Remarks by Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, Chairman of the 2010 Africa Travel Awards at the opening ceremony on Saturday 23 October at the Eko Hotel, Lagos Nigeria

Last year I was here to receive the African Travel Legend's Award. Today I am indeed honoured to be here as Chairman of the 2010 Africa Travel Awards, that is growing from strength to strength due to the passion, hard work and dedication of Mr Ikechi Uko CEO of the organizing committee.

May I take this opportunity to say a personal thank you to Danny Jordan for hosting one of the most, if not the most spectacular and successful FIFA World Cup - on African Soil. He is indeed an illustrious and true son of Africa.

I am sure this year's travel market will be a greater success than last year's.

My autobiography - KAIRABA was launched in The Gambia in April 2010 by former president Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, under the Chairmanship of former president Chief Olusegun Obassanjo represented by the Nigerian High Commissioner to The Gambia and the Chief Patronage of President Yahya A J J Jammeh.

In addition to chairing the event, I have a stand where my autobiography is on display and available for sale.

It was not until 1999 at the age of 75 that I started thinking of writing my life story, but it was not until 7 years later that I finally embarked on the matter. It took me all of 46 months to complete my autobiography, and I don't have any regrets about embarking on its publication.

Without much further ado, I am pleased to declare the 2010 Africa Travel Market open.