The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has congratulated Mr. Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan, popularly known as Ola Awakan, on his appointment as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).
In a statement signed by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch described the appointment as a celebration of youthful innovation, cultural devotion, and national potential.
According to the Ooni, who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) and Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Awakan’s emergence reflects the federal government’s confidence in the energy and creativity of young Nigerians capable of shaping the country’s tourism future.
“This appointment is not just another feather in the cap of a young and vibrant Nigerian, it is a strong statement that the present administration recognizes youthful brilliance, cultural passion and innovative drive as essential ingredients for national rebirth,” the statement quoted the Ooni as saying.
Ooni Ogunwusi extolled Awakan’s long-standing commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural identity through journalism, tourism advocacy, and festival participation. He noted that Awakan, a seasoned broadcast journalist and cultural ambassador, has been deeply involved in major cultural festivals such as the Osun-Osogbo Festival, Olojo Festival, and Aje Festival.
The monarch expressed optimism that Awakan’s new role at the NTDC would enable him to transform his cultural enthusiasm into impactful tourism policies that could reposition Nigeria as the cultural capital of Africa.
He charged the new DG to see his appointment as a “sacred responsibility” to promote Nigeria’s festivals and heritage sites to global audiences, turn cultural tourism into a major revenue source, and create sustainable opportunities for Nigerian youths in arts, crafts, hospitality, and cultural entrepreneurship.
“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,” Ooni Ogunwusi said.
The Ooni also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what he described as “a visionary decision” to appoint a young professional with deep cultural insight to lead the nation’s tourism agency.
