LAGOS – Yinka Folami, President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), has urged Nigerians to deliberately promote positive stories about the country and project good conduct while travelling abroad.
Folami said this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos.
Folami, also the Chief Executive, Travel and Logistics Centre Ltd., said that Nigerians must take control of their national narrative in the global tourism and travel space.
He noted that every country in the world had its own challenges, warning that Nigerians should not be quick to project negativity about the nation.
“When we talk about travelling, what we are talking about is that Nigerians should step up and tell positive stories about Nigeria to improve the nation’s global image.
“Every country has negative stories but why should we always be the first to be negative about our country?
“Let’s take control of our stories and tell our stories ourselves,” he said.
Folami said that travel professionals interact with a large number of international travellers and are strategically positioned to reshape perceptions about Nigeria through continuous engagement and positive conversations.
He added that their platform handles approximately 70 per cent of airline ticket distribution in Nigeria.
This, he noted, gives direct, daily insight into traveller behaviour and the key challenges Nigerians face when flying.
“What we are saying is that let’s have that consciousness to deliberately and continuously engage our customers in positive conversations about Nigeria,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of responsible behaviour by Nigerians abroad, describing travellers as informal ambassadors of the country.
Speaking about the citizens, Folami said Nigerians were naturally hospitable and culturally rich.
He urged Nigerians to project these strengths to the world while advising against judging the country based on the actions of a few individuals, noting that misconduct exists in every society.
Folami noted that deliberate cultural promotions attracted international attention and admiration.
“We took Nigeria back to the World Travel Market (WTM) global stage after 10 years and presented Nigeria positively with our music, food and culture,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s exhibition stand became a major attraction during the event, drawing visitors through cultural displays and local performances.
“That year, the official photographer came to the Nigerian stand and took a photograph that was used to advertise the next edition,” he said.
Folami added that such experiences showed that Nigeria’s culture, hospitality and positive engagement remain powerful tools for repositioning the country in the global tourism market.
He called on travel stakeholders, industry players and Nigerians to continue promoting the country’s strengths, engage foreigners positively and consciously project the nation’s rich cultural identity to the world. (NAN)
