Tourism practitioners mourn Grace Bentu

Stakeholders and practitioners in the Nigerian tourism industry have expressed their heartfelt condolence to the family of former president of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) Mrs Grace Bentu who recently passed away.

The late Mrs Grace Bentu was described as strong, energetic and very resourceful woman that did so much to move the Nigerian tourism industry forward.

Speaking on her demise, former ATPN President, Chief Mike Amachree in his condolence, described her as ‘a very energetic woman who contributed so much to move the Nigerian tourism industry forward. I recall that the late Mrs. Bentu, in the 1990’s was among those that worked tirelessly to make the Plateau State Tourism Development Fund launch a success.

”In the struggle to create the necessary awareness in the public and private sector, Madam Bentu used to host meetings of practitioners in Plateau and Bauchi States. Despite the distance, she would make herself available for tourism programmes and meetings in places like Port Harcourt. We pray that the Almighty God grant her eternal rest.”

Also speaking on the late Mrs Bentu, current ATPN President, Malan Kabir said “I first met her during the organisation of African Unity (OAU) trade fair, Kaduna in 1996. She stood out clearly as promoter of domestic tourism in Nigeria.

She was a very strong woman, a very strong personality who believed in herself and the industry. She believed that tourism is a low hanging fruit that can be harness for the benefit of everybody in Nigeria.

“Sometimes her commitment  had put her in a kind of collision with some people, but not withstanding, as I told you, she was a strong willed person, who would stop at nothing to get what she wanted, so that had created some disagreement with some people.

She believed that we must excel beyond what we are benefitting from the industry in Nigeria. We would all certainly miss her.