One of the candidates vying for the position of National President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) in the forthcoming 2024 elections of the association, Mr. Yinka Folami, has officially flagged off his campaign. 

In letter he personally wrote to members of the association across all zones of the country which he titled “NANTA Presidency: It is time to give back, not take position’, Folami calls for unity and fairness among members of the association, promising to ensure equal opportunity for all.

His letter reads:     

“Dear Member,

“Please accept my greetings and wishes for the best of 2024.

“I had earlier shared the observations below with members in my Zone, seeking my zonal blessings and support when I declared my candidacy for Presidency of NANTA. Now that I am flagging-off my campaign (after successful service as VP of my Zone), it is necessary to share the same observations and commitments with all members/colleagues across all zones because I would like to be held accountable to them. These commitments would also inform my manifesto, which I would share with you in due course.

“My name is Yinka Folami, I have a genuine passion for people, I am very accessible, and respectful to all. I have been Vice President of Lagos Zone for 4 years, until Thursday 8th February 2024 when our tenure ended on a positive note; with successful transition to a new zonal leadership. My colleagues (past Zonal Exco) and I enjoyed a successful tenure, because we listened to all, we accepted feedback; we promoted inclusion, and embraced our differences. Today, Lagos Zone is in harmony, positive, and optimistic about NANTA. It is therefore a time for reflection and gratitude.

“It is also a time for self-renewal and preparation for a next phase of stewardship as I, respectfully, present my candidacy for the National Presidency of NANTA to you. I have a good understanding of what the issues are and why we need to embrace collective growth, so to me, it is not about seeking self and ambition, it is about the following observations and experiences as VP Lagos and as a NANTA National Executive Council member for the past four years. I would be frank about some of these issues that we shy away from, but that continue to divide us, because they are the pillars on which my presidency (our administration) would be founded:

  “  Leadership must have the courage to focus on the real issues

“Every society that thrives on blessings must respect elders/leaders. But leaders also need to give back. Leaders need to create a nurturing environment for growth; when the young breathe, they stimulate growth and all players would eventually benefit from this growth. When we embrace them, they shield the market and protect all

“The thinking that our business is becoming extinct is false. On Wednesday 10/01/2024 IATA published that global air travel had reached 99% of 2019 pre-COVID levels. Travel is resilient and good, and though challenged by the present economic circumstance of the country, the major problem we are experiencing is the commercial arrangements in our travel market in Nigeria

“The doors for growth are closed; Our Pricing and reward structures encourage domination and not competition. And there are no opportunities for growth, it was never this hard. We have allowed very unfair incentive structures and trade practices in our market, failing to understand that if we all win in our big and small corners, we would be better and stronger

   “ The industry runs on price, the market is eroding, and we cannot save this market if we do not come together and speak as one. No Nigerian Agency can win the price war. If we do not embrace each other, a bigger force would take our market

  “  The NANTA Presidency, therefore, is no longer the job for Establishment, It is now the job for a moderate professional, who is a tested respecter of all

   “ NANTA needs to move away from relying on personal influences of some members. Unity, collective strength, and organization are what we need

    “NANTA has evolved, the base is growing, and there is value at the base. We must strengthen and harness them; no community succeeds without a strong and growing base

    “We need the courage to address the real issues and positively disrupt the old order of things; we need to set up trade practices that are fair to all, and that allow growth

“I am a fan of continuity; I salute the vision of our founders and the contributions of all past leaders and administrations that have focused on recognition projects, empowerment, and building trust in NANTA. In the spirit of continuity, it is the same trust that I plan to build into a bridge for harmony and cohesion across all zones and status of membership.

 “Inspired by the above and the need to address them, I offer myself as a moderate and humbly present my candidacy for your support and vote as National President of our noble association at the forthcoming AGM in April 2024. If I become president, I seek further support and participation from you, because the job is not about one person.

“Our policy and administrative thrust would sit on a tripod of the following objectives: 1) Growth/Cohesion of NANTA, 2) Protection of our Market, 3) Growth of our Businesses. We would be firm with these objectives and I would expand this conversation as we progress.

“NANTA will move forward!

“On a light note, let me leave you with these words; “Kindness is free, together we are a force”

“Thank you for your time, thank you always!”

Yinka Folami

Travel & Logistics Centre Limited

NANTA, LAGOS ZONE