ANJET awards to celebrate institutional memory and legacy in Nigerian tourism
Maureen Aguta
The Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) has announced plans to honour distinguished individuals and institutions that have made enduring contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry. The event, themed “Celebrating Institutional Memory and Legacy,” is scheduled to hold on October 23 at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking on Creative Nigeria, a cultural tourism programme aired on Mainland 98.3 FM, Lagos, ANJET President, Mr. Okorie Uguru, said the award initiative was conceived to recognise trailblazers who have shaped Nigeria’s tourism landscape over the decades.
According to Uguru, the event would particularly highlight the roles played by prominent figures such as Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, Nigeria’s former Minister of Culture and Tourism under President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2004, and Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, who served as the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) from 2018 to 2024.
“ANJET seeks to celebrate those who have invested time, intellect, and resources in building the tourism industry into what it is today,” Uguru stated. “This year’s focus is on preserving institutional memory — recognising those whose work has created sustainable legacies in Nigeria’s cultural and tourism heritage.”
He noted that the choice of Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, as venue was symbolic, as the international hospitality brand will be marking its 40th anniversary in Nigeria, having opened its doors in 1985. “Sheraton remains one of the pioneers of international hospitality in the country. It took the risk to invest in Nigeria when few global brands were willing to, and its contribution to tourism and the economy deserves recognition,” he added.
Uguru emphasised the need for greater government involvement in tourism development, even as he commended private sector stakeholders and corporate partners such as Sheraton for their consistent support. He also reaffirmed ANJET’s commitment to its founding vision of promoting tourism reportage and advocacy across media platforms.
“ANJET has been around for over three decades. Our members — from print, broadcast, and online media — are united by a common goal: to document, interpret, and project Nigeria’s tourism story,” Uguru said. “As journalists, we see ourselves as archivists of society, preserving the memories that define our cultural and tourism identity.”
Among those to be honoured at the 2025 edition are Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, who will receive the Nigeria Pillar of Tourism and Culture Award, and Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, recognised for his contributions to the institutional growth of the tourism sector. Others include Chief Abimbola Bode-Thomas, a respected industry stakeholder; Mr. Jamie Alade, Nigeria’s foremost tour operator since 1977; and Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and pioneer of resort tourism in Nigeria.
Also slated for recognition is Mr. Ganiyu Tarzan Balogun, CEO of Tarzan Marine Enterprises, lauded for his contributions to maritime tourism and water transport development in Lagos and across Nigeria’s coastal regions.
Uguru reiterated that the ANJET Awards are held annually to encourage excellence and dedication within the tourism value chain. “We want both private and public players to understand that their efforts are not unnoticed. We are watching, we are recording, and we will celebrate those who make lasting impacts,” he said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the programme, Chief Raymond Gold, representing the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), commended the Lagos State Government for its commitment to improving water transportation through initiatives such as the OmiBus Boat Project and the Omi Eko Project, in partnership with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the European Union.
Gold, however, urged increased government support for boat operators to upgrade and maintain their crafts. “Our members have the capacity, but vessel maintenance is capital-intensive. We need stronger public-private collaboration to sustain the progress achieved so far,” he said.
He added that despite the impact of fuel subsidy removal, WABOTAN members have continued to operate efficiently, easing road congestion in Lagos. “We’ve improved safety standards, and we encourage Lagosians to embrace water transport as a reliable and safe option,” Gold concluded.
The 2025 ANJET Awards promise to be a celebration of legacy, resilience, and the unsung architects of Nigeria’s tourism journey — a testament to the importance of preserving history while inspiring the next generation of industry champions.