New NTDA DG pledges innovation and collaboration to drive Nigeria’s tourism industry

The new Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Olayiwola Awakan, has pledged to usher in a new era of innovation, collaboration, and renewed commitment towards repositioning Nigeria’s tourism industry.

Awaken made the pledge while assuming office at the Authority’s Headquarters in Abuja, and expressed deep appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, 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. 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,” said he.

Mr. Awakan also acknowledged the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, for her visionary leadership and tireless efforts in repositioning the sector despite limited resources.

“The responsibility bestowed on her is weighty, and even with the limited resources, she has been able to push ahead. I am here to complement her efforts,” he noted.

While commending the achievements of his predecessors, the Director-General pledged to consolidate on their successes and build a more vibrant, efficient, and responsive NTDA capable of attracting tourists and investors to Nigeria.

“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.

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 creativity, culture, and tourism as key drivers of national economic diversification and growth.