By Henry Obetta

Publisher of The Drum Online (Pan-Afrikan) and Convener of the annual Pan-Afrikan Drum Festival in Canada, Prince Segun Akanni, has congratulated Mr. Ola Awakan of TV Continental, TVC, on his appointment as the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, by President Bola Tinubu.

Awakan, a seasoned journalist, news producer, cultural advocate, and initiator of Echoes of the Drums, was appointed Director-General of NTDC by President Tinubu in recognition of his expertise and commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s tourism sector. He will officially assume office on September 2, 2025, for an initial four-year term.

Prince Akanni, in a statement, urged Awakan to prioritise collaborations with private-sector players and key stakeholders in the tourism industry, in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to diversify the economy and make tourism a major driver of growth.

He said: “With Awakan’s expertise and commitment, I believe the NTDC will drive sustainable tourism initiatives, strengthen industry capacity, and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. Your dedication and leadership skills will be a great asset to your new team.”

As Director-General, Awakan will oversee the activities of the NTDC — the federal agency responsible for developing and promoting Nigeria’s tourism industry. The Corporation plays a central role in identifying and marketing tourist sites, fostering both domestic and foreign tourism, encouraging investment in tourism infrastructure, and positioning tourism as a key revenue-generating sector for the nation.