AITEC World Hosts Prestigious Dinner in Honour of Nigerian Delegates at FInAB 2026 in Cotonou

COTONOU-

On the evening of 22nd February 2026, the elegant halls of Benin Royal Hotel in Cotonou came alive as AITEC World hosted a prestigious dinner in honour of Nigerian delegates attending the ‘Nigeria Day’ celebration at FInAB 2026.

The high-level gathering reflected the spirit of regional unity, tourism diplomacy, and cultural collaboration between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

The dinner followed the successful Nigeria Day at the Festival International des Arts du Bénin (FInAB) 2026 and served as a strategic platform for deeper engagement between AITEC World and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s tourism, academic, aviation, media, maritime and cultural and Art sectors.

AITEC World President, Dine Bouraima making his opening remarks at the event

The evening was graced by an array of eminent personalities from Nigeria, including:
Olori Omolara Fashola-Macgregor, Ilawo Kingdom, Abeokuta
Prof. Jeleel Ojuade, Vice Chancellor, Ojaja University
Dr. Badaki Ali, President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria
Amb. Ayo Omotoso, CEO, Travelogue
Dr. Bolaji Kelani, Aerovessel Aviation
Pelu Awofeso, Award-winning Journalist
Erelu Abisoye Odeyemi, CEO, Keras Travels and Founder of Afro Fusion Festival
Precious Okonji, Administrative Secretary, FTAN
Ms.Degbetuwa Sammy, Maritime and Tourism Expert
Dr. Shola Sanni, Ojaja University
Ms.Bose Ponu, Kwara State University.

Several other distinguished guests and stakeholders were also in attendance, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

A Warm Welcome from AITEC World Leadership
In his welcome address, Amb. Dine Bouraima, President of AITEC World, expressed profound delight in receiving the Nigerian delegation at the organization’s headquarters in Cotonou. He emphasized the strategic importance of Nigeria to AITEC World’s continental vision and described the visit as a defining moment in strengthening cross-border tourism, trade, and cultural diplomacy.
Amb. Bouraima highlighted the need for sustained collaboration, institutional partnerships, and active Nigerian participation in AITEC World’s programs and initiatives. He reiterated that the future of African tourism lies in unity, structured engagement, and shared economic goals.

Presentation of AITEC’s Vision and Mission
Delivering a comprehensive presentation on the organization, Amb. Kazeem Balogun, Vice President on Communications and International Relations, outlined AITEC World’s mission, operational framework, and expanding global footprint.
His presentation showcased the organization’s strides since inception, its strategic alliances, and its commitment to positioning Africa as a competitive global tourism and economic powerhouse.

In his remarks, Prof. Jeleel Ojuade commended AITEC World for its remarkable achievements within a short period. He expressed his delight at the organization’s progress and pledged the full support of Ojaja University in promoting academic partnerships, research collaboration, and youth engagement initiatives aligned with AITEC’s objectives.

Similarly, Dr. Badaki Ali, President of FTAN, delivered an inspiring presentation reflecting his enthusiasm for AITEC World’s pan-African outlook. He assured the leadership of FTAN’s readiness to deepen collaboration, foster stronger institutional ties, and create mutually beneficial platforms for tourism development between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

An Evening of Fellowship and Diplomacy

Beyond the formal presentations, the dinner provided a relaxed yet purposeful environment for networking, exchange of ideas, and strengthening professional bonds.

Conversations revolved around tourism development, aviation connectivity, cultural exports, academic exchange, and regional economic integration.

The evening concluded with a sumptuous dining experience and a vibrant photograph session, capturing memorable moments of unity, friendship, and renewed commitment to African collaboration.

The delegates expressed admiration at the clarity of vision and the structured growth trajectory of AITEC World.
Commitments to Collaboration.

The AITEC World Dinner not only honoured the Nigerian delegates but also reinforced the growing synergy between stakeholders committed to advancing tourism and economic cooperation across West Africa and the continent at large.