Ooni Congratulates Ola Awakan, Newly Appointed DG of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation

Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) and Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, The Ooni of Ife, extends warm congratulations to Mr. Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan, also known as Ola Awakan, on his recent appointment as the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).

A young and energetic Nigerian’s appointment is more than simply another feather in their crown; it is a powerful declaration that the current government values youthful talent, cultural fervor, and inventive spirit as vital components of a new Nigeria.

Ola Awakan is familiar with Nigeria’s cultural environment. As a vibrant young Nigerian, seasoned broadcast journalist, cultural ambassador, and champion of tourism development supreme, she has continuously shown an exceptional talent for storytelling, heritage promotion, and festival public awareness. He has been a dedicated attendee of several indigenous festivals that highlight the social, spiritual, and economic prowess of the Nigerian people over the years, including the Olojo, Aje, and Osun-Osogbo festivals. With his new role, he can now turn those interests into national and international tourist policies that would reestablish Nigeria as Africa’s cultural hub.

Arole Oduduwa urges Ola Awakan to view this position as a sacred duty in order to spread awareness of Nigeria’s celebrations and historical landmarks, transform cultural tourism into a significant source of income, and open doors for his fellow young people in our country through hospitality, arts, crafts, and cultural entrepreneurship.
Nigerians and the global community alike are anticipating the wonders he will accomplish in turning our festivals into world-class events that will inspire pride, create jobs, and bring wealth.

Ooni Ogunwusi expresses his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his vision in delegating this significant responsibility to a young Nigerian with a clear vision. With this decision, the President is demonstrating his dedication to creating a future in which the creative economy, tourism, and culture serve as the cornerstones of both economic growth and national cohesion.

According to the Ooni, who are the guardians of the entire Oduduwa race, and Yoruba culture and customs specifically, this nomination is a divine fit for advancing our legacy. Today, the NTDC and our own Ola Awakan have the responsibility of making sure that our history, culture, and festivals are conserved, updated, and exported for the benefit of people throughout the world.

Under the direction of Oon Ogunwusi, the House of Oduduwa takes this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Ola Awakan and offer up prayers for his divine wisdom, grace, and strength as he embarks on this admirable endeavor.

Two years ago, Ooni Ogunwusi presented the African Youth Leadership Award to 100 African youths from Kenya, South Africa, Mozambique, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Ivory Coast, and other countries. This was in recognition of Ola Awakan’s legacy and contributions to Nigerian youths in Ile-Ife. The Ooni awards exceptional African youths for their leadership and youth development in Nigeria and Africa.

The annual celebration of young Africans making a difference by the Royal African Young Leadership Forum included this award as one of its many events.

Atunba Moses Olafare, Director of Media & Public Affairs at Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, signed the document.