Creative Industry
NTDA Bids Farewell to Outgoing Director General in Grand Send-Forth Ceremony
By Joel Ajayi
The Management and Staff of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) honored the outgoing Director General, Chief Folorunsho Coker, in a heartfelt send-forth ceremony held at the Authority’s Village Hall.
The event celebrated Chief Coker’s remarkable leadership over the past eight years, during which the NTDA experienced significant transformations in Nigeria’s tourism sector.
A Legacy of Achievements
In their tributes, staff and management commended the DG for his visionary leadership and numerous accomplishments, including:
Enactment of the NTDA Act, which transformed the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) into the NTDA.
Ongoing ISO standardization certification to enhance service quality.
Successful launch of the Tour Nigeria brand, promoting domestic tourism.
Expansion of the Authority’s organogram, creating more employment opportunities.
Nigerian Flavours initiative, celebrating the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Capacity-building programs and staff training to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Digital transformation and global partnerships with Google, Meta, and Wikipedia, enhancing Nigeria’s online tourism visibility.
Improved staff management relations, fostering industrial peace at NTDA.
Digitalization of the registration and accreditation process for all tourism and hospitality businesses (now 90% complete).
In his farewell address, Chief Coker expressed deep gratitude to the Directors and staff, emphasizing that these achievements were a collective effort.
He urged employees to uphold his legacy, maintain professionalism, and promote unity within the organization. He discouraged tribalism, instead encouraging love, cooperation, and teamwork.
The ceremony concluded with goodwill messages, presentations, and heartfelt appreciation for Chief Coker’s dedication and service.
As he embarks on a new journey, the NTDA remains committed to building on the foundation he has laid, ensuring the continuous growth and development of Nigeria’s tourism sector.
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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