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The newly appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Olayiwola Awakan, has officially assumed office, promising to inject innovation, collaboration, and renewed energy into Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Awakan, who took over at the Authority’s headquarters in Abuja, was received by senior management led by Mr. Ovie Esewhaye, the Director overseeing the Office of the DG, who presented him with the official handover documents. He later met with directors, toured the NTDA offices, and addressed staff at the NTDA Village Hall.
In his maiden address, Awakan expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility of advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda through tourism.
His words: “This is a new dawn. There’s a lot to be done, and by the grace of God, it will be done. I appreciate President Tinubu for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda through tourism.”
He also praised the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, describing her as a visionary leader whose resilience continues to reposition the sector despite limited resources.
“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 NTDA boss commended his predecessors for their achievements and pledged to build on their foundations to create a more vibrant and investor-friendly tourism authority.
“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 assured.
Awakan emphasized the need for teamwork and innovation, stating that tourism’s transformation would depend on collective effort and inclusivity.
“We need newness and freshness, and I can’t do it alone. 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,” he said.
An award-winning journalist, dramatist, poet, and tourism enthusiast, Awakan’s appointment signals the Tinubu administration’s commitment to positioning tourism, culture, and the creative economy as major drivers of national development and economic diversification.
