In a resounding recognition of his decades-long contribution to Nigeria’s tourism and cultural development, Otunba Segun Runsewe, former Director General of both the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), has been conferred with the prestigious “Pillar of Nigerian Culture and Tourism” award.
The honour was bestowed by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), the umbrella body for the Nigerian travel press during its award ceremony held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Towers.
The event brought together distinguished personalities from Nigeria’s public and private sectors, celebrating trailblazers who have made significant impacts in promoting and sustaining the nation’s tourism and cultural identity.
Among the honourees were: Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, former Minister of Tourism and Culture; Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, recognised as Foremost National Tourism Builder and Creative Mind; Mr. Jemi Alade, honoured as National Trailblazer in Inbound Tour Operations; Engr. 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.
In his address, Mr. Okorie Uguru, President of ANJET, emphasized that the awards were designed to celebrate excellence and inspire renewed commitment to national service within the tourism industry.
“These awards are not just about honouring those currently serving; they are about appreciating those who have served with distinction,” Uguru said. “Our goal is to remind today’s leaders that true service leaves a lasting impact. The individuals we honour have built the foundation of the tourism industry’s growth and visibility in Nigeria.”
He further noted that ANJET, as an institution with historical memory of the industry, remains committed to preserving the legacies of those who have contributed immensely to national tourism advancement.
In his acceptance speech, Otunba Runsewe expressed gratitude to ANJET for the recognition while lamenting the slow pace of tourism development in Nigeria despite its vast potential.
“I stopped talking for a while because there’s too much talk in tourism and little action,” he said. “We attend conferences, make big speeches, and return home without implementing anything. Tourism is not just about travel; it’s an industry capable of transforming economies and creating massive employment.”
Runsewe underscored the untapped potential in religious tourism, citing the late Pastor T.B. Joshua as an example of how faith-based tourism once drew thousands of international visitors to Nigeria.
“When T.B. Joshua hosted his conferences, over 20 private jets from different countries were parked at our airports,” he revealed. “That’s religious tourism but we failed to see and harness it. If managed properly, tourism could rival agriculture as Nigeria’s largest employer of labour.”
He also recalled the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, referencing a notable trip to Trinidad and Tobago led by Ambassador Ogbuewu, where Obasanjo’s now-famous line, ‘I stand on the existing protocol,’ became a cultural talking point further highlighting tourism’s power to shape narratives.
Runsewe, who has long been regarded as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s cultural reawakening, urged stakeholders to embrace action-driven reforms that can reposition the nation’s tourism sector as a global force.
He commended ANJET for its steadfast role in promoting the industry, encouraging the association to continue honouring excellence and amplifying tourism journalism as a tool for national growth.
“It is a privilege to be celebrated while alive,” Runsewe concluded. “Let us keep working to ensure Nigeria’s tourism and culture occupy their rightful place in global conversations.”