By Stellamaries Amuwa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has commended the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Ola Awakan, for his innovative use of immersive storytelling as a fresh and effective way to promote Nigeria’s tourism potential.
The commendation came during a courtesy visit by the NTDA Director-General to the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Tinubu praised Awakan’s initiatives in collaboration, innovation and immersive storytelling within his first year in office noting that such creative approaches are needed to better showcase the country’s tourism assets and attract global attention.
During the visit, Awakan secured the President’s endorsement for Nigeria’s participation at the 2026 World Travel Market (WTM) in London.
Speaking, Awakan observed that, “the platform will enable us to showcase the country’s destinations, build strategic partnerships and attract investment into the sector as part of broader efforts to strengthen tourism’s contribution to economic diversification.”
The NTDA Boss also briefed the President on the Authority’s ongoing initiatives to position tourism as a key driver of employment generation, investment attraction, and national development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. Discussions also focused on the reactivation of the Presidential Council on Tourism and other measures to restructure the sector.
As part of the visit, Awakan decorated the President with the NTDA Tourism Ambassador muffler in recognition of his contributions to tourism development. He also presented a publication titled Tourism as a Strategic Instrument for Economic Diversification and National Development.
