By Yunus S. Saliu
The Gambia, famously known as “The Smiling Coast of Africa,” is land rich in culture, heritage, and warm hospitality. It’s a destination that leaves a lasting impression on any visitor. Ambassador Ikechi Uko, a Nigerian travel business consultant, and organizer of the renowned Akwaaba Travel Market (ATQ) Fair, is also a dedicated advocate for promoting Destination Gambia tourism in Nigeria. In a recent visit to Banjul, Uko reflected on his experience, stating, “Coming back to Banjul is very nostalgic for me.”
His connection with The Gambia dates back to 2006, when he first visited for the International Roots Homecoming Festival. Since then, he became a frequent visitor, promoting the destination to Nigerians until 2011, when he shifted his focus to East Africa. “I invested a lot of time and energy into making The Smiling Coast a top destination for Nigerians,” Uko shared.
Before the global COVID-19 pandemic, Uko’s efforts were widely recognized. In 2010, he was honored with an award by the country’s tourism stakeholders for his contributions to the sector. Although his visits to The Gambia became less frequent after 2011, he returned in December 2014, with another visit in 2018 with the Banjul Bantaba, an event he organized.
Uko, a distinguished tourism developer, entrepreneur, media consultant, and author, has long championed the potential for The Gambia to attract more Nigerian tourists. In one of hisinterviews with this reporter, he emphasized, “The Gambia has a tremendous opportunity to sustain a steady stream of visitors from Nigeria.” His with others from Nigeria in December 2024 visit, made at the invitation of the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), marked an effort to reignite his past work in promoting the destination.
During his visit with others, Uko engaged in various activities, including tours of top-tier hotels and resorts, lodges of different categories, beaches, and local home cooking house. He also visited the River Cruise boat group and met with officials from the Gambia Investment Promotion (GIEPA), the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI), Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), tour operators, and the hotel association, among others.
Uko couldn’t help but express his feelings about The Gambia, saying, “I have countless stories to tell about The Gambia’s tourism. Wherever I go, the same question arises: When will Nigerians start returning to The Gambia?”
Reflecting on his visit, Uko said, “It was an incredible dayfilled with Gambian food and drinks. I ate plenty of benachin, with or without domoda, and drank a lot of hibiscus and baobab mixtures. This has been a truly fulfilling journey. This is my first visit here in The Gambia since COVID-19, and I will definitely be back soon, as an answer to the question, when will Nigerians start returning to The Gambia.”
