•CEO, ABI OTEDOLA Tells City People
Primed as one of the top class travel consultants in Nigeria, Airjara has put itself on a pedestal where clients have no doubts they will get their money’s worth. They are a top-class travel and tour company that offers top-notch services to their clients. You need not worry when it comes to your travelling itinerary, they have extraordinary packages that can cater for all. For a company whose antecedents have always been of excellent service, the head honcho of this company has also not given room to lapses, her focus has been on sustaining excellence. Mrs Abi Otedola is an experienced travel consultant who not only runs a viable company, Airjara but has travelled far and wide all over the world and knows exactly what the global travel standards are.
She is an expert at what she does and she has answers to many critical questions affiliated to travels and tours. She has been able to put Airjara on the map. How does she satisfy her clients’ needs and what are the many opportunities and services Airjara offers its clients? This and many more were the issues she opened upon, in this interview with City People Society Editor, TAYO OYEDIJI.
How did you come by your coy name, Airjara Travels and Tours?
I wanted something that had a bit of Nigerian Flavour in it. I have been away from Nigeria for over 15yrs. When I visited, I saw many Nigerian-oriented names which encouraged me to do the same. Moreover, Nigeria is where my market is and the population is mind-blowing. The “Jara” part of Airjara is the extra service we provide.
How did Airjara Start?
I have actually been everywhere in the world and widely travelled. I realised Nigerians are actually very talented people. And also realised we are tops everywhere I went to. My kids school abroad and are tops in athletics, academics, music and are also award winners. These come along with their fellow classmates who are Nigerians too. But the negative aspect of labelling Nigerians awkwardly is the notion that prompted me to start Airjara Travels and Tours and ensure the positives cover the negatives.
What is Airjara Travels and Tours about?
Airjara Travels and Tours is a Travels and Tours Agency initiated by me from the United Arab Emirates where we have our major affiliates. We are into Corporate Travel and Tours, Work Permits to several Schengen countries/Canada/United States/United Kingdom. Second Passport that enters over 141 countries, Baby Birth abroad, Study Permits, Flight tickets(we are IATA certified), Greencard to the United States, Startup businesses abroad, Investments abroad, Conferences/Trade Show, Visiting visas, Private Jets
We are affiliated with many organisations in Nigeria related to our sector: NANTA (For Travels), NCAA(For Aviation), IATA (For International Aviation), NTDC(For Tourism), LCCI(Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry) We also have lawyer partners and affiliates all over the world: the United States/Canada/UAE/Poland/ Schengen countries etc
What does Airjara Travels do differently from others?
Complete honesty. And direct contacts with affiliates abroad who are big people in this industry in their countries.
What are the benefits clients get from doing business with Airjara travels and tours?
The clients are sure to get their money’s worth.
Covid 19 has brought the momentum of the travel industry to a halt in a way, what is your take on this as things are just getting back to normal?
Airjara Travels and Tours assisted stranded Nigerians to get back to their locations during the lockdown to Canada/United States/United Kingdom and other African countries. This was why we were given an award by the Media Nite-Out company as the most Resilient Industry Player platinum gold in September 2021.
One question ruining through the mind of every business owners mind especially in the travel industry, is “Will my company survive this pandemic? Is yours different?
Airjara Travels used the Covid-19 to our advantage by us simply looking for the Covid-19 loopholes and using it to our advantage.
As regards partial lockdown in some countries, how do you intend to re-evaluate your competitive landscape in gaining your market share?
There are no issues at all with Airjara Travels and Tours. This is because we have affiliates all over the world that communicate with us daily. No room for us to fear. We have solid foundations.
What is Airjara currently doing in attracting new customers towards post covid.?
We check our client’s needs daily and ensure we meet up to their demands.
Travel companies are integral parts of local communities, how are you actively participating in the covid 19 response.?
We have a “No mask, no entry policy’”. We test any client that enters Airjara Travels with our thermometers for high temperatures.
The relocation surge from Nigeria is on the rise right now, what do you think could be the factor?
For Greener Pastures…Nothing new. There are many Americans/Indians/British/ Lebanese/South Africans to mention but a few in Nigeria….you go where the grass is green and not tailgate or follow the herd.
Can you share with us your personal definition of outstanding customer service?
Being able to satisfy clients and make them come back to patronise you.
What is the most important thing to you in the travel business?
Making sure your clients leave smiling and come back for more.
What do you consider most important in the travel business? And your biggest motivation to succeed as a travel agent?
The belief that there are still trustworthy Travel Agencies in Nigeria and the assurances that the Nigerians abroad were helped by Travel Agents and they too will be assisted.
What is your best travel experience?
Going to the United States of America for an Oil and Gas show and was forced to have my daughter there due to my doctor’s advice. It snowed in Houston Texas that year after 20 yrs of no snow…it was mind-blowing!
Tell us about the background?
I am Mrs Abi (Abiodun) Otedola(Nee Oni). I was the Head girl in my primary school then attended Federal Government Girls College Oyo (although I passed to gain entrance to Queens College, Yaba, Lagos).
I later went to Federal Polytechnic Offa in Kwara State where I studied Financial Studies. I had my Bachelors in Economics at the Ogun State University then went to the University of South Africa for a certificate in Portfolio Management and Investment then MBA at the Regenesys Business School in South Africa. Later to the University of South Africa for my Masters in Business Leadership. My PhD is still in the process. I am happily married with 2 straight-A kids who are geniuses like their dad. Don’t blame me for blowing my own trumpet…its years of hard work. I joggle between being a good wife, mum and employer.
How have you been able to keep your life private being married to the Otedola family?
I remain focused and avoid distractions.
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