The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has congratulated Mr. Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan on his appointment as Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), describing it as a celebration of youthful innovation, cultural devotion, and national potential.
The monarch, in a statement signed by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, noted that 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.
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 added.
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 further 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, however, 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 stated.
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.
He added that the appointment underscores the President’s commitment to building a future where culture, tourism, and the creative economy become pillars of national unity and economic growth.
“As the custodian of the Oduduwa race and Yoruba culture, I see this appointment as a divine alignment for the promotion of our heritage,” the Ooni said. “It is now the duty of our own Ola Awakan and the NTDC to ensure that our history, heritage and festivals are preserved, modernized and exported for global admiration.”
Recalling Awakan’s past recognition, the statement noted that he was among the 100 African youths honoured by the Ooni two years ago at Ile-Ife with the African Youth Leadership Award, as part of the Royal African Young Leadership Forum—an initiative that celebrates young Africans who demonstrate excellence in leadership and innovation.
The Ooni, on behalf of the House of Oduduwa, extended prayers for divine wisdom, strength, and grace for Mr. Awakan as he takes on his new role in steering Nigeria’s tourism industry toward global competitiveness.
