By Janefrances Chibuzor
When Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye speaks about Africa, he does so with the conviction of a man who has spent more than four decades imagining what the continent could become if it finally recognised its own power. During a WhatsApp engagement with members of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Travel Writers (ANJET) at the association’s monthly meeting, he apologised for joining slightly late, then began painting a vivid picture of an Africa reassembled into a unified, powerful tourism bloc.
“Tourism requires alliances,” he said. “No African country can stand alone and succeed. We must weave our strengths into one offering.” In his view, Africa’s greatest challenge is not a lack of resources but its fragmentation. He likens the continent to a father with 55 children, none of whom acknowledge him. Each country promotes itself in isolation, while global tourism thrives on connected destinations.
He argued that the statistics are startling. Europe, with its short tourism season and smaller landmass, received 747 million visitors last year. Africa, with 30.3 million square kilometres of land, extraordinary landscapes, vast wildlife, and rich cultures, still sits at the bottom of global tourist traffic.
IPADA, he said, is designed to reverse this. It is a five-year, year-round tourism marketplace that showcases Africa as a single, cohesive destination. Under the platform, every major African festival, heritage event and tourism attraction is documented and placed on a long-term calendar accessible to travellers worldwide. Someone in Toronto or São Paulo can plan a trip for 2026, 2028 or 2030 with ease.
“We already have dates up to 2030,” he emphasised. “If you cannot attend this year, plan for any year.”
Nigeria, he explained, is the continent’s gateway, its population, geography and influence making it the natural entry point. Lagos and Abuja serve as primary portals, backed by the Lekki Deep Sea Port for maritime arrivals from the diaspora.
He reflected on last year’s IPADA Celebration, describing it as transformative. The initiative inspired investors to propose six cruise ships under the theme “From Slave Ships to Cruise Ships and Luxurious Airliners,” a symbolic pivot from historical anguish to a future of pride and prosperity. Memorandum Of Understanding were signed with Rwanda and Vanuatu. The Lekki Axis Towers advanced. Blossom Retreats expanded its women-support projects. And the Taraba Experience introduced a bold vision for agro-ecotourism.
His description of Agro-Ecotourism Heritage Resorts was one of the most passionate moments in the discussion. He spoke of young Africans turning farmlands into ecotourism hubs that attract daily visitors for bonfires, retreats, music, storytelling and wellness experiences while agriculture continues in the background. Taraba State, he noted, has more than 360 hills suited for world-class eco-retreats.
“Farming becomes fun, social and profitable,” he said, explaining how retreats, clubs and cultural activities will generate daily revenue for farmers.
Akinboboye also addressed logistics confidently. With over 41 years in the tourism and destination management space, his organisation has developed BRT systems, park-and-ride facilities, boat transfers and is now exploring helicopter shuttles.
His emotional tone deepened when he spoke about the Caribbean, which he described as the “neck” connecting Africa to its global diaspora. Many people of African descent in the Caribbean cannot easily visit Africa due to the cost and distance. To bridge this gap, he took Africa to them, literally, through an African-themed resort designed to immerse visitors in authentic African culture. “If they cannot come to the mountain, the mountain goes to them,” he said with a soft smile.
Next year, the La Campagne Tropicana Agro Ecotourism Heritage Resort Brand will be replicated in the Caribbean.
As the WhatsApp meeting drew to a close, his message echoed clearly: Africa must unite to prosper, and tourism is the most immediate tool for building that unity. IPADA, he reiterates, is not just a celebration, it is a system designed to attract 100 million visitors within five years and reconnect Africa with its dispersed people.
“We are here to celebrate the rebirth of African tourism,” he said. “This is our season of transformation.”
