for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
New Inductions Signal Industry Growth
A major highlight of ATPN’s participation at the festival was the induction of new members, further expanding its nationwide network of certified tourism professionals committed to ethical practices and industry excellence.
The ATPN delegation to the festival included:
Wilson Uche Ugwu – Deputy President II
Hon. Onyekachi Atuloma Loveday – Vice President, South East
Lady Uzoma Ike – Veteran Hotel Manager
Gregory Odiakosa – Veteran Media Professional and Author
Emmanuel Odama – Tour Buddy
Odinaka Ugwuozor – NZAPI
Young Chimezirim Charles – Producer and Director
Their collective presence reflected ATPN’s broad-based approach to advocacy, mentorship, and collaborative leadership in building a resilient tourism ecosystem.
Celebrating Culture Through Tourism
ATPN’s active presence at TFA 2025 further underscores its ongoing mission to promote local destinations, empower practitioners, and advocate for policies that elevate tourism as a driver of national development—all while honoring the cultural legacy of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.
The festival, hosted by The Centre for Memories – Ncheta Ndigbo, celebrates African storytelling, heritage, and resilience, offering a platform where tradition meets innovation in shaping the future of tourism.
