Culture and Tourism

FTAN Honour Kangiwa With Tourism ICON Award on 2022 World Tourism Day

Published

4 years ago

September 14, 2022

Nura Sani Kangiwa, Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) is among recipients of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) Tourism Icon Award as part of activities of the Association to mark the 2022 World Tourism Day at the Eko Hotel and Suits, Lagos.

The current leadership of FTAN under its President, Mr. Nkereuwen Onung had instituted the Tourism Icon Award in 2021 to honour key players in the industry for their impeccable contributions for the growth and development of tourism in the country.

In an official statement from the FTAN Secretariat, Kangiwa is being honoured for his dogged pursuit in revamping effective manpower training in the hospitality Trades, Travel and Tourism industry of the country which has brought about improved service delivery in the industry.

The statement further extolled the virtues, dynamism and resilient efforts of Kangiwa at repositioning NIHOTOUR since assumption of office as Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for better training service delivery and his ‘Reach-Out’ initiative with relevant key players of the industry in both public and private sectors for inclusive growth and development of the industry.

Other distinguished personalities billed to receive the Tourism Icon Award alongside Nura Kangiwa are, His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Chief Mrs Margaret Bolanle Fabiyi, a.k.a. Mama Webisco, who have distinguished themselves and their organizations in impacting positively on the nation’s Travel Touris FTAN officials, members and relevant stakeholders are expected to be in attendance at the elaborate ceremony to honour those due for the Award in Lagos on Tuesday, 27th September, 2022 beginning with a Red Carpet by 5:00pm.

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Culture and Tourism

Awakan Marks First Anniversary as NTDA DG, Charts New Course for Tourism Sector

Published

1 week ago

September 24, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

As the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) enters its second year under the leadership of the Director-General, Mr. Ola Awakan, the focus will remain on building partnerships and converting Nigeria’s tourism assets into greater opportunities for investment and accelerated economic growth.

That simple message framed the one year scorecard presented on Wednesday by Mr. Awakan during NTDA Tourism Week 2026 and activities leading to World Tourism Day held in Abuja.

“Nigeria does not lack tourism assets,” Awakan said. “What is required is a system that connects these assets to investments, jobs, technology, enterprise and sustainable economic value.” He added.

Reeling out his scorecard, Awakan observed that over the past year, the Authority concentrated on stakeholder engagement, innovation, investment facilitation, digital transformation, destination marketing, tourism intelligence and institution building.

He explained that efforts have been made towards deeper collaboration with government institutions, traditional institutions, private-sector operators, development partners, financial institutions, professional bodies, communities and international partners.

On the digital front, the NTDA boss said the Authority has advanced NITOUREY, a dedicated tourism streaming platform and content ecosystem meant to take Nigerian destinations, culture and experiences to wider audiences, in alignment with this year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Digital agenda and artificial intelligence to redesign Tourism”.

He also identified Naija Flavour as a flagship project to position Nigerian cuisine as both a tourism asset and a tool for cultural diplomacy, linking tourism to Nollywood, music, fashion, food, festivals and digital creativity.

Speaking further, Awakan reiterated that the NTDA is also digitising tourism enterprise accreditation and regulatory processes while developing a grassroots tourism framework to identify, document and promote assets across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

Internationally, NTDA has expanded ties with tourism institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners and global organisations on technical cooperation, investment, destination marketing, capacity building, cultural diplomacy and market access.

The NTDA helmsman however recognised that challenges remain such as infrastructure gaps, weak tourism data, limited connectivity to some destinations, security concerns in certain locations, regulatory compliance shortfalls and the need for stronger private-sector participation.

Awakan remained positive looking ahead with his priorities including the mobilisation of more tourism investment, accelerating the development of viable assets, expanding domestic and international marketing through deeper digital transformation, strengthening regulation, increasing community participation, building capacity of tourism professionals and deepening partnerships with international tourism institutions.

The DG also announced plans for the expanded Naija Flavour International Tourism Expo to be unveiled in Abuja later this year making it the ultimate platform aimed at drawing international participation, investors and development partners into the sector.

While thanking President Bola Tinubu GCFR for giving him the opportunity to serve, he added that, “One year in office is not the destination. It is a checkpoint,” reiterating that the next phase would require stronger partnerships, greater investment and sustained institutional commitment.

Earlier, the Director of Marketing and Promotion of NTDA Mr. Olufemi Akinyele, said the milestone was being marked as part of NTDA Tourism Week, which began with a road walk and a guided tour of Abuja under the theme “Digital Vibes, Nigerian Pride: Celebrating Tourism, Culture and People.”

Government and industry representatives at the event congratulated the Director General and commended the Authority’s increased engagement with tourism stakeholders.

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