Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, and 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), extend their warmest 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).
The current administration’s recognition of youthful talent, cultural zeal, and innovative drive as crucial components for national rebirth is demonstrated by this nomination, which goes beyond simply adding another feather to the head of a young and energetic Nigerian.
Ola Awakan is well acquainted with Nigerian culture. As a vibrant young Nigerian, seasoned broadcast journalist, cultural ambassador, and champion of tourism development, she has continuously shown a unique talent for culture promotion, storytelling, and festival visibility. He has been an active participant in several indigenous events that highlight the social, economic, and spiritual prowess of the Nigerian people over the years, including the Olojo, Aje, and Osun-Osogbo festivals. He now has the opportunity to turn those interests into national and international tourist strategies in his new post, which will help Nigeria regain its status as Africa’s cultural capital.
Ola Awakan is charged by Arole Oduduwa to view this position as a sacred duty in order to spread awareness of Nigeria’s festivals and historical sites throughout the world, make cultural tourism a significant source of income, and provide opportunities for his fellow young people in our country through hospitality, arts, crafts, and cultural entrepreneurship.
Nigerians and the rest of the world are eager to see what miracles he can do in turning our festivals into world-class events that will inspire pride, create jobs, and bring prosperity.
Ooni Ogunwusi also thanks President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for having the vision to commit this important job to a young Nigerian with a lot of promise. The President’s choice demonstrates his dedication to creating a future in which the creative economy, tourism, and culture serve as the cornerstones of both economic expansion and national cohesion.
The Ooni confirm that this appointment is a divine alignment for the development of our heritage, as they are the guardians of the entire Oduduwa race, and Yoruba culture and traditions in particular. Our own Ola Awakan and the NTDC are now responsible for making sure that our history, culture, and festivals are conserved, updated, and exported for the benefit of people throughout the world.
As Mr. Ola Awakan embarks on this admirable mission, the House of Oduduwa, led by Oon Ogunwusi, takes this opportunity to congratulate him and offer up prayers for divine wisdom, strength, and grace.
As part of an event where Ooni Ogunwusi honors exceptional African youths for their contributions to youth development and leadership in Nigeria and Africa, Ola Awakan was one of 100 African youths from Kenya, South Africa, Mozambique, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Ivory Coast, and other countries who received the African Youth Leadership Award two years ago in recognition of his legacy and contributions among Nigerian youths in Ile-Ife.
The Royal African Young Leadership Forum honors young Africans who are making a difference every year, and this accolade was a part of its larger activities.
signed by Ooni Moses Olafare, Director of Public Affairs & Media at Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.
