By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has thrown his royal weight behind the Director-General (DG) of Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Dr. Ola Awakan, in a landmark partnership aimed at elevating Nigeria’s tourism landscape.
The NTDA and OJAJA Pan Africa Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise the federal agency’s mandate with the private-sector expertise of OJAJA.
The partnership aims to harness Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, cuisine, and hospitality to drive economic growth, positioning tourism as a cornerstone of national development.
During the signing ceremony, NTDA’s Director General praised the Ooni as an “epitome of culture, a father, and a staunch supporter of the youth,” acknowledging him as a true royal figure.
Speaking further, Dr. Awakan stated that the partnership is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of diversification from oil and amplification of the PPP initiative.
“This partnership promises transformative benefits for Nigeria’s tourism industry, including economic diversification beyond oil dependency,” he said.
“By utilising our storytelling capabilities, we can generate sustainable revenue and attract investments, create jobs, and boost foreign exchange inflows.”
The Ooni eulogised the DG’s professionalism and dedication, noting his pivotal role in initiatives like the Royal African Youth Leadership Forum.
He encouraged continued promotion of youth interests in tourism, highlighting the DG’s nationwide experience and commitment to Nigeria’s diversity.
The partnership is expected to have a lasting impact on Nigeria’s tourism industry, with OJAJA bringing private capital and diaspora networks to the table, creating a synergistic public-private framework for sustainable tourism advancement.
The NTDA-OJAJA alliance sets a blueprint for tourism-led prosperity, promising lasting impacts on employment, revenue, and global visibility.
