The Co-Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) and Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council(SNTRC), Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, The Ooni of Ife heartily congratulates a brilliant son of the soil, Mr. Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan (popularly known as Ola Awakan) on his recent appointment as the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).
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.
Ola Awakan is no stranger to the cultural landscape of Nigeria. As a dynamic Nigerian youth, a seasoned broadcast journalist, cultural ambassador and advocate of tourism development per excellence who has consistently demonstrated an uncommon acumen for storytelling, heritage promotion and festival visibility.
Over the years, he has been a committed participant at festivals like the Osun-Osogbo Festival, Olojo Festival, Aje Festival, and numerous other indigenous celebrations that showcase the spiritual, economic and social strength of the Nigerian people.
His new office now gives him the platform to translate those passions into national and global tourism policies that will reposition Nigeria as a cultural capital of Africa.
Arole Oduduwa charges Ola Awakan to see this appointment as a sacred responsibility to promote Nigeria’s festivals and heritage sites to the world, to turn cultural tourism into a major revenue earner and to create opportunities for his fellow youths of our land through 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 further appreciates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his foresight in entrusting this great responsibility into the hands of a visionary young Nigerian.
The President’s decision reflects his commitment to building a future where culture, tourism and creative economy stand as pillars of national unity and economic growth.
As the custodian of the entire Oduduwa race, Yoruba culture and traditions in particular, the Ooni affirms that this appointment is a divine alignment for the promotion of our heritage.
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.
The House of Oduduwa under the leadership Oon Ogunwusi uses this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Ola Awakan and prays for divine wisdom, strength, and grace as he takes on this noble task.
Ola Awakan was among the 100 African youths from Kenya, South Africa , Mozambique, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Ivory Coast and from across the globe honored by Ooni Ogunwusi two years ago with the African Youth Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions and legacy among Nigerian youths at Ile-Ife during an event where the Ooni recognises outstanding African youths for their contributions to youth development and leadership in Nigeria and Africa.
This recognition was part of the broader Royal African Young Leadership Forum activities that annually celebrate young Africans making a difference.
