Nigeria’s foremost cultural tourism administrator and former Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, has inaugurated a committee to organise a special valedictory celebration in honour of Mr. Nkereweum Onung, the outgoing President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN).
The event is scheduled to hold in Abuja during FTAN’s Elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) between July 28 and 31, 2025, and will mark the end of Mr. Onung’s tenure after two impactful terms as President.
Mr. Onung, currently serving as Senior Special Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Culture and Tourism, is widely celebrated for fostering strong collaborations between tourism stakeholders, government agencies, and the private sector.
Under his leadership, Nigeria regained visibility on the global tourism stage, especially through active participation at the World Travel Market in London.
His tenure also oversaw institutional reforms, including the brief creation of a dedicated Ministry of Tourism, signaling renewed federal recognition of the interplay between culture and tourism.
Describing Onung as a “resilient leader and visionary,” Otunba Runsewe commended his ability to unify Nigeria’s complex tourism ecosystem.
“If you understand how complex it is to manage Nigeria’s cultural tourism sector and its many operators, you’ll agree that Onung’s leadership in keeping FTAN united through challenging times is remarkable,” said Runsewe.
To lead the planning of the celebration, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, immediate past President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), has been appointed as Chairperson. She is also leading the FTAN 2025 AGM Planning Committee.
Joining her is Mr. Frank Meke, a respected tourism journalist and CEO of Creative Naija, a cultural tourism-focused radio show.
In her acceptance, Mrs. Akporiaye expressed gratitude for the honour and pledged to deliver a befitting tribute to Mr. Onung’s enduring contributions.
“This event is not only a celebration of a man but of the progress and unity he inspired within Nigeria’s tourism sector,” she said.
