October 14, (THEWILL) — The newly appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Olayiwola Awakan, has officially assumed office at the Authority’s headquarters in Abuja, pledging to usher in a new era of innovation, collaboration, and renewed commitment toward repositioning Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Awakan was 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 notes.
The new DG later met with directors, toured the NTDA offices, and addressed staff at the NTDA Village Hall.
In his inaugural address, Awakan expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to advance 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.
“I appreciate President Tinubu for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda through tourism,” he said.
He also commended the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, for her visionary leadership in repositioning the sector despite limited resources.
“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,” Awakan stated.
While acknowledging the contributions of his predecessors, he pledged to consolidate on their achievements and build a more vibrant, efficient, and responsive NTDA capable of attracting tourists and investors to Nigeria.
“My predecessors have done excellently well, and the baton of leadership has been passed to me. I will take it up from here,” he said.
Awakan emphasised teamwork, innovation, and inclusivity as key to achieving the Authority’s mandate.
“We need newness and 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,” he added.
Mr. Olayiwola Awakan is an award-winning journalist, thespian, dramatist, poet, and culture and tourism advocate.
His appointment reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to harnessing creativity, culture, and tourism as vital drivers of national economic diversification and growth.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
