Industry Veterans Honoured at Lagos Gala: Fresh Spotlight on Nigerian Tourism’s Untapped Potential
The Nigerian tourism and culture sector recently experienced a moment of recognition and reflection as top industry figures were celebrated at a vibrant awards ceremony in Lagos. The event, held at the renowned Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Towers, was organised by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), which serves as the umbrella body for Nigeria’s travel press. ANJET’s initiative highlights the importance of recognising contributions that have shaped the nation’s tourism landscape and calls attention to the sector’s future possibilities for Africa as a whole.
This year, the spotlight was on Otunba Segun Runsewe, the former Director General of both the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA). Runsewe was honoured with the prestigious Pillar of Nigerian Culture and Tourism award, acknowledging his enduring impact in championing the growth and visibility of Nigerian tourism. He joined a distinguished group of recipients, including former Minister of Tourism and Culture Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, and other notable personalities from both public and private sectors, each recognised for their unique roles in advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Among the other honourees were Otunba Wanle Akinboboye (awarded as Foremost National Tourism Builder and Creative Mind), Mr. Jemi Alade (National Trailblazer in Inbound Tour Operation), Engineer Tarzan Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun (National Icon in Tourist Boat Operations and Water Transportation), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung (Icon of Consistency and Resilience in National Tourism Leadership), and Chief Abimbola Bode-Thomas (Hospitality and Tourism Management Amazon). Each awardee represents a distinct facet of Nigeria’s vibrant tourism ecosystem, from creative entrepreneurship to consistency in leadership and innovation in hospitality management.
Speaking at the ceremony, ANJET President Okorie Uguru underscored the rationale behind the awards. He emphasised that the recognition is not merely for those currently serving, but especially for those whose past efforts have laid the groundwork for today’s industry achievements. “It is about promoting a culture of service and showing appreciation to those who have served with distinction, challenging today’s leaders to strive for greater impact,” Uguru stated. He highlighted the critical role of institutional memory and continuity, noting that many of the awardees have remained influential even after leaving public service.
For the African tourism industry, the Lagos event provides a timely reflection on the importance of recognising and leveraging experience and expertise for sustainable growth. The honourees’ careers illustrate how lasting contributions can set the stage for future generations to build upon, reinforcing the need for robust mentorship and knowledge transfer throughout the continent’s tourism value chain.
In his acceptance speech, Otunba Segun Runsewe offered candid insights into the current state of Nigerian—and by extension, African—tourism. He lamented the persistent gap between discussion and decisive action, observing that despite frequent dialogues about tourism’s potential, implementation remains slow. “There are too many talks in tourism, there is no action,” he remarked. “We speak big English and go back. For me, I am almost tired of talking, because there is no action.” His comments resonate with many industry professionals across Africa, who often face similar challenges of policy inertia and underutilisation of tourism’s economic potential.
Runsewe’s remarks also touched on the vital but often overlooked segment of religious tourism. He recounted how the late Pastor T.B. Joshua’s ministry attracted international visitors, with private jets from around the world landing in Nigeria for religious events. “There is religious tourism in Nigeria. We have not tapped into it,” he said, highlighting the missed opportunities to formalise and benefit from this segment. This perspective is particularly relevant for African countries with vibrant religious communities and rich spiritual heritage, as it suggests new avenues for tourism development beyond traditional leisure and business travel.
He further pointed out that if Nigeria were to manage tourism effectively, it could dramatically reduce unemployment, given tourism’s capacity as a labour-intensive sector. “After agriculture, tourism is the biggest employer of labour, but we are still playing games, we are still telling ourselves stories,” he noted. This message holds significance for the wider Sub-Saharan African context, where the need for job creation and economic diversification remains a top priority. By harnessing the full spectrum of tourism, including cultural, religious, and eco-tourism, African nations can unlock new sources of income and community empowerment.
The awards ceremony also reflected the importance of celebrating achievements during recipients’ lifetimes, fostering a culture of gratitude and encouragement within the industry. Runsewe thanked ANJET for the recognition and urged the association to continue its work in documenting the sector’s history and promoting excellence. “It is only the living that can be celebrated. Let us thank God that during our lifetime, we are being celebrated. It is not everybody that has that opportunity,” he said, reinforcing the value of timely acknowledgment in motivating industry stakeholders.
For Africa’s tourism industry professionals, the event in Lagos serves as both an inspiration and a call to action. It highlights the transformative impact of visionary leadership and innovative thinking, while also underscoring the urgent need to move from rhetoric to results. As the continent seeks to position itself as a dynamic tourism destination, embracing a proactive approach—grounded in collaboration, strategic investment, and the celebration of homegrown talent—will be crucial for unlocking future growth.
Ultimately, the recognition of stalwarts like Runsewe and his peers is more than a celebration of individual achievement. It is a powerful reminder of the collective journey that has brought African tourism to its current crossroads—and a challenge to the next generation to build on this foundation, driving the industry toward its full potential in the years ahead.
