2024 ASTA AWARDS
Celebrating the Power of Sports in Promoting African TourismThe grandeur of the inaugural Africa Sports & Tourism Awards (ASTA) 2024 resonated through the halls of the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, Nigeria, on April 25th, 2024. Themed “Sports as a Catalyst for Accelerated Tourism Development in Africa”.
This event not only celebrated but also firmly anchored the symbiotic relationship between sports and tourism as pivotal for the socio-economic development across the continent. This landmark initiative was supported by influential bodies including Project Fly With Us Africa, the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, and the African Tourism Board, setting a precedent for a holistic approach to sports and tourism integration.
Programme Highlights and Cultural Integration
The evening began with the elegance of a red carpet welcome, leading into a series of captivating musical medleys performed by the renowned Amistados Orchestra. This set the tone for an event that was as much a cultural showcase as it was an awards ceremony. The formal proceedings commenced with the national anthem, followed by the traditional breaking of kolanut by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, symbolising unity and peace—a fitting prelude to an event celebrating collaborative success across nations.
Cultural performances were intricately woven through the night’s fabric, showcasing the rich tapestry of African heritage and reminding attendees of the deep cultural underpinnings that sports and tourism help to globalise. The welcome address led into messages of goodwill from various ambassadors, each underscoring the importance of sports in fostering tourism and unity within and beyond African borders.
AWARDS RECIPIENTS
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
H.E. Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu
Sen. John Owan-Enoh
Comrade Tar Ukoh (Mambisa)
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu
Otunba Kayode Olagunju
Hon. Imaan Sulaimon-Ibrahim
Sir Kensington Adebutu
Princess Dr. Vicky Haastrup
Chief Darl Uzu
Dr. Victor Okhai
Hon. Mrs. Lola Ade-John
Dr. Ejike Oji
Hon. Mustapha Ussif
Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau
Barr. Paul Edeh
Discussions and Keynotes: Forging Paths for Future Integration
A standout feature of the evening was the keynote address by the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, who eloquently detailed the strategic role sports play in promoting tourism and by extension, economic development. The Minister’s insights set the stage for a panel discussion that delved deeper into strategies for leveraging sports for tourism growth, featuring thoughts from leaders in both sectors.
Awards and Recognitions: Celebrating Pioneers and Innovators
The core of the event was the awards ceremony, where individuals and organisations were honoured for their contributions to the sports-tourism nexus. Noteworthy among the recipients was the introduction of patrons and matrons, a segment that celebrated the role of key influencers and supporters in promoting sports tourism.
The ASTA magazine launch added a layer of permanence to the proceedings, encapsulating the achievements and future aspirations of the sports-tourism sector in a tangible format that attendees could take away, symbolising a lasting commitment to the growth of this sector.
The event concluded with remarks from the NFF President, whose forward-looking statements encouraged continued collaboration and innovation. This was followed by a vibrant closing performance by the Amistados Orchestra, paired with open house shakes and a dance session, encapsulating the festive spirit of African unity and celebration.
In tandem with the main events, side events such as the Ethiopian coffee ceremony and health wellness desks offered guests a broader cultural and experiential landscape, further highlighting the diverse potential of tourism in Africa linked through sports.
ASTA 2024 not only recognized the interconnections between sports and tourism but also acted as a catalyst for future initiatives. The success of the event sets a robust foundation for annual celebrations and continuous exploration into how sports can further be harnessed to promote tourism, cultural exchange, and economic development across Africa. The enthusiasm and commitment displayed by the attendees demonstrate a promising path ahead, with sports serving as a powerful tool to accelerate tourism development and foster greater cultural and economic exchanges. This inaugural event has indeed laid the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting journey towards harnessing the full spectrum of benefits that sports and tourism combined can offer to the African continent.