Travellers Award 2024/25: Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji Shines as Tourism Governor of the Year

The much-anticipated Travellers Award 2024/2025, organised by ATQNEWS.COM, is set to spotlight outstanding achievements in Nigeria’s travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality industries.

This year’s edition will celebrate individuals and organisations whose innovation, resilience, and excellence have redefined the sector despite global economic challenges.

Among the top honourees is Hon. Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Executive Governor of Ekiti State, who has been named Tourism Governor of the Year.

Governor Oyebanji is being recognised for his strategic investments in tourism infrastructure, cultural promotion, and sustainable development initiatives, which have positioned Ekiti as an emerging hub for tourism in West Africa.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, will also be celebrated as Aviation Man of the Year. His award comes in recognition of far-reaching reforms in the aviation sector, including the resolution of 98 per cent of the $850 million trapped airline funds, the expansion of Bilateral Air Services Agreements, and a remarkable improvement in Nigeria’s aviation safety rating from 40 per cent to nearly 80 per cent.

In the airline category, Ibom Air clinched the Best Nigerian Airline of the Year 2024/25, commended for its on-time performance, customer service excellence, and fleet expansion.

Internationally, Qatar Airways emerged as International Airline of the Year, while Ethiopian Airlines recorded a double win as both African Airline of the Year and African Cargo Airline of the Year, cementing its dominance in passenger and cargo operations across the continent.

Turkish Airlines was honoured as International Cargo Airline of the Year for its efficiency in global cargo operations.

On the entrepreneurial front, Capt. Omololu Majekodunmi, Managing Director/CEO of ValueJet Airline, was named Travel Personality of the Year. Majekodunmi was applauded for steering ValueJet through a difficult year with sustained efficiency, while expanding operations to The Gambia, Freetown, Malabo, and Cotonou.

In tourism promotion, Ambassador Wanle Akinboboye was named Tourism Personality of the Year for the expansion of La Campagne Tropicana to Taraba and Ondo States, alongside the successful hosting of the Ipada Carnival.

The hospitality sector was not left out, as Karl Hala, General Manager of Lagos Continental Hotel, received the Hotel Manager of the Year award for his exceptional service in managing operations across Lagos and Abuja, his strategic development plans, and commitment to staff training and capacity building.

The awards also spotlighted tour operators for their role in strengthening Nigeria’s travel market. Diamonds and Pearls Travels emerged as Tour Operator of the Year (Outbound), while Global Anago Adventures Limited won Tour Operator of the Year (Inbound). Naija Explorers was honoured as the Best Domestic Tour Operator of the Year.

In training and capacity building, the Lagos Aviation Academy was recognised as Aviation School of the Year, especially for producing IATA’s overall best performers in Nigeria.

Speaking on the significance of the event, the organisers noted that this year’s Travellers Award is not just a celebration of achievements but also a testament to the resilience of Africa’s aviation and tourism industries.

“The 2024 edition aims to honour excellence, innovation, and resilience, celebrating those who have kept the sectors thriving despite global economic headwinds,” ATQNEWS.COM stated.

Full List of Awardees – Travellers Award 2024/25:

Travel Personality of the Year – Capt. Omololu Majekodunmi, MD/CEO, ValueJet Airline

Tourism Personality of the Year – Ambassador Wanle Akinboboye

Hotel Manager of the Year – Karl Hala, GM, Lagos Continental Hotel.

Tourism Governor of the Year – Hon. Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti State

Tour Operator of the Year (Outbound) – Diamonds and Pearls Travels, Nigeria

Tour Operator of the Year (Inbound) – Global Anago Adventures Limited

Best Nigerian Airline 2024 – Ibom Air, Nigeria

International Airline of the Year 2024 – Qatar Airways

African Airline of the Year 2024 – Ethiopian Airlines

African Cargo Airline of the Year 2024 – Ethiopian Airlines

International Cargo Airline of the Year 2024 – Turkish Airlines

Aviation School of the Year – Lagos Aviation Academy, Nigeria

Aviation Man of the Year – Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria

Best Domestic Tour Operator of the Year – Naija Explorers, Nigeria