How to drive sustainable tourism — Yabatech Council Chair |

The Chairman of the Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Prof. Funso Isolaowa, has urged stakeholders in Nigeria’s tourism sector to embrace innovative models and scholarly research that will drive sustainable transformation in the industry.

He made this call in his address at the 2025 World Tourism Day celebration held at the Tourism Village, YABATECH, Epe Campus.

It had the global theme: “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”

Expressing delight at the turnout of tourism professionals, academics, and cultural promoters, Prof. Isolaowa commended the Department of Tourism Management Technology for hosting the annual event.

According to him, sustainable tourism provides green opportunities for emerging economies, creates jobs, strengthens local economies, contributes to infrastructure development, conserves the natural environment, and promotes cultural heritage.

He cited a recent United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) report, which projects international tourist arrivals to grow by five percent in the first half of 2025 despite global challenges.

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The Chairman also highlighted the contributions of Nigerian scholars and practitioners, including Prof. Owa Afolabi’s “SLITOURISM” model, which advocates for a scholarly-led approach to tourism development. 

He emphasised that such indigenous models should guide national tourism policy and align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Encouraging students and professionals, he recommended the adoption of innovative theories such as Fordism, Keynesianism, Taylorism, and Keiretsu in shaping Nigeria’s tourism transformation.

Prof. Isolaowa further charged academics, professional associations, and policy makers to collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Tourism to drive sustainable growth in the sector.

The Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, represented by the Deputy Rector (Administration), Fẹmi Lawal, called on Nigerians to harness the potentials of tourism as a catalyst for peace, unity, and economic development.

Engr. Abdul stressed that tourism is more than a leisure activity, describing it as “a bridge that connects people, cultures, and communities, promoting mutual understanding and harmony in a world that often needs it most”.

He added that Nigeria’s vast tourism potential from the serene beaches of Lagos to the historic walls of Badagry, Osun-Osogbo cultural heritage, and Obudu Mountain Resort position the country as a hub for cultural exchange and peace-building.

“As the premier institution for technical and vocational education in Nigeria, YABATECH is committed to producing graduates who will drive sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that our cultural and natural resources are preserved for generations yet unborn,” he said.

The Rector also urged students to embrace creativity and innovation to reposition the nation’s tourism sector, describing them as the “torchbearers of the future.”

He commended the Epe Campus for its contributions to hospitality and tourism education, describing its serene environment as “a beacon of excellence.”

Engr Abdul further encouraged policy makers, educators, and stakeholders to use tourism as a tool for inclusivity, sustainability, and community empowerment, noting that it can reduce unemployment and strengthen national identity.

In her welcome address, the Head of the Department of Tourism Management Technology, Dr. Oluwatoyin Adedayo, stressed the need to harness the transformative power of tourism to drive economic growth, cultural exchange, and environmental protection.

Dr. Adedayo observed that this year’s theme: “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” resonates strongly with Nigeria’s aspirations for inclusive development.

She added that tourism has the potential to be a force for good, fostering economic growth, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and inspiring environmental stewardship.

While acknowledging sectoral challenges, she called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, private investors, and local communities to ensure that tourism benefits grassroots populations.

“We must prioritise community engagement, environmental conservation, and inclusive economic benefits so that tourism development not only boosts the economy but also preserves our cultural heritage and protects our natural resources,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul Razaq Akanni Musa, the Orijeru of Igboye, urged Nigerians to value their cultural heritage, warning that history and tradition are being eroded by modernity and neglect.

Musa said: “Nigeria has enough cultural wealth to attract the world. 

“This is not only about identity; it is also about economic growth and future prosperity.”

The monarch therefore called on the government, traditional rulers, and communities to work together to preserve heritage sites and cultural practices for future generations.

Lady Doja Otedola, the Matriarch of Otedola Dynasty and former first lady in Lagos State,  in her remarks commended YABATECH management for organising the event. 

While offering prayers for the students, she urged the college to prioritise indigenes whenever job opportunities arise, ensuring that host communities benefit.

The event, marked by a colourful gathering of students, featured cultural displays, project and cuisine exhibitions, interactive sessions, and awards for outstanding contributions to tourism. 

It aimed at deepening awareness of the role of tourism in fostering peace and unity in Nigeria.

World Tourism Day is observed annually on September 27 as established by the UNWTO in 1980 to raise awareness about the role of tourism in driving social, cultural, political, and economic development.