The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed optimism that Olayiwola Awakan, popularly known as Ola Awakan, will breathe new life into Nigeria’s tourism industry following his recent appointment as Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).
In a statement released on Friday through his media aide, Moses Olafare, the monarch described Awakan’s appointment as a signal that President Bola Tinubu’s administration recognises “youthful brilliance, cultural passion, and innovative drive” as vital to the nation’s renewal.
For the Ooni, the new NTDC boss is not just a media professional but a long-time advocate of Nigeria’s heritage and a familiar face at some of the country’s most iconic cultural festivals. “As a dynamic Nigerian youth, a seasoned broadcast journalist, cultural ambassador and advocate of tourism development per excellence, Ola Awakan has consistently demonstrated uncommon acumen for storytelling, heritage promotion and festival visibility,” the statement read.
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Oba Ogunwusi recalled Awakan’s active involvement in festivals such as Osun-Osogbo, Olojo, Aje and other indigenous celebrations that, in his words, “showcase the spiritual, economic and social strength of the Nigerian people.” He said Awakan’s record of engagement in these events positioned him uniquely to transform the cultural sector into a source of pride and prosperity.
The monarch urged the new DG to see his appointment not merely as an achievement but as a national calling — one that requires turning passion into policy. He tasked him with developing strategies that will make Nigeria a cultural capital of Africa, enhance festival tourism, and convert heritage preservation into tangible economic value.
“Nigerians and indeed the international community are looking forward to the wonders he will perform in transforming our festivals into world-class spectacles, thereby generating pride, jobs and prosperity,” the Ooni said.
He also commended President Tinubu for entrusting the NTDC to “a visionary young Nigerian,” describing the move as an investment in the country’s creative future. “The President’s decision reflects his commitment to building a future where culture, tourism and the creative economy stand as pillars of national unity and economic growth,” he said.
With the baton now in Awakan’s hands, the monarch added, the world will be watching to see whether youthful energy and cultural passion can finally turn Nigeria’s vast tourism potential into real national wealth.