Hilda Baci, the Guinness World Record Cook-a-thon champion from Nigeria, along with Gloria Michael, a Tanzanian journalist, and 98 other outstanding young Africans, have been honoured with the “100 Africa Travel under 40 awards.”
The accolades were presented at an event organised by Mr. Ikechi Uko, the brain behind AKWAABA Africa Travel and Tourism Market, as well as the “100 Africa Travel under 40 awards.” During the ceremony held in Lagos on Monday, Ikechi Uko applauded the remarkable contributions of young Nigerians in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Uko explained that this year’s awards recognised 100 young professionals under the age of 40 from across Africa who have excelled in the industry. He noted that the 2023 edition of the awards presented unique challenges, as some African countries were not witnessing the expected progress in the industry among their youth.
He urged African youth to be dedicated to making substantial contributions to the growth of the tourism and hospitality sector. Additionally, he called upon established practitioners in the industry to intensify their efforts in mentoring the younger generation, emphasising the importance of preparing the next generation to take the reins.
Uko highlighted that in Nigeria, domestic tourism is primarily championed by young people, a contrast to some other African nations. He stressed the significance of the “100 Africa Travel under 40 awards” and its role in recognizing the outstanding achievements of young talents in the sector.
Among the awardees, Gloria Michael expressed her gratitude to the organizers and described her journey in the industry as a continuous learning experience. She attributed her recognition to the publication of her book titled “Kumbukizi Kilimanjaro” (Memories of Climbing), stating that this award motivates her to further enhance her writing skills and promote tourism.
Jibola Oluseye, another recipient, also expressed his appreciation for the recognition and thanked Ikechi Uko and the entire AKWAABA team. He regarded this award as a significant milestone in his career.
Notable winners of the “100 Africa Travel under 40 awards” include Phineas Kapinga from Nxunga Beetsha Delta Safaris and KB Kebalatetse, Travel Manager at Easy Escape Travel & Tours in Botswana, as well as Peter Momah Bassie, a tour operator from Sierra Leone, and Cammue Mulbah, Hanson Blayon, Samson Bryant, and Anthonette Quayee from Liberia. Omar Khaled of Hammock Tours hails from Egypt.
Other awardees included Jibola Oluseye, Founder of Taste of Africa Vibes; Olukayode Deborah, Project Officer at AKWAABA African Travel Market, and Mr. Yemi Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Travel Tank. Capt Thomas Olanrewaju of Ibom Air and Umeokoli Cordis, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), were also recognized for their remarkable contributions to the industry.
