By Joke Kujenya
THE ATMOSPHERE at the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) Headquarters in Abuja reflected quiet anticipation as the newly appointed Director-General, Mr Olayiwola Awakan, formally assumed office, pledging to usher in a new era of innovation, collaboration, and renewed commitment towards repositioning Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Until his appointment, Mr Awakan, an award-winning journalist, served with Continental Television (TVC), where he established himself as a notable voice in culture, arts, and tourism reporting.
Upon arrival at the Authority, he was received by the management team led by Mr Ovie Esewhaye, the Director overseeing the Office of the Director-General, who presented the official handover note.
Following the brief handover, Mr Awakan held a closed-door meeting with Directors, toured the NTDA offices, and later addressed the general staff at the NTDA Village Hall in Abuja.
Expressing deep appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in him, Mr Awakan described his appointment as both an honour and a responsibility 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 further acknowledged the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, commending her visionary leadership and sustained efforts to reposition the sector despite resource limitations.
“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.
The new Director-General commended the contributions of his predecessors, assuring that his administration would build upon their achievements to create a more vibrant and efficient NTDA capable of drawing both local and international investors to Nigeria’s tourism sector.
“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.
Mr Awakan emphasised teamwork, innovation, and inclusivity as the foundation of his leadership approach, urging staff to embrace creativity and collaboration in fulfilling 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.”
Known for his multifaceted background, Mr Olayiwola Awakan is a seasoned journalist, thespian, dramatist, poet, and an avid culture and tourism enthusiast. His appointment is viewed as a strategic step in President Tinubu’s broader commitment to leveraging culture, creativity, and tourism as key drivers of national economic diversification and growth.
Under his stewardship, stakeholders anticipate a renewed push for visibility and strategic partnerships to boost Nigeria’s tourism assets both locally and internationally. His promise of an inclusive administration signals continuity with reform—a blend aimed at repositioning the NTDA as a pivotal player in the global tourism economy.
As he settles into office, the Authority’s staff and sector observers expect a redefinition of Nigeria’s tourism narrative—one built on innovation, partnership, and renewed confidence in the nation’s diverse cultural heritage.
