Creative Industry
Accolades for NCAT’s Outstanding Achievement at NTTSummit 2025
Joel Ajayi
The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria stands tall as a paragon of excellence, having wholeheartedly embraced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directives for synergy and collaboration between the aviation and tourism sectors.
In a statement issued in Abuja by National President ITPN/Chairman IMOC, NTTSUMMIT 2025 Chief Abiodun Odusanwo reveals that through its dynamic participation in the 8th National Tourism Transportation Summit and Expo (NTTSummit 2025) in Abuja, NCAT exemplified visionary leadership, earning the coveted Award of Excellence at the summit’s prestigious Gala Dinner and Award Night.
This well-deserved honour celebrates NCAT’s instrumental role in weaving aviation prowess with tourism innovation, propelling Nigeria toward a brighter, more interconnected economic future under the Renewed Hope Agenda by exploring the inter sections between tourism and transportation, this time, the aviation sector.
As Africa’s foremost aviation training hub since its founding in 1964, NCAT has consistently produced world-class pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals who keep Nigeria’s skies safe and soaring. Little wonders therefore when at NTTSummit, the college’s contributions shone brightly.
NCAT’s very daring moves, under the leadership of Dr. Danjuma Adamu Isma’la, were in addressing critical gaps in infrastructure and skills by fostering partnerships that promise to boost visitor numbers, create thousands of jobs, and elevate tourism’s share of Nigeria’s GDP.
The partnership that promises greater collaborations to check the skill gaps in the industry for enhanced service delivery in line with best global practices.
Therefore, this Award of Excellence won at the NTTSummit, courtesy of the Rector, Dr. Danjuma Isma’ila, is more than a trophy. It is a testament to NCAT’s unwavering dedication under the stewardship of its rector and faculty, who inspire a new generation to bridge sectors for national prosperity.
NCAT’s proactive stance at the summit not only aligned with presidential mandates but also ignited a ripple effect of collaboration among stakeholders, proving that true progress lies in unity.
Bravo to NCAT, Zaria! Your achievements light the path for aviation-tourism synergy, and we eagerly anticipate your continued ascent in shaping Nigeria’s global tourism narrativewith the aviation sector as the leading light.
Creative Industry
From Culture to Commerce: Awakan Advocates Creative Platforms as Tourism Drivers
Joel Ajayi
The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Dr. Ola Awakan, has emphasized that sustainable tourism growth in Nigeria depends on deliberately creating and strengthening platforms that showcase the nation’s rich cultural and creative assets.
Dr. Awakan made this assertion while speaking as a special guest at the 19th edition of Culturati, Nigeria’s flagship culture and arts festival, held at the Oriental Waterfront, Lekki, Lagos. The event attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, creatives, and tourism stakeholders,
underscoring the growing intersection between culture and destination development.
Describing the festival as both inspiring and nostalgic, the NTDA boss recalled his personal creative journey on the same stage when the platform was known as Sisi Oge.
“Many years ago, I performed on this very stage with my team in a dance-drama that I wrote and directed. Today, I stand here as the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority. This is proof of how powerful cultural platforms can be, not just for art, but for tourism and nation branding,” he said.
Dr. Awakan commended the convener of Culturati and Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Tourism, Mr. Idris Aregbe, for sustaining the festival for 19 years and positioning it as a global-facing cultural product.
“This is the direction tourism development must take. Our culture is a major asset. Platforms like Culturati should not only be preserved but strengthened and exported beyond our borders as tourism products that attract visitors, investment, and global attention,” he added.
He noted that cultural festivals play a critical role in promoting cultural tourism, preserving heritage, stimulating local economies, and creating sustainable livelihoods for creatives, while reinforcing Nigeria’s image as a vibrant and diverse destination.
Hosted by popular media personality Kiekie, the festival featured colourful performances, fashion, music, and storytelling that celebrated Nigeria’s cultural identity. Dignitaries in attendance included the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; the Erelu Kuti of Lagos, Chief Abiola Dosunmu; the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; the Olu of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi; and renowned art icon Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, among others.
The strong turnout and quality of performances further reinforced Lagos’ status as Nigeria’s cultural and tourism capital, while highlighting the power of culture as a compelling tourism draw.
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