Marston who was born on the 26^th of January 1945, was the kind of person who made everyone feel like an old friend. He had a warm smile and an easy laugh, always ready to chat or share a story. People were naturally drawn to his genuine happiness and way of bringing everyone together, whether you were a visitor or a neighbour. Many who came as guests to his hotel returned year after year, soon feeling more like family than tourists. There’s even an old postcard a guest created that says it all: “If you don’t know this man, you don’t know the Seychelles.”

… at the heart of hospitality space in La Digue

For decades, Marston was at the very heart of hospitality on La Digue. He ran his beloved small hotel and restaurant, ‘Chez Marston,’ side by side with the ‘Orchid’ hotel, which belonged to his wife, Laura, right next door. His restaurant drew regular excursion groups from across the islands, eager to experience his famous traditional Creole buffet.

… devoted to family

Family was always at the heart of Marston’s life. He stood fiercely loyal to his loved ones, always ready to stand side by side with them when they needed him. His deep love for his five children—Tony, Karen, Albin, Sophie, and Lucie—was woven directly into his life’s work.

He proudly named each of his five hotel rooms after them. Just recently, in August 2025, Marston celebrated his 80th birthday surrounded by Laura, his children, and many grandchildren, for a day filled with the kind of togetherness that meant everything to him.

… traversing the world

Marston’s journey took him far from home before bringing him back to where he truly belonged. After completing his studies at Seychelles College, he spent 15 years in Melbourne, Australia, with his mother. But in 1978, he returned to Seychelles, drawn by his deep connection to home and the island of La Digue, where he would leave an indelible mark.

… dedicated to Seychelles’ future

Marston cared deeply about the future of Seychelles and wasn’t afraid to speak up when he believed it mattered. In 1998, he ran as an Independent Candidate for the La Digue (Inner Islands) elections. Later, in 2011, he announced his candidacy for the Presidency. While he ultimately did not file the necessary documentation on Nomination Day, he never shied away from political participation and always wore his colours of choice with pride during election seasons.

… a short romance with the Silver Screen

In addition to his many roles, Marston also had a brush with the silver screen. In 1985, he appeared in the film Robinson Crusoe, which was shot at Petite Anse and Anse Kerlan. It was a treasured memory he loved to share with friends and family, adding yet another layer to his colourful life story.

… a loving heart

Marston Saint Ange will be remembered as a man who lived joyfully, loved deeply, and brought people together. His true legacy lies in the love he poured into his family, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless happy memories he helped create.

As La Digue bids farewell to one of its most beloved sons, Marston’s spirit will live on in the family he adored, the guests he welcomed, and the vibrant island community he called home.

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In the world of international travel, few names carry as much weight as Alain St.Ange. A man whose career spans over four decades, he has become a definitive voice for destinations seeking to find their place on the global map. His philosophy is rooted in a simple but profound belief: that tourism is not merely an activity to be managed, but a vital industry that thrives only when the government and private sector walk hand-in-hand. Today, as the head of Saint Ange Consultancy, he continues to champion a human-centric approach to tourism, addressing the structural need for visibility and consolidation in regions ranging from mainland Africa to the ASEAN block.

From Operations to Strategic Direction

The journey of Alain St.Ange is one built on a foundation of operational grit and international exposure. His early years were shaped by rigorous hospitality training in Germany and France, providing him with a technical lens that he would later apply to national strategy. From managing hotels in the Seychelles, the Channel Islands, and Australia, his path evolved from the daily realities of guest satisfaction to the complexities of national governance.

The turning point came in 2009 when, after years in the private sector and the National Assembly, he was appointed Director of Marketing for the Seychelles Tourism Board. This role was the precursor to his tenure as CEO and eventually as the Minister for Tourism and Culture in 2012. His evolution was never about climbing a corporate ladder; it was a personal mission to reposition his home nation as a leading global destination by empowering the very people who form its front line.

A Defining Milestone

If one achievement stands as a testament to his impact, it is his work as the Seychelles Minister of Tourism. During this period, he is widely recognized for having “punched way above the weight” of the small island nation. One of his most innovative moves was the launch of the Carnaval International de Victoria in 2011, which transformed the Seychelles into an events-based destination and solidified its cultural diversity on the world stage. This milestone was not just about the spectacle; it was about creating a platform where the world could see the Seychelles as a vibrant, unified, and competitive player in the tourism market.

His View on Hospitality Today

For Alain St.Ange, the heart of hospitality lies in the recognition of the industry’s people. He believes that success is only possible when the private sector is empowered and obstacles—such as restrictive visa policies—are removed. His perspective is grounded in the idea that tourism should not be “bled with taxes” but nurtured to grow. He views the industry through a lens of collaboration, where the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands and similar regional bodies serve as essential vehicles for shared success.

The Challenge Ahead

Looking toward the future, the challenge lies in shifting the global mindset to recognize tourism as a formal industry rather than a secondary activity. He points to air access as a critical supporting facility that must be optimized to encourage travel. Furthermore, he emphasizes the need for unity among destinations, working alongside a supportive UN Tourism Organization to promote multi-center holiday options that benefit entire regions rather than isolated spots.

Leadership & Way of Working

The leadership style of Alain St.Ange is decidedly hands-on. He operates with a professional philosophy he calls the “Seychelles approach”—being a “friend of all and enemy of none.” This realism translates into a way of working that prioritizes direct engagement with teams and stakeholders. He avoids the detached nature of modern bureaucracy, preferring to be present and active in the consolidation and training efforts that help tourism boards thrive.

A Personal Note

His connection to the land and its history is deeply personal, a theme he explores in his autobiography, Alain St.Ange, My Journey. Whether serving in the National Assembly or standing as a presidential candidate, his actions are driven by a sense of duty to his community. He often reflects on the importance of unity with a guiding motto that has defined his regional work:

“The time has come not only for us all to say we are together, but to be seen together”.

Why This Voice Matters

The voice of Alain St.Ange matters because it bridges the gap between high-level policy and the human experience of travel. His values are not derived from textbooks but from a lifetime of service and a profound belief in the power of tourism to transform nations. As the industry faces new structural shifts, his grounded, reflective, and collaborative approach provides a necessary roadmap for sustainable and inclusive growth. His journey reminds us that true leadership in hospitality is measured by the outcomes achieved for the people who call a destination home.

*Culled: Theodore Koumelis; Traveldailynews

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has unanimously nominated Alhaji Aminu Agoha as the Acting Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), of the apex tourism body for private sector operators.

Alhaji  Agoha was nominated at the Federation recent Governing Council Meeting held in Abuja.

The position of the BoT Chairman was previously held by Alhaji Munzali Dantata, Managing Director of All States Travels and Tours, who has completed his constitutionally mandated eight-year membership tenure the Board.

Agoha is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Vista Travels, based in Kano.

A seasoned industry professional, he previously served as President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) for four years and currently holds the position of Chairman of its Board of Trustees.

In his acceptance speech, Agoha expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and pledged his full support to the Federation and FTAN President, particularly in advancing the Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM).

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Awakan made this known during his engagement with the participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Jos, who paid a strategic institutional visit to NTDA Headquarters in Abjua

Awakan, who warmly welcomed the team, expressed delight engaging with the stakeholders on tourism development, noting that he is always excited to discuss the vast opportunities within the sector.

As part of the visit, the Director-General delivered a presentation, titled; Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth in Nigeria: The NTDA Perspective.” The lecture highlighted the strategic role of tourism within the Orange Economy, emphasising its capacity to drive innovation, create jobs, promote cultural heritage, and contribute significantly to national economic diversification and sustainable development.

The NIPPS team led by Professor Musa Emmanuel Umar, commended the DG for his visionary leadership and impactful initiatives within the tourism sector.

Umar stated: “You are not just a political appointee but a practitioner in your own right. We consider NTDA a critical actor in this industry.”

He further disclosed the readiness of NIPSS to collaborate with NTDA in addressing sectoral challenges and developing actionable policy recommendations aimed at promoting Nigeria’s tourism potential on the global stage.

The interactive session underscored the importance of strategic partnerships between policy institutions and implementing agencies. It also highlighted the shared commitment of both NIPSS and NTDA to strengthening tourism development through informed policy formulation, institutional collaboration, and sustainable initiatives.

The visit marks a significant step towards fostering synergy between both institutions in advancing Nigeria’s tourism agenda.

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Awakan made the call at the National Tourism and Hospitality Stakeholders Forum held in Abuja, with NTDA as the convener in collaboration with the Federation of TOURISM Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Industry.

He stated; ‘‘we are at a pivotal moment in our journey, supported by renewed policy direction, growing private sector interest, the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the enabling provisions of the NTDA Act 2022, which provides a stronger legal and institutional foundation for transformation.’’

Below is excerpts of the address of Awakan:

Distinguished stakeholders, captains of industry, representatives of government institutions, leaders of tourism associations, development partners, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to the National Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum 2026, convened under the theme; “Shaping the Future of Nigerian Tourism Together.”

Your presence here today is a strong demonstration of our collective resolve and shared commitment to repositioning tourism as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification, cultural promotion, and global engagement. As the current Director-General, following my recent appointment, it became imperative for me to formally present myself to this critical body of stakeholders—distinguished personalities and partners with whom we will collectively drive the transformation of Nigeria’s tourism sector.

Forum is a strategic convergence point designed to foster dialogue, strengthen alignment, catelyse actionable outcomes

This Forum is not merely a ceremonial gathering; it is a strategic convergence point designed to foster dialogue, strengthen alignment, and catalyze actionable outcomes for the growth of the tourism sector. Notably, this National Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum represents the very first of its kind at the national level, although zonal stakeholders’ engagements and facilitation meetings have been held at various times across the country.

… tourism built on a tripod

Tourism, both globally and within our national context, thrives on a tripod framework consisting of attractions, hospitality, and transportation. Attractions represent our rich natural endowments, cultural heritage, festivals, and creative assets; hospitality defines the quality of experiences and services we provide to visitors; while transportation ensures accessibility, connectivity, and ease of movement across destinations.

The effectiveness of our tourism sector is therefore dependent on how well these three pillars are developed, integrated, and managed. This Forum provides us with a unique opportunity to harmonise stakeholders’ efforts, identify critical gaps, and co-create sustainable strategies that will strengthen these foundational elements.

Nigeria is undeniably endowed with immense tourism potential. From our diverse ecological landscapes to our vibrant cultural expressions and globally recognised creative industry, we possess the assets required to become a leading tourism destination.

… challenges

However, it is also important to acknowledge that the sector has not yet attained its full potential. Challenges such as fragmented institutional coordination, infrastructural deficits, limited global visibility, and inconsistencies in regulatory frameworks have constrained growth.

Notwithstanding these challenges, we are at a pivotal moment in our journey, supported by renewed policy direction, growing private sector interest, the “renewed hope agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the enabling provisions of the NTDA Act, 2022, which provides a stronger legal and institutional foundation for transformation.

… NTDA repositioned

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority has therefore been repositioned as a regulatory, developmental, and marketing agency with a clear and focused mandate. Our mission is to develop, regulate, and promote Nigeria as a preferred tourism destination, while our overarching goals include establishing a robust and predictable regulatory environment, driving tourism investment and infrastructure development, enhancing global promotion of Nigeria’s tourism assets, improving service standards across the industry, and strengthening institutional capacity to deliver on our mandate effectively.

… leveraging on solid foundation by predecessors

In this regard, I wish to sincerely appreciate my predecessors in office for their invaluable contributions in positioning the Authority to its current level. Governance is indeed a continuum, and I am delighted to take over the baton of leadership, leveraging the solid foundation they have laid. This progress cannot be sustained or accelerated without the active collaboration of stakeholders, hence the importance of this forum.

…. key areas of focus

In pursuit of these objectives, the Authority is prioritising several key strategic focus areas. We are strengthening the policy and regulatory framework to ensure clarity, consistency, and investor confidence, while also enforcing compliance across the tourism ecosystem.

At the institutional level, we are building capacity to create a more responsive, efficient, and result-oriented organisation capable of driving reform and innovation. In the area of tourism marketing, we are repositioning Nigeria’s image through targeted campaigns, strategic partnerships, and increased participation in global tourism platforms. We are also emphasizing research and development by promoting data-driven decision-making to guide planning, policy formulation, and investment strategies.

Furthermore, we are facilitating tourism investment and infrastructure development to unlock the full value of our destinations, while also prioritizing human resource development to enhance professionalism, skills, and service delivery across the sector.

Quality assurance remains central to our efforts, as we are committed to ensuring standards through systematic inspection, certification, and continuous monitoring of tourism enterprises.

… transformative initiatives

In alignment with the provisions of the NTDA Act, 2022, we have introduced a number of transformative initiatives aimed at repositioning the sector. One of such initiatives is tourism digitalization, which involves the development of interactive digital platforms that will showcase Nigeria’s tourism offerings, provide seamless user experiences, and integrate information, booking, and destination management systems. We are also placing strong emphasis on the development of MICE tourism—Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions—recognizing its potential as a high-value segment capable of driving business travel and economic activity.

In addition, we are implementing the standardisation and accreditation of Hospitality and Tourism Enterprises through a nationwide system that will improve service quality, enhance consumer confidence, and align Nigeria with international best practices. But all of these require strong collaboration with the states and the private sector. We cannot do it without you all.

… birthing Naija Flavour Marketplace

A key highlight of this stakeholders’ engagement is the conceptualisation and planned birth of the Naija Flavour Marketplace, which we consider a strategic intervention for sector growth and inclusivity. Tourism is inherently a labor-intensive sector, with value chains that accommodate a wide range of skills, from highly specialized services to informal and community-based enterprises.

The Tourism Marketplace is therefore designed as a structured platform that connects buyers, sellers, service providers, investors, and consumers across the tourism value chain. It will address the issue of negative trends in labour fragmentation by providing visibility, access, and coordination for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which forms the backbone of the industry.

Importantly, this initiative aligns with our national priorities on employment generation, as it creates scalable opportunities for youth and women, who constitute a significant proportion of the tourism workforce.

By formalising and digitising access to markets, the Tourism Marketplace will unlock economic participation, stimulate entrepreneurship, and deepen value creation across the sector- as we begin small, we plan to grow big and attract tourists from other states and spread across.

Equally important is our commitment to strengthening synergy between the public and private sectors. We are fostering closer collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), sub-national governments, and other relevant tourism bodies, to ensure a more coordinated and unified approach to sector development. This collaboration is essential in eliminating duplication, maximizing resources, and achieving greater impact.

… expanding inbound tourism

As the chief tourism marketing agency of Nigeria, the NTDA is also focused on expanding inbound tourism, positioning tourism as a viable export sector capable of generating foreign exchange earnings. In this regard, we will leverage Nigeria’s eco-tourism assets, heritage sites, and creative industries, using storytelling as a powerful tool to reshape global perceptions and present authentic Nigerian narratives to the world.

… storytelling mechanism

Being a story teller myself, I believe there can be a phenomenal change in the tourism sector through story telling as Nigeria remains a microcosm of stories. We are equally advocating a more visa-friendly regime that simplifies entry processes, encourages travel and investment, and enhances Nigeria’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.

… international tourism city

A major flagship initiative under our strategic vision is the proposed development of an international Tourism City—a one-stop tourism edifice that will encapsulate and project the essence of Nigeria. This Tourism City will integrate culture, entertainment, hospitality, and commerce into a single, immersive destination that tells the Nigerian story in a compelling and innovative way.

It will serve not only as a symbol of national pride but also as a major attraction capable of drawing both domestic and international visitors, truly becoming a destination that “speaks Nigeria” using Naija flavour to make a paradigm shift in the tourism sector.

.. strong collaboration

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the future of Nigerian tourism cannot be built in isolation. It requires strong collaboration, continuous innovation, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders.

This forum therefore provides us with a platform to share ideas, build consensus, and define clear, actionable pathways for the growth and sustainability of the sector.

With this impressive turnout, it is clear that there is strong stakeholder commitment to the sector, and moving forward, this forum will evolve into a periodic national tourism stakeholders’ town hall series, with the inaugural series set to commence next year—growing from this modest beginning into a major national platform.

I urge all participants to engage actively, contribute meaningfully, and approach our deliberations with a sense of purpose and responsibility.

Together, we can transform Nigerian tourism into a major contributor to national GDP, a driver of job creation, and a powerful instrument for national unity and global influence. On behalf of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, I once again welcome you all to this important forum and wish us a productive and impactful engagement.

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The commitment followed a recent tour of the State by FTAN, which was led by its National President Dr Aliyu Ajayi Badaki.

The official visit to Katsina State was at the behest of the State Governor, Mallam Umar Radda Dikko, who extended special invitation to FTAN’s President and his team, to witness the recent historic celebrations of Hauwan Bariki and Sallah Durbar across Katsina and Daura Emirate Councils.

Badaki was accompanied on the visit by the First Deputy President of FTAN, Mrs Susan Akporiaye; Vice President, North West, Alhaji El-Kabir Danfulani; Executive Director of Katsina State History and Cultural Bureau, Dr Kabir Masanawa; alongside over 16 Tourism Ambassadors, who graced the festival.

The visit also formed part of the ongoing efforts by FTAN to strengthen tourism development and cultural promotion in the state.

It provided an opportunity for FTAN President and his team to undertake on-the-spot assessments of key projects and tourism sites within the state capital, with a view to identifying areas where the private sector can support marketing, promotion, and investment.

During the engagement, Badaki presented strategic proposals to the Governor, highlighting practical avenues for collaboration between the State government and private sector stakeholders in harnessing and promoting Katsina’s rich cultural tourism assets.

At the conclusion of the visit, Radda requested an official re-presentation of the Tourism Icon Award 2025 conferred on him at the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) held in Abuja last year, underscoring his administration’s commitment to advancing tourism development in Katsina State.

NTIFE is a flagship travel and tourism trade conference and expo event held annually by FTAN in Abuja.

It is designed to showcase and promote Nigerian tourism across board and attract both private and public sectors investors to the sector.

Plans for this year’s edition, which is scheduled to hold in July, alongside its Annual General Meeting (AGM), is already in top gear.

The conference and expo event will assume a new format and dimension in terms of its organisation and appeal this year.

About FTAN

FTAN is the umbrella body of tourism operators in the private sector, with over 25 registered Member-Associations, including corporate and associate members.

It aimed among others at working with the public sector, at all levels of government, to develop, market and promote Nigerian cultural tourism through national and international channels.

…………………………………………………………………….

FTAN pledges strategic partnership with Kastina to harness, develop, promote tourism assets

A new dawn is in the offing for Kastina State as the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has committed to a strategic partnership with the State Government aimed at identifying, harnessing, development and promoting the cultural tourism assets of the State through Private – Public Partnership model.

This commitment followed a tour of the State by FTAN, which was led by its National President Dr. Aliyu Ajayi Badaki. He was accompanied on the visit by the First Deputy President of FTAN, Mrs Susan Akporiaye; Vice President, North West, Alhaji El-Kabir Danfulani; Executive Director of the Katsina State History and Cultural Bureau, Dr Kabir Masanawa; alongside over 16 Tourism Ambassadors, who graced the festival.

FTAN is the umbrella body of tourism operators in the private sector, with over 25 registered member-associations, including corporate and associate members. It aimed among others, working with the public sector, at all levels of government, to development, market and promote Nigerian cultural tourism through national and international channels.

The official visit to Katsina State was at the behest of the State Governor, Mallam Umar Radda Dikko (CON, Ph.D.), who extended special invitation to FTAN’s President, to witness the recent historic celebrations of Hauwan Bariki and Sallah Durbar across Katsina and Daura Emirate Councils.

The visit also formed part of the ongoing efforts by FTAN to strengthen tourism development and cultural promotion in the state. It provided an opportunity for the FTAN President and his team to undertake on-the-spot assessments of key projects and tourism sites within the state capital, with a view to identifying areas where the private sector can support marketing, promotion, and investment.

During the engagement, FTAN President presented strategic proposals to the Governor, highlighting practical avenues for collaboration between the State government and private sector stakeholders in harnessing and promoting Katsina’s rich cultural tourism assets.

At the conclusion of the visit, Radda requested an official re-presentation of the Tourism Icon award conferred on him at the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) held in Abuja last year, underscoring his administration’s commitment to advancing tourism development in Katsina State.

NTIFE is a flagship travel and tourism trade conference and expo event held annually by FTAN in Abuja. It is designed to expose and promote Nigerian tourism across board and attract both private and public sectors investors to the sector.

Plans for this year’s edition, which is scheduled to hold in July, alongside its Annual General Meeting (AGM), is already in top gear. The conference and expo event will assume a new format and dimension in terms of its organsition and appeal this year.

……………………………………………………………………………………..

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) President paid an official visit to Katsina State at the special invitation of the Executive Governor, Mallam Umar Radda Dikko, CON, Ph.D., to witness the historic Hauwan Bariki and Sallah Durbar celebrations across the Katsina and Daura Emirate Councils.

The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen tourism development and cultural promotion in the state. It provided an opportunity for the FTAN President to undertake on-the-spot assessments of key projects and tourism sites within the state capital, with a view to identifying areas where the private sector can support marketing, promotion, and investment.

During the engagement, the FTAN President presented strategic proposals to the Governor, highlighting practical avenues for collaboration between the state government and private sector stakeholders in harnessing and promoting Katsina State’s rich tourism assets.

The delegation included the 1st Deputy President of FTAN, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye; Vice President, North West, Alhaji El-Kabir Danfulani; Executive Director of the Katsina State History and Cultural Bureau, Dr. Kabir Masanawa; as well as over 16 Tourism Ambassadors who graced the festival.

At the conclusion of the visit, Governor Radda requested an official re-presentation of the “Tourism Icon” award conferred on him at the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition held in Abuja last year, underscoring his administration’s commitment to advancing tourism development in Katsina State.

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What would you say about Chris Abdulhamid Oyakhilome? Or Tony Mohammed Rapu? Bishop Mike Hasan Okwonkwo has a certain ring to it, and Apostle Ayo Hamza Oritsejafor sounds positively distinguished.

Stretch your imagination further and see Pastor Enoch Zaki Adeboye seated beside Bishop David Ibrahim Oyedepo, while Pastor Wale Othman Oke announces a call to order and Pastor Paul Umar Adefarasin delivers the opening address. More than a few Nigerian Christians would shout, God forbid! But before you condemn this thought projection, you must first confront history. The very cities where Paul planted the churches of Ephesians and Corinthians are today Islamic Turkish municipalities and Greek ruins. The Temple Mount where Jesus preached now cradles the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Beyond these, the ancient African centres of Christianity and North African schools of Christian theology that produced towering intellects like Origen and Tertullian are today Islamic strongholds where any public Christian preaching can attract a swift and violent reprisal.

This is not conspiracy theory but a documented reality: the systematic erosion of religious liberty, democratic governance, and the rights of women in nations that fail to read the signs of the times, is no longer news.

Nigeria was well on its way down that same road, until God, in His sovereign and unquestionable wisdom, raised Donald Trump. Two tweets and that is all it took to shatter the enchantment that had settled over our nation like a fog.

Two tweets that reverberated from Washington to Abuja and forced an international reckoning with the persecution of Nigerian Christians and an ongoing genocide. Wisdom should tell us that this window of divine intervention will not remain open indefinitely if we do not rise to the occasion.

And this brings me to a dream I had a few nights ago, I found myself seated at a large table in Washington, D.C., in the company of noble men who have spent decades holding the line for the Nigerian Church: Frank Wolf, Chris Smith, Steve Enada, Riley Moore, Tony Perkins, and others of similar conviction and courage were all seated.

Together, we were watching a football match, not American football, but a Premier League-style soccer derby with high stakes. The contest was strikingly peculiar. One side was not the most technically gifted, but they were superbly organised. Every player knew their role.

They moved as a single organism, disciplined, coordinated, laser-focused on one objective: scoring goals. The other side? Each man was a star. Brilliantly skilled and individually breathtaking.

But utterly useless as a team. Every player held the ball too long, auditioning for the crowd rather than advancing the cause. Even the goalkeeper abandoned his post to attempt a solo dribble toward glory.

The Christian All-Stars were performing while their opponents were winning and yet, to my bewilderment, the Americans at the table kept cheering for us until the end of the game. What troubled me most was that I recognised some of the All-Stars as good men who kept confessing that “God will still do what He wants to do!”

I woke from that dream unsettled, carrying a question I am almost ashamed to voice: Could an Islamic Republic of Nigeria be better governed than the corrupt and shambolic democratic enterprise we are presently enduring?

I do not ask this as an advocate because I cherish religious liberty with every fibre of my being. Yet, I look at Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as cities with zero tolerance for corruption that pursue excellence in comparison to our annual prophetic proclamations, and I can understand why the righteous God would permit some ancient Bible lands to go under the sword of Islam instead of enduring deviant religious displays of wayward generations.

I know the heavens will not fall should I have to effect a change of name; Danladi Peter Thompson does not sound so terrible. My only grief would be that my great-grandchildren may never possess the freedom of religious liberty that Ladi Peter Thompson had when he freely and joyfully chose to serve Christ as His Lord and Saviour.

The clock of destiny is ticking and a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Who will remind the Nigerian church that a special Independence Bible was launched on October 1, 1960 to serve as an Ebenezer, a reminder to the future that we paid a hefty price to beat the corruption of human slave trade and colonial bondage for Nigeria to become a reality.

Ladi Peter Thompson (Reverend), is of Macedonian Initiative USA

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St.Ange said that this appointment marks a new chapter not only in his distinguished career but for the nation he has long served. Nominated by President Patrick Herminie, and now confirmed by the Seychelles National Assembly, St.Ange steps into his new role carrying a wealth of experience gained from decades of dedicated work in tourism—a sector at the heart of Seychelles’ identity and prosperity.

He called it both a privilege and a chance to give back to the country that has shaped him. With a close-knit community of just over 100,000 people, St.Ange believes Seychelles must find strength in unity— harnessing talents from across the nation and rising above political divisions. For St.Ange, progress means leveraging the wisdom and commitment of all Seychellois for the benefit of the whole country.

With more than 40 years as an advocate for tourism, St.Ange’s name is synonymous with innovation and leadership. As the former CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, he was the driving force behind such initiatives as the internationally celebrated “Carnival International de Victoria.”

The event drew global attention to Seychelles, welcoming visitors worldwide and raising the nation’s profile as a premier travel destination. Throughout his career, St.Ange has championed the causes of sustainable tourism and local empowerment, insisting that growth must benefit the people of Seychelles year-round—not just during peak seasons.

As he takes on the role of Ambassador At Large, St.Ange is mindful of the responsibility to pass on his extensive knowledge and experience. Passionate about bridging generations, St.Ange is eager to mentor and inspire the next wave of Seychellois leaders.

“This role as Ambassador At Large is an opportunity to ensure that the knowledge, networks, and lessons I have amassed are not lost to history but are passed on to the next generation,” he reflected, highlighting that true leadership lies in the wisdom and value one brings, not in age.

Looking ahead, St.Ange expresses readiness and optimism. He views this appointment as the dawn of a new era of service—one focused on uniting the country, fostering collaboration, and solidifying Seychelles’ reputation as a resilient, progressive, and united nation on the global stage.

About Alain St.Ange

Alain St.Ange’s influence on the tourism world is internationally recognised. His distinguished career includes serving as the Seychelles Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports, and Marine and on the Executive Council of the UN World Tourism Organisation.

Celebrated for his innovative global strategies, he successfully elevated the international profile of Seychelles through landmark events and sustainable destination development.

His ongoing work through Saint Ange Consultancy continues to shape the direction of sustainable tourism across the globe. Today, he remains a guiding figure, committed to the growth of Seychelles and to mentoring the next generation of leaders.

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The immediate reactions that followed the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal on the disputed convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan were entirely predictable.

Within hours, rival factions within the party rushed to declare victory, each presenting the ruling as confirmation of its own political legitimacy. Yet, a careful reading of the judgment suggests a more subtle, and consequential outcome.

The court did not crown a winner. Instead, it reset the game.

By affirming the restraint on the recognition of the Ibadan convention by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the court effectively weakened the legal scaffolding upon which the disputed leadership structure was built. But the judgment stopped short of declaring any competing faction the legitimate leadership of the party.

This distinction is crucial. In Nigeria’s constitutional practice, courts generally avoid installing party leadership. Their role is limited to determining whether due process was followed. Where procedural irregularities are found, the court invalidates the defective process and returns the political actors to their internal constitutional mechanisms to resolve the dispute.

What the ruling therefore creates is not victory for one side but an institutional reset.

In constitutional terms, the party is effectively returned to the status quo ante—the position that existed before the disputed convention was held. Yet, even that position, is not entirely stable.

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party had already begun to revolve around another strategically important office: that of the National Secretary.

Public commentary often assumes that the National Chairman is the principal power centre of a political party. However, within the administrative architecture of Nigerian electoral politics, the National Secretary plays an equally critical role.

Many official communications between political parties and the electoral commission require the joint authentication of the National Chairman and the National Secretary. Without the Secretary’s endorsement, crucial party actions—from convention notifications to candidate nominations—can become procedurally defective.

This is why the dispute surrounding the office previously held by Senator Samuel Anyanwu has become such a central battlefield. If disciplinary measures taken during the disputed convention lose their legal footing, the attempt to suspend certain officers may collapse with the convention itself. In such circumstances, the administrative signatory structure of the party remains unresolved, prolonging the leadership ambiguity.

Yet the issue extends beyond any single office. The deeper constitutional question concerns which organ of the party now has the authority to restore stability.

Within the PDP’s constitutional structure, that responsibility falls primarily to the National Executive Committee (NEC). Between national conventions, NEC functions as the highest governing authority of the party. It supervises the National Working Committee, resolves internal disputes, approves disciplinary actions, and determines the timetable for national conventions.

In effect, NEC is the governing cabinet of the party.

Within NEC itself, one bloc traditionally wields considerable influence: the governors elected on the platform of the party. While the Governors Forum is not formally recognised as a constitutional organ, each governor participates individually as a member of NEC.

Beyond their individual votes, governors often exercise significant influence over state party structures, legislators, and delegates. When governors align behind a common position, they can shape the direction of the party’s internal decisions.

This dynamic has long defined internal party politics in Nigeria. In moments of internal crisis, governors frequently become the stabilising—or sometimes decisive—force capable of guiding the party back toward institutional order. Unfortunately, the PDP Governors Forum, as presently constituted, is significantly weakened by serial defections in recent times.

Running parallel to NEC is another important body: the Board of Trustees. The constitution of the party describes the Peoples Democratic Party Board of Trustees as the “conscience of the party.” Comprised largely of senior statesmen and long-standing leaders, the BoT functions primarily as a moral and advisory authority within the party.

Although it does not normally exercise executive control over party administration, the BoT’s role becomes particularly important during periods of internal fragmentation. Its collective moral authority can provide the platform for reconciliation by bringing rival factions into dialogue and encouraging institutional solutions rather than prolonged litigation.

In the present circumstances, a pragmatic pathway out of the crisis may involve the BoT convening an emergency consultation among party elders to facilitate a temporary political truce. Such an intervention could recommend suspending punitive actions linked to the disputed convention while encouraging the rapid convening of an emergency NEC meeting.

Through that mechanism, NEC could clarify the status of disputed offices, restore administrative coherence within the party, and establish a timetable for a fresh national convention conducted in full compliance with both the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

Three broader lessons emerge from the Court of Appeal ruling:

First, the judgment reinforces the principle that courts will not serve as the ultimate managers of internal party politics. Judicial intervention may invalidate defective procedures, but it cannot substitute for the internal democratic processes of political organisations.

Second, the ruling highlights the importance of constitutional discipline within political parties. Conventions, disciplinary actions, and leadership transitions must adhere strictly to both party rules and statutory electoral requirements.

Third, the decision returns responsibility squarely to the leadership of the party. The PDP must now determine whether it will resolve its internal conflict through dialogue and institutional mechanisms or continue along a path of factional confrontation and litigation.

The stakes extend beyond the internal affairs of a single political party.

As Nigeria gradually approaches the next electoral cycle, the credibility of opposition politics will depend heavily on whether major parties demonstrate organisational stability and internal democratic culture. Political parties that cannot manage their own constitutional processes struggle to convince the electorate that they are prepared to govern a complex democratic state.

For the PDP, the Court of Appeal’s ruling represents not a defeat nor a victory, but an opportunity—a moment to restore constitutional order and rebuild internal consensus.

Whether the party seizes that opportunity will shape not only the outcome of its present leadership struggle but also its role in the evolving balance of power in Nigerian politics.

Implications for Nigeria’s 2027 Politics

The deeper significance of the ruling extends into the emerging political calculations ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle. A stable and credible opposition is an essential component of democratic competition. If the PDP resolves its internal crisis through lawful and transparent processes, it may yet reposition itself as a viable national platform capable of contesting power effectively.

If, however, the crisis degenerates into prolonged factional conflict and litigation, the party risks weakening its institutional credibility at a moment when Nigeria’s democratic system requires strong and organised political alternatives.

The Court of Appeal has reset the board. What happens next depends not on the judiciary, but on the political maturity of those entrusted with the leadership of the party.

Dr Don Pedro Obaseki, MBA, PhD, is a political analyst and public affairs commentator

The post Opinion: PDP At The Crossroads: The Appeal Court has reset the game appeared first on Eglobalnews.

Gideon, a travel industry leader, and Chief Executive Officer of Aeroport Group, and former two-term Lagos Zonal Public Relations Officer, began his engagements in Lagos, where the Zone held its AGM marking the end of the tenure of its outgone executive officers.

The transition, overseen by respected Board of Trustees members, including; Mr Daisi Olotu and Mrs Durosinmi Etti, featured formal handover proceedings, valedictory remarks, and presentation of certificates of service to executives, who had completed their terms.

At the Eastern Zone AGM in Port Harcourt, he witnessed the election of a new executive committee and congratulated both outgone and incoming officers for their stewardship and commitment to advancing professional standards within the region.

A notable highlight of the Eastern Zone meeting was the emergence of Mr Emmanuel Ossai, one of Gideon’s former students, as Zonal Public Relations Officer — a development viewed by many as reflective of sustained mentorship and capacity development within Nigeria’s travel industry.

Industry stakeholders present at the Port Harcourt gathering, which featured participation from regulators and airline representatives, emphasised the importance of structured communication, regulatory alignment, and improved coordination across zones.

Gideon’s engagements further extended to the Northern Zone in Kano and the Abuja Zone, where leadership transitions and stakeholders’ interactions focused on strengthening information flow, reinforcing compliance standards, and enhancing the association’s national representation.

He was also at the Western Zone AGM in Ibadan, where he monitored the transition, with new officers elected. He had a constructive engagement with stakeholders at the zone.

During his tenure as Lagos Zonal Public Relations Officer, Gideon made some strides, including representing NANTA at the World Travel Market (WTM) London in 2024, where he coordinated the media in furtherance of the association’s international visibility.

It is to his credit that the visual content from the Nigerian delegation was subsequently utilised by the WTM media team in promotional materials in the 2025 edition of the yearly event, underscoring Nigeria’s growing presence within the global travel trade ecosystem.

Speaking during interactions across the zones, Gideon stressed the need for stronger inter-zonal communication, institutional continuity, and responsible representation of members’ interests at both national and international platforms.

He is a cleared nominee for the position of National Publicity Secretary of NANTA, subject to the ongoing electoral process.

The forthcoming 50th AGM of NANTA is expected to convene travel professionals, airline operators, regulators, and tourism stakeholders from across Nigeria in what is anticipated to be a defining moment in the association’s history.

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