Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, earned top honours at the Travellers Award 2024/2025.
According to Ikechi Uko, organiser of the Akwaaba African Travel Market, the awards celebrate outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s tourism, aviation, travel, and hospitality industries.
The ceremony, organised by ATQNEWS.COM, will hold on September 14, 2025.
Governor Abiodun Oyebanji won the title of Tourism Governor of the Year. He invested heavily in tourism infrastructure, sustainable projects, and cultural promotion. As a result, Ekiti State now ranks among West Africa’s fastest-growing tourist destinations.
Keyamo Honoured for Aviation Sector Reforms
Minister Festus Keyamo received the Aviation Man of the Year award. He introduced reforms that transformed Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Notably, he resolved 98% of the $850 million trapped airline funds, expanded Bilateral Air Services Agreements, and raised Nigeria’s aviation safety rating from 40% to 80%. These achievements strengthened Nigeria’s aviation profile both regionally and internationally.
In addition, the award recognised other industry leaders and organisations:
Capt. Omololu Majekodunmi, Managing Director of ValueJet Airline, won Travel Personality of the Year for expanding routes to Freetown, Gambia, and Cotonou.
Amb. Wanle Akinboboye claimed Tourism Personality of the Year for growing La Campagne Tropicana resorts and hosting the colourful Ipada Carnival.
Karl Hala, General Manager of Lagos Continental Hotel, earned Hotel Manager of the Year for outstanding management of hotels in Lagos and Abuja.
Ibom Air secured Best Nigerian Airline of the Year for its excellent service delivery and consistent on-time performance.
International Airlines Recognised
Furthermore, several international airlines received honours:
Qatar Airways won International Airline of the Year.
Ethiopian Airlines earned African Airline of the Year and African Cargo Airline of the Year.
Turkish Airlines received International Cargo Airline of the Year.
Meanwhile, Lagos Aviation Academy was named Aviation School of the Year.
Diamonds and Pearls Travels took Outbound Tour Operator of the Year.
Global Anago Adventures secured Inbound Tour Operator of the Year, while Naija Explorers won Best Domestic Tour Operator of the Year.
Celebrating Growth in Nigeria’s Aviation and Tourism
Overall, the Travellers Award 2024/2025 not only honours individual achievements but also highlights Nigeria’s increasing influence in aviation, tourism, and hospitality. Therefore, the recognition demonstrates how the industry continues to drive growth and promote the country’s global image.
