Mr. Olayiwola Awakan has officially assumed duties as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) in Abuja, marking a new chapter for Nigeria’s tourism sector. In his inaugural address, Awakan outlined a clear vision to revitalize the industry through a strategic blend of innovation, collaboration, and a strong commitment to delivering on President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

A distinguished journalist and passionate culture enthusiast, Awakan shared his leadership philosophy, which will prioritize creativity, inclusivity, and teamwork. These principles, he noted, are essential to strengthening the Authority’s core mandate and attracting vital investment into Nigeria’s rich and diverse tourism landscape. His reception at the NTDA headquarters was led by Mr. Ovie Esewhaye, Director overseeing the Office of the Director-General, who facilitated the official handover. Following the ceremony, Awakan met with Directors, toured the agency’s facilities, and addressed staff at the NTDA Village Hall, setting a forward-looking tone for his tenure.

During his maiden address, Awakan expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with such a pivotal role, pledging to deliver tangible and meaningful results for the tourism industry. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the “Renewed Hope Agenda” through the tourism sector and praised the dedication of the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa. Awakan acknowledged the Minister’s resolute efforts to reposition the sector despite limited resources, stating his intention to “complement her efforts” in driving sustainable growth.

Recognizing the groundwork laid by his predecessors, Awakan vowed to build on their achievements while striving to make the NTDA more efficient, responsive, and globally competitive. “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 affirmed, emphasizing continuity and progress as the hallmarks of his administration.

Awakan also underscored his commitment to an open-door leadership style, encouraging staff to share ideas freely, regardless of their perceived value, as “any idea can be refined into a fantastic one.” He urged a culture of teamwork, innovation, and collective responsibility, emphasizing that the Authority’s success will depend on collaborative effort and shared creativity. “We need newness, freshness, and I can’t do it alone. We need collaborative effort,” he declared, calling on his team to “make history together and make Mr. President proud.”

With decades of experience in media and the creative industries, Mr. Olayiwola Awakan is a renowned journalist, dramatist, poet, and cultural advocate. His appointment, observers note, reflects President Tinubu’s strategic vision to harness Nigeria’s cultural and tourism potential as key drivers of economic diversification and sustainable national development.