ATPN crisis: Arokoyo urges unity, launches membership update

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Acting National President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), Prince Ayodele Arokoyo, has called on members to remain united and focused on delivering the goals of the association as it navigates a leadership transition.
In a statement signed by him, Arokoyo affirmed his leadership of the body, saying the suspension of ATPN President Prince Femi Fadina by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) on grounds of misconduct had empowered him to administer the affairs of the association as acting president.
He urged members and industry stakeholders to disregard any actions or statements by the suspended official, who he said continues to parade himself as president.
“I hereby reaffirm in strong terms that FTAN and the entire governing council recognize the existing structure under my leadership and we remain one indivisible body committed to the advancement of tourism practice and professionalism in Nigeria,” Arokoyo said.
The acting president directed members to ignore anyone parading themselves as the leader of ATPN outside the current structure.
He disclosed that the association has set up a committee that will soon be inaugurated to update its membership register.
Arokoyo called on all members to participate in the ongoing membership registration exercise, warning that anyone not captured in the association’s database would not be accorded membership status. He said the exercise was part of efforts to reposition ATPN for professionalism and growth.
The leadership also appealed for an end to what it described as selfish interests and personal aggrandizement among members.
“At this critical stage of rebuilding and repositioning ATPN, every member must place the interest of the association above personal ambitions.
“Unity, discipline, sacrifice, and cooperation remain the pillars upon which sustainable progress can be achieved,” he stated.
Arokoyo reassured members that the national leadership remains resolute and committed to steering the affairs of the association with transparency, fairness, and firmness.
He tasked members to be disciplined, responsive, and responsible in their conduct, businesses, and activities.
As part of the repositioning drive, the national leadership has directed all vice presidents to articulate programs that will capture their states and prepare their regions for higher standards of professionalism and practice.
He expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mallam Kabir, alongside elders, stakeholders, and committed members who have sustained the association’s unity during what he called a challenging period.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more united, and progressive ATPN for the benefit of all practitioners and the tourism industry at large,” Arokoyo said.