President of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Susan Akporiaye has bagged the Nigeria Media Platinum MERIT Award for her leadership and resilience in keeping the nigerian travel trade business together in the face of covid 19 pandemic’s impact on global travel and tourism.
The Board of the prestigious media award institution while taking her citation, said Akporiaye was singled out for holding forth and steering the association and the entire down stream sector of the aviation industry out of the woods of depression and hopelessness at height of ravaging COVID-19 pandemic, which shook Nigeria Travel industry to its foundation.
Flanked by Lagos zone Vice President of the association,Yinka Folami, and the executive secretary, slyvester olobor at the award podium, Akporiaye in a brief acceptance speech, stated that, Nigeria is not the worst place on earth despite its myriads of security challenges. “Nigerians must wake up and join hands to pull the nation out of woods and consequently help change our narratives”.
” Yes, it’s tough doing business because of the impact of COVID-19, Yes, we have security challenges but tell me where in the world is too safe and without challenges? As Nigerians, we must hold forth at our various corners and speak well of our country.”
She was quick to appreciate the organisers of the NMMA but disclosed that Nanta is grateful for the years of relationships with the Nigerian media adding that, it has helped the association and its members to reach out to the various publics which has created needed enabling environment for the travel trade and tourism business to thrive, and contributing positively to socioeconomic development of the country.
She however assured that,” We respect the Nigerian media for its dogged partnership with nanta and it didn’t start with me and will not end with me, so this award means so much to me and our association. We shall do more for our country and people and will not disappoint you all.”