By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The new Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Olayiwola Awakan has assumed office the Authority’s Headquarters in Abuja, as he pledged to turnaround the Nigerian tourism sector through innovation and collaboration with relevant Stakeholders in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his maiden address, Awakan expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in him to drive 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,” he stated.
“Let me start by appreciating the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda through tourism.”
While commending the achievements of his predecessors, the Director-General pledged to consolidate on their successes and to build a more vibrant, efficient, and responsive NTDA capable of attracting tourists and investors to Nigeria.
“My predecessors have done excellently well best of their ability, and the baton of leadership has been passed to me. I will take it up from here,” he affirmed.
He further emphasized the importance of teamwork, innovation, and inclusivity in achieving the Authority’s mandate.
“We need newness, 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.”
Mr. Olayiwola Awakan is an award-winning journalist, thespian, dramatist, poet, and culture and tourism enthusiast.
His appointment reflects President Tinubu’s continued commitment to leveraging , culture, and tourism as key drivers of national economic diversification and growth.
He was received by the Management Team of the Authority, led by Mr. Ovie Esewhaye, the Director overseeing the Office of the Director-General, who presented the official handover note.
