Creative Industry
President Tinubu Hails NTDA DG for Innovative Approach to Tourism Promotion
Joel Ajayi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has commended the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Ola Awakan, for his innovative use of immersive storytelling as a fresh and effective way to promote Nigeria’s tourism potential.
The commendation came during a courtesy visit by the NTDA Director-General to the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday.
Tinubu praised Awakan’s initiatives in collaboration, innovation and immersive storytelling within his first year in office noting that such creative approaches are needed to better showcase the country’s tourism assets and attract global attention.
During the visit, Awakan secured the President’s endorsement for Nigeria’s participation at the 2026 World Travel Market (WTM) in London.
Speaking, Awakan observed that, “the platform will enable us to showcase the country’s destinations, build strategic partnerships and attract investment into the sector as part of broader efforts to strengthen tourism’s contribution to economic diversification.”
The NTDA Boss also briefed the President on the Authority’s ongoing initiatives to position tourism as a key driver of employment generation, investment attraction, and national development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. Discussions also focused on the reactivation of the Presidential Council on Tourism and other measures to restructure the sector.
As part of the visit, Awakan decorated the President with the NTDA Tourism Ambassador muffler in recognition of his contributions to tourism development. He also presented a publication titled Tourism as a Strategic Instrument for Economic Diversification and National Development.
Creative Industry
NTDA, LEXLUC Sign MoU to Unlock Nigeria’s Domestic Tourism Potential
Cyril Ogar
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LEXLUC Global Services and Tours Ltd. to promote domestic tourism, cultural heritage and destination awareness across Nigeria.
The agreement establishes a framework for implementing and expanding the Meet My Town, Know My State tourism initiative, which aims to encourage Nigerians to explore destinations within the country, learn about their cultural heritage and support greater community participation in tourism.
Speaking at the signing, Chief Executive Officer of LEXLUC Global Services and Tours Ltd., Mr Oluwole Ajayi, said the initiative was developed to help Nigeria harness its tourism potential, attract investment and create more opportunities within the sector.
“Tourism is number one employer worldwide. Whether we like it or not, we have to key into it and make sure it becomes the number one employer in Nigeria, too,” Ajayi said.
He also referenced plans for a proposed West African Jollof Rice Championship and Tourism Festival, which he said could complement the initiative’s broader objectives. The proposed event is expected to form part of future tourism activities, subject to the necessary planning and approvals.
Ajayi expressed confidence that the collaboration with NTDA would help advance the initiative and attract investors to Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Director-General of NTDA, Mr Ola Awakan, said the partnership alignes with the authority’s mandate to promote and develop tourism, noting that collaboration with the private sector was important to the sector’s growth.
“It’s a laudable project. We are going to give you national and institutional backing. You are also helping us achieve our mandate, and we are helping you to bring your idea to fruition. So, it is a win-win situation. All of this is in the interest of Nigeria,” Awakan said.
He commended Ajayi for sustaining the initiative and reaffirmed NTDA’s commitment to supporting its objectives within the authority’s mandate.
The Meet My Town, Know My State initiative is designed to raise awareness of Nigeria’s destinations, promote cultural heritage and encourage domestic travel. Its activities may include organised tours, tourism education, awareness campaigns, events and stakeholder engagements across the country.
Under the MoU, LEXLUC will coordinate and implement approved activities, develop tourism packages, mobilise sponsorship and partnerships, and report on progress. NTDA will provide relevant tourism information, institutional coordination, policy guidance and support for stakeholder engagement, subject to its mandate and applicable approval processes.
The signing was coordinated by Head of Legal Services at NTDA, Olufunke Soleye, and Head of Legal at LEXLUC, Mary Oluwatoyin Noibi-Edoze. Director of the Marketing and Promotions Department at NTDA, Mr Olufemi Akinyele, was also present alongside staff members of the department.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organisations to expand awareness of Nigeria’s tourism offerings and encourage greater participation in domestic tourism.
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