STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPION: Paul Ukpabio appointed member, SON, National Technical Committee on Tourism and Related Services

Paul Ukpabio appointed member, SON, National Technical Committee on Tourism and Related Services

The Director General of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Nonso Okeke, today Inaugurated the National Technical Committee on Tourism and Related Services.

In his welcome address presented by Engr (Dr) Lekan Omoniyi, the DG acknowledged the Standardisation Conference for Tourism in Lagos and other joint initiatives between SON and the tourism industry, that laid the groundwork for the take off of the National Technical Committee on Tourism and Related Services.

“Today, we appreciate the dedication and commitment that have made this committee possible. I want to assure us that what we begin here today is not merely a technical process, it is the continuation on the path of progress we have charted, as well as the shaping of a national legacy that will be rooted in

national standards. It is about letting the country know that tourism is not just about leisure or travel. Tourism is storytelling. It is the story we tell the world about who we are, our identity, our culture, our spirit. It is the heartbeat of our heritage, the rhythm of our festivals, the warmth of our hospitality, and the beauty of our diverse landscapes. Across the world, nations have discovered

the transformative power of tourism. It creates jobs, attracts investment, empowers communities, and opens the gates of cultural diplomacy. And yet, all this is only possible when there is trust—trust in the quality, safety, and professionalism of the services a nation provides. That trust is built

on one word: standards.”

The DG went further, to point out the necessity and importance of standards in the hospitality and tourism industry.

“Without standards, there is no assurance. Without assurance, there is no

confidence. And without confidence, there is no growth. Nigeria is a country rich in natural wonders and cultural treasures, from the majestic Zuma Rock

to the vibrant Osun-Osogbo Festival, from the tranquillity of the Obudu Mountain Resort to the bustling energy of Lagos nightlife. We are not lacking in attractions. What we must now perfect is our delivery. And that is where the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) comes in.

“As the nation’s custodian of quality, SON is entrusted with the responsibility to develop, promote, and implement national standards that uplift the quality of life and the competitiveness of our industries—including tourism and its related services. But we know that the most relevant, impactful standards are not written by bureaucrats in boardrooms. They are born out of collaboration with those who live the realities of the industry every day, that is, you. This national technical committee is not ceremonial. It is a living and functional foundation. And its success rests on three critical responsibilities that I urge each of you to take to heart,” said Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Nonso Okeke.

He identified the role of the committee members being, to:

1. Identify the Standards the Industry Needs

2. Participate Fully in Their Development

3. Champion Their Implementation

He urged the committee members to view the assignment as a call to national service.

“You have been chosen to be torchbearers for a tourism sector that has the potential to transform our economy, enrich our people, and reposition Nigeria on the global map. Your work will play a crucial role in driving progress and contributing to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-point agenda, particularly in areas such as economic diversification, job creation, and infrastructure development. As you establish national standards for the tourism sector, you will be defining the future of our industry. You will determine how our hotels are run, how our tours are delivered, how our heritage is preserved, and how the world experiences Nigeria. When these standards are adopted and implemented, they will bring about improvement and excellence, ultimately benefiting our businesses, youths, and the nation as a whole,” Dr. Okeke added.

The Inaugurated National Technical Committee on Tourism and Related Services has as Chairman, Professor Wasiu Babalola, a Director at Africa Travel Commission/Professor, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Atiba University, Oyo, Nigeria.

Paul Ukpabio is a Seasoned journalist, Hospitality and Tourism Consultant, member of several Tourism organizations and a popular Online blogger