In a landmark gesture of recognition, a high-powered delegation from the South West zone of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) paid a courtesy visit to the office of Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), in Abuja. During the visit, the youth body presented Dr. Awakan with the prestigious “Tourism Icon of the Decade” award for his outstanding leadership and transformative contributions to Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The award presentation underscored the growing synergy between Nigeria’s youth and the nation’s tourism industry. Discussions at the meeting centred on practical strategies for deeper youth inclusion in tourism development, including skills acquisition, entrepreneurship opportunities, and policy frameworks that empower young Nigerians to drive sustainable growth in the sector.
Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, a multiple award-winning broadcast journalist, dramatist, poet, and storyteller, was appointed Director General of the NTDA by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) on September 2, 2025, for an initial four-year term. Since assuming office, he has spearheaded aggressive reforms aimed at repositioning tourism as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic diversification, cultural diplomacy, and job creation. Under his leadership, the NTDA has prioritised stakeholder collaboration, destination marketing, and regulatory excellence, culminating in his recent appointment as Chairman of the African Travel Commission (ATC) in February 2026.
The NTDA, Nigeria’s apex tourism body, is mandated to develop, promote, market, and regulate the country’s vast tourism assets—from eco-tourism sites and cultural festivals to heritage destinations and hospitality infrastructure. Dr. Awakan’s vision aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising tourism’s potential to generate foreign exchange, create millions of jobs, and project Nigeria’s soft power globally.
The South West zonal leadership of the NYCN, representing the vibrant youth population across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states, described the award as a tribute to Dr. Awakan’s commitment to inclusive growth. The engagement is expected to open new channels for youth-led tourism initiatives, such as digital storytelling, community-based tourism enterprises, and capacity-building programmes targeting young professionals.
Speaking after the event, stakeholders noted that youth inclusion remains critical to the sector’s future, given that over 60% of Nigerians are under 30 years old. The partnership between NYCN South West and the NTDA signals a new era of collaboration that could unlock innovation, investment, and employment opportunities for young Nigerians in tourism and hospitality.
This recognition comes at a pivotal time as the NTDA intensifies efforts to reposition Nigeria as Africa’s premier tourism destination. Dr. Awakan’s receipt of the “Tourism Icon of the Decade” award not only celebrates past achievements but also reinforces a shared commitment to building a tourism industry that is youthful, dynamic, and globally competitive.
