What is wrong with the Institute of Tourism Professional,Abuja? By Wale Ojo - Lanre

What is wrong with the Institute of Tourism Professionals, Abuja? Nothing. But I had to visit the place And I believe if you want a phenomenal advancement in your tourism business or acquire digital knowledge-based education in the tourism sector, you must visit the Institute. Professionalism is the best. Journalism is a big house for many. But one can get the best by specializing in one sector of the best profession in the world. Thus, after serving as the Features Editor for many years, I realised the need for specialization. Helping me in this decision was a challenge that emanated from an in-house reorganisation which seemed to an ordinary person as a frustrating situation But for me, it was a stepping stone to higher ground. I quickly geared up to the occasion. Looked for the first man to sign tourism page in a Nigerian newspaper, Tope Ogbeni Awe, got him at an event of the Bulgarian Embassy in Lagos, prostrated for him and asked him for his blessing at the glare of the public The man did. Since then I have through the mercy of God and tenacity of purpose-built a record of advancement in tourism, arts and culture journalism One thing which I always do is to acquire more knowledge in this sector by attending workshops, seminars, talk shops and going back to school. One of the best schools which I attended is Hasselt University, Belgium, where I obtained a Certificate in Green Growth and Travelism. I am the first Nigerian to obtain this Certificate and the only Nigerian Tourism, journalist. Two Nigerians attended the Summer School, Wale Ojo Lanre, who sponsored himself and one Okechukwu who was sponsored by the National Assembly. The second school is the Institute for Tourism Professional in Abuja No matter how good you think you are in tourism and its allied sector, if you strayed to this Institute, you will thank your God for such trespassing It is an idea of Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, a hospitality management expert who spent 35 better part of his life in the UK teaching,cr tourism, hospitality and creative arts I gained so much in this Institute. I learn so sufficiently and happy that my hard-earned money earned me an inestimable value from the Institute Thus, on an official trip to Abuja, I had to visit this great Institute which has contributed immensely to my appreciation of the cultural - tourism sector in the company of the Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture. Alhaji Ganiyu Titilope Ibrahim. Special thanks to Chief Abiodun Odusanwo( middle ) and the Management of the Institute for according us a warm reception.