Events

Otunba Runsewe honored with Vanguard’s Arts, Culture & Tourism Icon Award in Lagos

Published

2 years ago

May 27, 2024

The annual Vanguard Newspaper Arts, Culture, and Tourism Icon Award went to Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).

The great event took place in a blaze of color at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, attracting a constellation of stars from diverse realms of society.

Celebrating Excellence.

The Vanguard award ceremony served as an homage to exceptional Nigerians who have made an unmistakable mark in their various industries.

Otunba Runsewe’s significant accomplishments in the tourism industry established him as a shining example of excellence, deserving of this prestigious honour. Through his tireless efforts, the Director General has exhibited unprecedented dedication to the advancement of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and the promotion of tourism on both local and international levels.

A Legacy of Service.

Born in Kaduna to Mr. Bankole Runsewe and his wife, Otunba Runsewe’s rise to stardom has been marked by a tenacious commitment to his profession.

He attended St. Michael Primary School in Kaduna and Vohoeven Technical College in Minna before continuing his education by earning an MBA in Marketing from Edo State University and a Higher National Diploma in Management Studies from the London School for Executives. With a career spanning three decades, Otunba Runsewe has made an unforgettable mark in the arts, culture, and media.

His roles as Executive Director of the National Orientation Agency and Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) paved the way for dramatic change in the industry.

A visionary leader.

At the helm of the NTDC, Otunba Runsewe spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives that propelled Nigeria onto the global tourism stage. His innovative marketing campaigns, notably the slogan “Tourism is Life,” captured the essence of Nigeria’s diverse cultural tapestry, garnering international acclaim and recognition.

Under his leadership, Nigeria’s participation in international tourism expositions increased dramatically, exhibiting the country’s rich legacy and tourist attractions to the world. The Nigerian Tourism Village, a tribute to Otunba Runsewe’s vision, has received recognition at international events, cementing Nigeria’s position as a major participant in the tourism industry.

A champion of unity.

Aside from his professional accomplishments, Otunba Runsewe’s influence extends to promoting togetherness and societal integration through cultural interchange. His creation, the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), has evolved as a unifying force, bringing together people from many races and traditions under the flag of harmony and fraternity.

Transformative Initiatives

Otunba Runsewe’s term at NCAC has been defined by transformative initiatives aimed at using culture as a driver of national development. His Skill Acquisition Programme has created job opportunities for thousands of young people and women, allowing them to build their own path to economic prosperity.

The founding of the Abuja Cultural Market demonstrates Otunba Runsewe’s unrelenting commitment to preserve Nigeria’s cultural legacy. Through tireless labor, he reclaimed the enormous territory and rebuilt it into a lively cultural hub, bringing visitors from all around.

A Legacy of Courage

Otunba Runsewe’s strong spirit and unrelenting determination have endured the test of time, garnering him recognition and respect throughout the country. His refusal to compromise in the face of adversity demonstrates his commitment to the principles of integrity and accountability.

Looking ahead.

As Otunba Runsewe embarks on the next stage of his remarkable career, his reputation as a trailblazer in the arts, culture, and tourist industries will continue to inspire future generations.

His goal of a united and thriving Nigeria, rooted in its rich cultural legacy, remains unwavering as he leads the way to a better future for all.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

2 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.