I feel compelled by instinct to respond to a recent article by the seasoned Malan Kabir Malan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Nigerian Tourism Practitioners (ANTP). Published on the popular blog The African Gong, the article was titled “No to a Green Horn,” and it takes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to task for, in Malan Kabir’s view, sidelining experienced tourism practitioners to appoint Dr. Abisoye Fagade as the Director-General of National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).
The piece, circulated widely by industry colleagues on tourism platforms, paints Dr. Fagade’s appointment as a reckless choice—labeling him a “green horn” whose experience in tourism seems, to some, as nonexistent as a unicorn at a business meeting.
But let’s take a moment to explore the facts. Is this truly an oversight, or could it be a bold strategy? What if appointing a fresh face to lead NIHOTOUR isn’t as outlandish as it seems?
To understand this, let’s reflect on history. When Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, an acclaimed tourism practitioner, was appointed to the same role, the sector erupted in protest, with some in the industry lamenting it as a problematic choice. Perhaps, by appointing a nontraditional figure this time, the president is sidestepping those entrenched expectations. It might seem unconventional, but sometimes, an unexpected choice can bring a fresh perspective, challenge stagnant ideas, and revitalize a field from within.
And then there’s the term “green horn.” What does it truly mean? Does it imply a lack of tourism credentials, or is it simply a label we use to resist change? While it’s easy to approach new leadership with scepticism, perhaps what we call “inexperience” could also be called “openness to new ideas.” Though some may doubt it, there’s a chance that this “green horn,” with his fresh perspective, may be precisely what the industry needs to see things differently.
Instead of dismissing Dr. Fagade outright. Let’s consider the potential benefits of his appointment. He might innovate in ways seasoned practitioners have not. He may see tourism as a dynamic field with room for new approaches, potentially transforming local tourism into an engaging experience or redefining hospitality in a way that makes it memorable.
So here’s to the “green horn” leading NIHOTOUR! Let us remain open to his ideas, trusting that he will approach his role with wisdom and enthusiasm. Here’s to embracing the unpredictability of his journey and the future of tourism in Nigeria. Cheers to fresh beginnings, new ideas, and an industry that will thrive as it evolves!
*Ojo-Lanre is the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development
