ATTWON Urges Support for Awakan After Appointment as NTDA Director-General

The Association of Travel and Tourism Writers of Nigeria (ATTWON) has publicly congratulated Mr. Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan on his recent appointment as the substantive Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA). In its statement, the association praised the decision, saying it heralds a new chapter for Nigeria’s tourism sector under Awakan’s leadership.

ATTWON also pledged its full cooperation and support for Awakan’s vision to digitally transform the tourism industry, strengthen domestic and international promotion, and leverage Nigeria’s diverse cultural and historical assets. The writers’ group expressed optimism that his tenure will usher in strategies to boost infrastructure, branding, and sustainable tourism practices.

In announcing the appointment earlier, the government had cited Awakan’s track record in the creative, media, and cultural sectors as among the reasons for his selection. Observers note that his experience in arts, cultural advocacy, and media landscapes positions him to bridge the gaps between culture, heritage, and tourism development.

Stakeholders in the travel, hospitality, and cultural sectors welcomed ATTWON’s endorsement. Many believe that having a writers’ body—which intersects media visibility and narrative building—as an ally could enhance storytelling, destination branding, and content development for Nigeria’s tourism appeal.

Within the NTDA, expectations are high: industry actors anticipate initiatives such as improved digital platforms for destination marketing, stronger regulation and standards, partnerships with state and local tourism bodies, and better funding mechanisms for tourism infrastructure. There is also hope that Awakan will emphasize regional tourism circuits, heritage site revivals, and sustainable practices to preserve natural and cultural resources.

Critics and analysts, while optimistic, urge that much will depend on political will, interagency cooperation, funding consistency, and stakeholder inclusion. They caution that ambitious plans must be backed by logistics—transport linkages, accessibility, safety, accommodation standards, and community buy-in—to translate the vision into measurable tourism growth.

As Awakan assumes his new role, ATTWON’s public support is seen as both symbolic and strategic. By aligning travel writers—who influence public perception, media narratives, and tourism advocacy—with the NTDA’s goals, the synergy could amplify Nigeria’s tourism story. The coming months will reveal how the new leadership, supported by industry stakeholders, turns ambition into actionable progress in repositioning Nigeria as a top destination in Africa.