Nigeria’s tourism sector has entered a defining moment as the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) officially decorated Kabiesi, Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan Ojaja II (CFR) as the Grand Patron of Tourism of Nigeria, a landmark recognition that signals renewed national ambition and global confidence in the country’s tourism potential.
The honour was conferred today, Friday, 6th February,2026 by the Director-General of NTDA, Dr. Ola Awakan, acting on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning tourism as a pillar of economic growth, cultural diplomacy, and job creation.
In a complementary milestone, NTDA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OJAJA Pan Africa, a business conglomerate owned by the Ooni of Ife. The partnership designates OJAJA Pan Africa to lead strategic tourism investments across Nigeria, opening pathways for large-scale infrastructure development, destination branding, heritage conservation, and private-sector participation.
Widely respected for his visionary leadership, cultural influence, and global networks, the Ooni’s emergence as the face of Nigerian tourism is expected to catalyze massive foreign and domestic investment, attract diaspora engagement, and elevate Nigeria’s rich cultural assets onto the world stage.
This collaboration marks more than an appointment, it heralds a new era. With tradition and enterprise aligned, Nigeria’s tourism story is set for a bold rewrite, one that celebrates heritage, unlocks value, and invites the world to experience Nigeria anew.
Congratulations to Kabiesi OONIRISA.
Nigeria’s tourism journey has found its standard-bearer.
