Creative Industry
Awakan Takes Over as NTDA Director-General, Promises to Advance President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Through the Tourism Sector
Joel Ajayi
The newly appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Olayiwola Awakan, has assumed office at the Authority’s Headquarters in Abuja, pledging to usher in a new era of innovation, collaboration, and renewed commitment towards repositioning Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Upon his arrival, Mr. Awakan was received by the Management Team of the Authority, led by Mr. Ovie Esewhaye, the Director overseeing the Office of the Director-General, who presented the official handover note. The new helmsman thereafter met with the Directors, toured the NTDA offices, and addressed the general staff at the NTDA Village Hall.
In his maiden address, Mr. Awakan expressed deep appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in him to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda through tourism.
“I’m happy to be here; this is a new dawn. There’s a lot to be done and by the grace of God, it will be done,” he stated.
“Let me start by appreciating the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda through tourism.”
Mr. Awakan also acknowledged the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, for her visionary leadership and tireless efforts in repositioning the sector despite limited resources.
“The responsibility bestowed on her is weighty, and even with the limited resources, she has been able to push ahead. I am here to complement her efforts,” he noted.
While commending the achievements of his predecessors, the Director-General pledged to consolidate on their successes and build a more vibrant, efficient, and responsive NTDA capable of attracting tourists and investors to Nigeria.
“My predecessors have done excellently well to the best of their ability, and the baton of leadership has been passed to me. I will take it up from here,” he affirmed.
He further emphasized the importance of teamwork, innovation, and inclusivity in achieving the Authority’s mandate.
“We need newness, freshness, and I can’t do it alone. We need collaborative effort,” he said.
“I operate an open-door policy, no idea is a bad idea; it can be refined into a fantastic one. Let’s make history together and make Mr. President proud.”
Mr. Olayiwola Awakan is an award-winning journalist, thespian, dramatist, poet, and culture and tourism enthusiast. His appointment reflects President Tinubu’s continued commitment to leveraging creativity, culture, and tourism as key drivers of national economic diversification and growth.
Creative Industry
NTDA Moves to Transform Gelede Festival into a National Cultural Event with Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom
Cyril Ogar
The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan paid a courtesy visit to the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration for cultural tourism development.
The delegation was received by His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeshina Adeniyi (Maforunyomi I), the Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba; Olori Mosunmola Anike Adeniyi; the Bales of the kingdom; and members of the White Cap Chiefs. The visit commenced with a vibrant cultural procession by the revered Gelede Masquerades, showcasing the rich heritage of the community.
Addressing the Director-General, the monarch applauded him for honouring the invitation and commended his efforts in leveraging his office to drive innovation within Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The monarch applauds the NTDA Boss for his initiatives towards repositioning the country’s cultural heritage on a global stage.
Oba Adeniyi further expressed his interest in fostering a strategic partnership between the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom and the NTDA, emphasizing the community’s readiness to actively participate in ongoing efforts to develop and promote tourism across the country.
He highlighted key cultural assets within the kingdom, including the Gelede Masquerades; an important cultural symbol associated with fertility and childbirth; and two ancient iroko trees within the community, each over 250 years old.
In response, the DG appreciated the traditional ruler for the invitation, honour, and warm reception, stating that the visit was not only culturally enriching but also strategically important to the Authority’s mandate.
He continued by emphasizing the role traditional institutions play in advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector.
He stated that effective storytelling is essential to unlocking the value of cultural heritage, explaining that documenting and sharing the stories behind cultural elements such as the Gelede Masquerades and the ancient iroko trees would enhance their appeal to both local and international tourists.
The NTDA DG further proposed featuring Igbobi-Sabe’s tourism assets in the ongoing NITOUREY Project, the first-ever tourism dedicated streaming platform in Africa aimed towards showcasing Nigeria’s rich and vibrant tourism assets to the world.
The meeting proceeded with a guided tour of one of the iroko tree sites located in Abule Ijesa, Yaba, where the Director-General observed that the site holds significant potential for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
He encouraged the traditional ruler to work closely with the NTDA in developing initiatives that would revitalize the historic landmarks, positioning them as prominent symbols of Nigeria’s cultural tourism.
The Director-General received royal blessings from the Monatch who wished him wisdom and success in his tenure, while expressing confidence in his leadership and vision.
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