The Association of Travel and Tourism Writers of Nigeria (ATTWON) has expressed confidence in the leadership capacity of the newly appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Awakan, a seasoned journalist and former staff of TVC News, succeeds Dr. Folorunsho Coker as head of the NTDA. His appointment, ATTWON noted, comes at a pivotal moment when Nigeria is seeking to fully harness the opportunities of the digital economy in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Hannah Oginni, ATTWON described Awakan as a visionary professional with a track record of digital advocacy, innovation, and leadership—qualities the association believes will advance Nigeria’s tourism sector into a globally competitive, tech-driven industry.
“As tourism writers committed to showcasing Nigeria’s cultural heritage and destinations, we recognise the pivotal role NTDA can play in using technology to power the tourism and creative economy,” ATTWON said.
The association pledged its support for Awakan’s administration, highlighting priority areas such as enhancing domestic tourism infrastructure and visibility, empowering entrepreneurs and content creators with digital tools, driving innovation in cultural promotion, and positioning Nigeria as a key player on the global tourism map.
Interestingly, the appointment came shortly after World Tourism Day 2025, themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” ATTWON described this as a clear signal of the president’s intent to reposition NTDA as an engine for positive economic change, innovation, and community-based growth.
The group further expressed optimism that Awakan’s tenure would foster stronger collaboration between stakeholders and government at all levels to better project, market, and sell Nigeria’s tourist assets globally.
“We are confident that his leadership will usher in a new era of digital transformation that amplifies Nigeria’s cultural capital and tourism potential to both local and international audiences,” ATTWON added.
