The newly appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Olayiwola Awakan, has officially assumed duty at the Authority’s Headquarters in Abuja, promising a new era of innovation, collaboration, and renewed commitment toward repositioning Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Mr. Awakan was warmly received by the NTDA Management Team, led by Mr. Ovie Esewhaye, the Director overseeing the Office of the Director-General, who presented the official handover note. Following the formalities, the new Director-General met with Directors, toured the Authority’s offices, and addressed the staff at the NTDA Village Hall.
In his maiden address, Mr. Awakan expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the task of driving the Renewed Hope Agenda through the tourism sector.
“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 said. “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.”
He also commended the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, for her visionary leadership and tireless efforts in repositioning the tourism sector despite resource constraints.
“The responsibility bestowed on her is weighty, and even with limited resources, she has been able to push ahead. I am here to complement her efforts,” he added.
Mr. Awakan pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors and to strengthen the Authority’s capacity to attract both 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 emphasized the importance of teamwork, innovation, and inclusivity in fulfilling NTDA’s mandate.
“We need newness, freshness, and I can’t do it alone. We need collaborative effort. 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.”
Olayiwola Awakan is an award-winning journalist, thespian, dramatist, poet, and tourism enthusiast. His appointment reinforces President Tinubu’s dedication to leveraging creativity, culture, and tourism as key pillars for Nigeria’s economic diversification and sustainable growth.
