The opening of the 20th Akwaaba African Travel Market 2024 on Sunday September 22nd, unfolded in an atmosphere of celebration and colour at the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
With over 60 exhibitors from various African nations, the venue was filled to capacity, draped in vibrant decorations that perfectly matched the energy of the occasion.
Guests and participants, adorned in their finest traditional attire, created a lively spectacle as they gathered to honour two decades of this iconic event.
Their colorful ensembles and joyful spirits symbolized the resilience and consistency of the event’s visionary founder, Ambassador Ikechi Uko.
The presence of Miss Tourism from 10 African nations added an air of elegance and glamour to the celebration, while the mesmerizing Calabar Carnival dancers electrified the venue with their dazzling costumes and rhythmic dance steps, infusing the space with an undeniable energy.
The event was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Ghanaian Chief and tourism expert, Chief Okatachi Nana I, accompanied by other esteemed dignitaries and Ambassador Uko himself.
This moment marked the beginning of what would be a day filled with cultural pride and culinary delight.
One of the highlights of the anniversary was the much-anticipated #JollofRiceWar, where nine Nigerian chefs showcased their culinary prowess by presenting different varieties of the famous jollof rice.
The chefs dazzled the crowd with their creations, from Nigeria party jollof to coconut jollof, zobo-infused rice, and barbecue ASU, among other delectable options.
The ten Miss Tourism contestants were invited to taste each dish and deliver their verdict on the tastiest jollof of the day.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ikechi Uko reflected on the journey of Akwaaba, recounting the early challenges and the unwavering support that inspired him to create a platform that would elevate African tourism on the global stage.
He spoke passionately about the growth of the event, which started in 2005 with just two participating countries—Ghana and São Tomé and Príncipe—and has since blossomed into a premier travel and tourism expo with over 20 countries.
Ambassador Uko emphasized that the key to the event’s success over the years lies in the process of building relationships and partnerships over the years.
“We have been supported by good people, and that support has brought us here today”.
Explaining further, he stated that, the event has had a significant impact on the travel and tourism industry in West Africa, with partnerships established with countries such as Ghana, the Gambia, and local states in Nigeria.
He highlighted the importance of these partnerships, saying, “If we are celebrating 20 years, it’s 20 years with the Gambia, it’s 20 years with Ghana, it’s 20 years with local states, it’s 20 years with Cross River, and it’s 20 years with Eko Hotel and to my partners in the media, it’s 20 years with them”.
The event has also had to adapt to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the 2020 event being held online according to Amb. Uko.
However, Mr. Uko expressed excitement at being able to host a physical event again, saying, “This is the first real Akwaaba since after COVID. You know, the last real Akwaaba we had was in 2019.”
He also thanked the event’s attendees for their loyalty and commitment to the core values of the event.
The Akwaaba organizer announced plans to expand the event next year, bringing together three events in Nigeria under one roof.
Speakers at the event, many with emotion-laden voices, took turns to commend Mr. Uko for his unwavering dedication in showcasing Africa’s rich tourism potential to the world.
They emphasized the vital role that Akwaaba has played over the past two decades in providing business opportunities, fostering industry relationships, and positioning Africa as a key player in the global tourism landscape.
The Ghanaian Chief, Okatachi Nana 1 in his remarks said, Akwaaba which happens to be a Ghanaian word, the event is not just a celebration of a milestone but a testament to Africa’s vibrant culture, resilient spirit, and its ever-growing influence in the global tourism scene.
He urged all present to take advantage of connecting and networking.
For such a person to bring Africa together, it is amazing. It’s all about networking and connecting. And I’m so proud to be part of it today, celebrating with this group of brothers here at the 20th Akwaaba Market”.
