LATE FTAN PRESIDENT RECEIVES A POSTHUMOUS AWARD IN THE JUST CONCLUDED IHTEF 2024

The former President of the apex private sector tourism body, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN, Late Alhaji Rabo Saleh, was honored with a Posthumous Award at the just concluded Hotel Industry Excellence Sustainability Awards (HIESA).

The award ceremony, which is part of the 7th International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF), took place at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel (Former Sheraton) on April 25, 2024. The Posthumous awards is categorized under the “Outstanding Lifelong Contributions to the Travel & Hospitality Industry”.

The organizer of the event, Engr. Chibuikem Diala MIH said he and his team had to give this award to the late President for being a phenomenal and courageous Travel and Tourism practitioner, a remarkable leader, and a detribalized Nigerian who believed in the future of the nation through travel and tourism. 

In his words, "As President of FTAN, he made personal sacrifices and leadership decisions geared towards the development of the sector and he welcomed and promoted ideas that supported the growth of the industry. His was a short life but filled with grace, refreshing candor, passion, commitment, service and honor”.

Engr. Chibuikem Diala recalled how the Late Alhaji Rabo Saleh inspired and supported the nurturing of the International Hospitality, Tourism, and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF) from the first edition in 2019. His belief and support fueled the sustenance of the event even during hard times.

Late Alh. Rabo Saleh steered the affairs of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria as President from 2017 until his demise in 2021.