Ooni of Ife praises Ola Awakan’s appointment as DG of NTDC, saying his creativity and cultural passion will boost Nigeria’s tourism and youth empowerment
Ooni of Ife praises Ola Awakan for his appointment as the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), expressing confidence that his leadership will revitalise Nigeria’s tourism industry and promote the country’s rich cultural heritage.
In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, described the appointment as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s recognition of youthful brilliance, innovation, and cultural passion as vital tools for national growth.
The monarch commended Awakan’s long-standing contribution to cultural promotion and storytelling, noting that his deep involvement in Nigeria’s major festivals demonstrated his commitment to heritage preservation.
“As a dynamic Nigerian youth, a seasoned broadcast journalist, cultural ambassador and advocate of tourism development per excellence, Ola Awakan has consistently shown an uncommon talent for storytelling, heritage promotion and festival visibility,” the Ooni said.
He added that Awakan’s participation in festivals such as Osun-Osogbo, Olojo, and Aje reflected his devotion to preserving Nigeria’s indigenous traditions and using them as platforms for social and economic empowerment.
The monarch encouraged Awakan to use his new position as an opportunity to shape tourism policies that would reposition Nigeria as the cultural capital of Africa, stressing that cultural tourism could become a major source of national revenue.
Ooni urged the DG to promote Nigeria’s festivals and heritage sites to global audiences while creating opportunities for young people through arts, crafts, 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,” the monarch said.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for entrusting the NTDC leadership to a visionary young Nigerian, saying the appointment aligns with the government’s commitment to culture, creativity and tourism as engines of unity and growth.
“The President’s decision reflects his commitment to building a future where culture, tourism and the creative economy stand as pillars of national unity and economic advancement,” the Ooni concluded.
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