Awakan Assumes Leadership at NTDA, Pledges Tourism-Led Renewal

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A new chapter has begun for Nigeria’s tourism sector as the newly appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Olayiwola Awakan, officially assumed his duties at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. 

He arrives with a pledge to champion a new era defined by innovation, collaboration, and a strengthened commitment to positioning Nigeria as a prime global tourism destination.

Upon his arrival, Mr. Awakan was formally welcomed by the NTDA management team. Mr. Ovie Esewhaye, the Director overseeing the Office of the Director-General, completed the transition by presenting the official handover note. Following the reception, the new DG met with the Authority’s directors, toured the NTDA offices, and delivered his inaugural address to the staff at the NTDA Village Hall.

In his address, Mr. Awakan conveyed his profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the crucial role of advancing the nation’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the vehicle of tourism.

“I’m delighted to be here; this marks a new beginning. “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 allowing me to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda through tourism.”

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He also extended his commendation to the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, praising her visionary leadership and steadfast efforts to elevate the sector amidst 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 noted.

Acknowledging the solid foundation laid by his predecessors, Mr. Awakan affirmed his intention to build upon their successes. He stressed his commitment to enhancing the NTDA’s capacity to attract both international tourists and valuable investors to the country.

“I have assumed the leadership role after my predecessors excelled to the best of their abilities.” I will take it up from here,” he affirmed.

Calling for a united front, the Director-General highlighted teamwork, fresh perspectives, and inclusivity as the cornerstones for achieving the NTDA’s mandate.

“We need newness and freshness, and I can’t do it alone. We need collaborative effort,” he said. “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.”

An award-winning journalist, thespian, dramatist, poet, and passionate culture and tourism enthusiast, Mr. Olayiwola Awakan’s appointment signals the Tinubu administration’s strategic focus on leveraging Nigeria’s rich creative, cultural, and tourism assets as pivotal drivers for economic diversification and sustainable growth.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers

Who is the new Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA)?

The new Director-General is Mr. Olayiwola Awakan, an award-winning journalist, thespian, dramatist, poet, and culture and tourism enthusiast.

What is Mr. Awakan’s main goal as the new DG?

His main goal is to usher in a new era of innovation and collaboration to reposition Nigeria’s tourism industry, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Who appointed the new NTDA Director-General?

He was appointed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

What was Mr. Awakan’s message to the NTDA staff?

He emphasised the need for teamwork, new ideas, and an open-door policy, urging the staff to work collaboratively with him to “make history together and make Mr. President proud.”

How does this appointment align with the government’s agenda?

The appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to using creativity, culture, and tourism as key drivers for Nigeria’s economic diversification and growth.