Chairman of Sabre, Central and West Africa, Dr Gabriel Olowo has said that business economy advancement cannot be achieved if we do not embrace the utmost use of qualitative technology and its incorporation into our business system. Having foreseen this essential tool of easier connectivity and accessibility to global economic space, I decided to go to the travel solutions section as I know it’s a vital tool for travel solutions to Nigeria airspace and other aviation affiliate.
Dr Gabriel Olowo disclosed this during the Sabre Technology Travel Expo unveiled recently in collaboration with US Embassy for a better advancement of travel solutions and tourism to boost the progression of Africa future travels.
The Aviation Legend said, ‘When we wanted to invite Sabre to Nigeria, they were hesitant for its success in Africa. Travelling was difficult and tariffs are high. Government is not doing enough to promote travel”.
Olowo said he hoped that the country and continent would get serious going by what is happening to air travel, stressing, “With what I am seeing, I want to weep. It is a sorry situation because we failed to embrace technology. I attended IATA’s AGM in South Africa in 2004. They said to us that paper ticket was going to be a thing of the past. We never thought of E-ticket in Africa then because of poor electricity supply”.
Olowo said, the amazing support US Embassy has given over the years cannot be quantified as the department of commerce and International Trade have always believed in my capabilities and competency , that alone have sustained me and strengthen our level of success in Sabré in West Africa alongside my entire team across the whole West Africa and now extending to Central Africa Region.
He reiterated briefly that , during one if the IATA conference, “a boy in IATA told me that the world would not wait for Africa. Like a joke, we have electronic ticket. Manifest was done manually but today, everything is electronic. Technology is ruling the world of travels”.
I must hail the United States of America for their drive and consistency in Tech advancement, which have also enabled some nations across the globe to advance technology wise.
The Americans are very robust in technology. Technology will deliver on travels and any other things you need to do”.
So therefore , it is important for me to specially commend US Government via their representatives here in Nigeria and US Embassy for ensuring this Technology Expo becomes a success. More so the media representatives who have always been amazing and of course my wonderful People in NANTA…. and most importantly the aviation agencies. NCAA, NAMA,FAAN , and Ministry of Aviation and our amiable sister sphere, Sports sector ,who have been a major stakeholder in travels and tourism. And I want to appreciate the fact that Lagos SWAN where I am a Patron and made me realise the need to partner sports agencies to boost sports travels and sports tourism. Like we have Olympic next year no doubt global travels shall generate huge revenue during the period.
He therefore uses the opportunity to express his utmost gratitude to the Hon Minister of Aviation and Airspace for gracing the occasion .
Olowo who is also the chairman of Golfview Hotel and Conference centre said, the Hon Minister has demonstrated leadership qualities and it’s clear a whole lot of positive change will emerge during his tenure. He applauded the Hon Minister as he revealed in his speech which was presented by his Special Assistant Janet Oputa, that, in the coming years, we should expect smart airports equipped with artificial intelligence to Invigorate passenger’s smooth experiences from check-in to boarding.
“You can expect to witness the rise of smart airports equipped with artificial intelligence, enhancing passenger experiences from check-in to boarding. We envision a seamless journey facilitated by biometric authentication, reducing wait times and ensuring security.”
Dr Olowo extended his humble gratitude to Lagos state government for creating an enabling environment for businesses and of course the speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly ,Rt.Hon Speaker Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, for his impressive consistency at the State House of Assembly. No doubt he has had a robust service delivery at the 8th and 9th Assembly and we are optimistic 10th Assembly shall be more productive. I can’t believe Rt.Hon Speaker is here today as I appreciate the fact that they are ready to continue to make good policies that will strengthen economic growth of Lagos state.
In the same vein, the Hon. Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo said Nigeria and many other African countries like Egypt, Ethiopia and Kenya are investing in cutting-edge aircraft, embracing sustainable aviation fuels, improving infrastructure, and fostering partnerships that will propel them into a new era of connectivity.
He noted that by harnessing emerging technologies, the country aims to create an aviation sector that is not only efficient but also environmentally conscious.
The Minister via his representative and Special Assistant, Janet Oputa stated this at the Sabre Technology Expo entitled, “The Future of African Travels”, held at the Civic Centre in Lagos on Wednesday.
Sabre Corporation is a travel technology company based in Southlake, Texas. It is the largest global distribution systems provider for air bookings in North America. American Airlines founded the company in 1960, and it was spun off in 2000.
He said the, “The Future of African Travel” is a narrative of progress, collaboration, and sustainability, explaining that it was time to explore new horizons and pave the way for a future where African travels are not just a journey but a testament to the boundless spirit of our continent.
The Minister noted that in the coming years, “You can expect to witness the rise of smart airports equipped with artificial intelligence, enhancing passenger experiences from check-in to boarding. We envision a seamless journey facilitated by biometric authentication, reducing wait times and ensuring security.”
“We have played the catch-up game for too long. The energy is soaring and the determination to step out of the backwoods of development is electric”.
Space exploration, once a distant dream, is said to be within reach in the continent, stressing that Africa is poised to contribute to the exploration of the cosmos, opening new frontiers and opportunities for scientific collaboration.
The development of satellite technologies, he reiterated would not only bolster communication and navigation but also play a pivotal role in monitoring and managing our precious natural resources.
“We may be at the early stages of this developmental trajectory, but the reality is so palpable and the time to flourish is here. As we chart the course for the future, inclusivity is paramount. Africa is committed to developing aviation infrastructure that connects even the remotest corners of our continent, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.
He stated further that the African skies should be accessible to all, noting that the government is actively working towards affordable air travel for every citizen, hinting that nations like Nigeria were poised to build a hub to enhance connectivity.
From advancements in technology to the expansion of our aviation infrastructure, Africa is undoubtedly on a path towards greater heights in the travel domain. The relentless efforts of our researchers, engineers, and aviation professionals have propelled Africa into a position of recognition and respect on the international stage.”
The Minister noted further that “many of our pilots trained in Africa are in high demand in different parts of the world. At the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) headquarters in Montreal, Africa occupies an enviable pedestal that confers on us a prominent position in the aviation sector in the world.”
The United States Consular General, represented by Commercial Counselor, US Department of Commerce and International Trade Administration; Julie LeBlanc, lauded Sabré and Olowo for the use of technology to drive travel in Nigeria and many parts of Africa.
Julie LeBlanc said they will continue to give their support to ensure the future of African Travels get better with technology applications and advancement.
President of National Association of Nigerian Travel Association (NANTA), Mrs. Susan Akporiaye admitted that technology is the future of travel and praised Sabre for simplifying travel through cutting-edge technology.
Chairman of Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos Chapter, Olatutu Oladunni stated that sports through technology has helped to bolster travel in many ways and it is important The travel industry and Tourism gets more serious with sports.
Oladunni said ,having explained the roles Travels play globally, she said nothing can be achieved I Travel and Aviation industry if Sports is not appreciated and taken serious.
She said the time has come for the Aviation Industry’s key players to get more serious and invest most in sports. The more Investment is made in sports the better it is for travel, especially now that we have the world’s largest sports event “Olympics” to hold next year in Paris, France.
