The League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) emerged as a focal point of recognition at the 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), held from April 14 to 18, 2026, in Ibadan.
The landmark AGM, Conference, and Exhibition—organised to commemorate NANTA’s Golden Jubilee—was themed: “Embracing Our Diverse Cultural Heritage from the City of Firsts: Redefining Our Role as Global Travel Ambassadors.”
The event was strategically designed to deepen economic and cultural engagement within the Western Zone while reinforcing Nigeria’s positioning in the global travel ecosystem.
In a moment that drew widespread applause, LAAC received a Special Recognition Award for its sustained contributions to the advancement of Nigeria’s aviation, tourism, and travel sectors.
The award was presented during the Dinner and Award Night held at the Jogor Event Centre, with Mrs. Adelola Adewole, Public Relations Officer of NANTA, making the presentation on behalf of the association.
Receiving the honour on behalf of LAAC, General Secretary Anthony Awunor expressed appreciation to NANTA for what he described as a demonstration of objectivity and institutional consistency.
“I thank NANTA for this honour. It shows that the association remains objective in its approach. We will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure sustained growth across the industry,” Awunor stated.
He reaffirmed LAAC’s commitment to fostering strategic collaboration among key players, noting that media engagement remains critical to sectoral development and policy alignment.
Earlier, NANTA President Yinka Folami described the association’s 50-year milestone as more than a ceremonial celebration, but a testament to its enduring relevance as the organized voice of Nigeria’s downstream travel trade.
“Fifty years is not just a number; it is a legacy,” Folami said, highlighting NANTA’s role in shaping industry standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and consistently advocating for its over 3,500 members nationwide.
According to him, the current leadership has been anchored on a three-pronged agenda of fair play, market protection, and market strengthening, with strong emphasis on transparency, accountability, and equity in industry operations.
Folami further noted that NANTA has sustained robust engagement with government institutions on policy and fiscal matters, while contributing meaningfully to national discourse on taxation, compliance frameworks, and cross-border travel regulations.
He added that the association continues to strengthen partnerships with airlines, tourism bodies, and international stakeholders to promote a more coordinated and efficient travel ecosystem.
The Award Night formed part of a broader lineup of activities, including cocktail receptions, guided city tours, tourism asset inspections, and technical sessions, all designed to showcase the rich cultural and economic potential of the host city.
LAAC, the foremost aviation watchdog is Nigeria’s aviation media umbrella body saddled with the responsibility of ensuring effective media coverage and practice in the aviation industry.
