Jibola Oluseye Abati, a leading advocate for youth-driven domestic tourism in Nigeria and the founder of the Africa Travel Content Creator Conference, was recognized with two prestigious awards at the 2023 Akwaaba African Travel Market (AfTM) in Lagos. Abati received accolades as the “Champion of Domestic Youth Tourism in Nigeria” and was named among the “Africa Travel 100 Under 40,” highlighting his contributions to Nigeria’s domestic tourism industry and his social media influence in promoting Nigeria’s travel sector.
AfTM organizer, Ikechi Uko, praised Abati’s commitment to showcasing Nigeria’s tourism potential, noting that his work helps elevate domestic tourism to new levels. In response, Abati expressed gratitude, describing the awards as both a testament to his passion for tourism and a motivator to continue sharing Nigeria’s unique stories through curated tours and digital content.
Abati emphasized the importance of dispelling stereotypes about Nigeria by providing high-quality content that highlights the nation’s rich destinations. Through his tours, he aims to show the world a more vibrant and authentic Nigeria, challenging negative perceptions and promoting the country as a desirable travel destination. He highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s large youth population as a driving force for economic growth, advocating for a stronger focus on intra-Africa travel to boost the continent’s tourism industry.