By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
Nigerian Tourism Development Authority ( NTDA) and Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) has announced its collaboration to establish smart tourism hub .
The hub will provide virtual
access to tourism destinations across Nigeria while serving as a platform for learning,
innovation, and revenue generation.
The Director General NTDA
Ola Awakan, stated this when he, and his wife visited their
alma mater OOU and were warmly received by the Vice Chancellor, Ayodeji Agboola, and
members of the management team.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Awakan underscored the critical role of tourism in
Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
“As you know, Mr. President has emphasized that diversification is the way forward
for developing the economy. The only viable path away from oil is tourism. “Many
countries have transformed their economies through tourism, and for Nigeria, we have
far more potential than we realize”,he stated .
He also reaffirmed his commitment to giving back to the institution and expanding
collaboration.
“We will be partnering with Olabisi Onabanjo University to create more initiatives
beyond just having a Smart Tourism Hub in the university. It is about giving back to an
institution that has shaped me into who and what I am today.”
He further revealed plans that NTDA will collaborate with universities and
relevant agencies in developing robust tourism-focused curricula, positioning the
sector as a viable driver of job creation and economic growth.
During the visit, the NTDA DG toured key upgraded facilities within the university.
The facilities include state of the art ICT centre regarded as one of the
largest of in the country.
He comended
the institution for it commitment to innovation,
growth, and academic excellence.
The NTDA boss also visited the Performing Arts Department, where an excerpt of his
play, Echoes of the Drums, was performed in his honour, adding a cultural touch to his homecoming.
Responding, the
Vice-Chancellor described Dr. Awakan as a worthy
ambassador of the institution, commended his passion for excellence and
continued commitment to giving back.
He also welcomed the Smart Tourism Hub as
a timely and impactful development.
“It’s a great joy having the Director General on campus again after so many years
since graduating from here. We are delighted that he is making waves and doing Mr.
President proud.”
“Today, we have a majority of our population in the youths. If we can build on what we
are doing, then we can be confident that the future is bright. Initiatives like this open
the eyes of our students and create opportunities for them, even beyond graduation.”
In recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions, the Department of
Mass Communication,
conferred on him the Great Ambassador Award .
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