Copyright tribuneonlineng
…says my passion for Nigeria brand promotion is total Following his passion and commitment to the Nigerian brand promotion project, the former Director General of NTDC, now NTDA and NCAC, Otunba Olusegun Rumewe was recently conferred with the Pillar of Nigerian Tourism and Culture Award by the Association of Travel Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET). The award which took place during the 2025 ANJET Conference and Awards held at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, rallied eminent stakeholders in the public and private spheres to a day session where the audience brought alive memory of golden days of impactful tourism and culture promotion domestically and internationally. The event did not only highlight the frenetic effort but also the uncommon passion of Runsewe and other awardees in building a voice for practical tourism to strive. Speaking at the event, the president of ANJET, Mr Okorie Uguru, reeled out the landmark achievement in capacity building, diplomatic ties and brand promotion and positioning of Nigeria’s tourism and cultural potentialities within and outside Nigeria. Uguru said the awards aim to promote the culture of service to the people, and also showing appreciation to those who have served the nation with distinction while holding public office. He said: “It is not about celebrating those who are serving the country now, but showing appreciation to those who have served in the past, to challenge current political office holders to put in their best. “The individuals and distinguished Nigerians we are honouring are among the people that built the visibility and growth the tourism industry is enjoying today… They have contributed, and are still contributing to the sector. “As holders of institutional memories and archivists of this industry, we know the roles they have played and are still playing in the development of the Nigerian tourism industry. That is why years after some of our awardees have left public offices, we still call them to bestow this honours.” While receiving the award, Runsewe lamented the inability of Nigeria to take tourism seriously. He said: “I stopped talking for some time because there are too many talks in tourism, there is no action. Runsewe and tourism are life era. Runsewe has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s tourism industry, which have greatly enhanced the country’s visibility on the global stage. Through his active participation in key international events, including the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2018 World Cup in Russia, as well as major travel markets such as FITUR in Spain, ATM in Dubai, ITB Berlin in Germany, and WTM Excel in London, Runsewe has elevated Nigeria’s presence in the tourism sector. One of his notable achievements is the launch of the “Tourism is Life” marketing campaign, which has provided Nigerian tourism with unprecedented levels of both national and international recognition, establishing Nigeria as a top tourism destination in Africa. His leadership in organizations such as the National Council for Arts and Culture and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority has further reinforced his influential role in the industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Runsewe took decisive actions to mitigate its effects on Nigeria’s creative sector, where many professionals were left without salaries due to the lockdown. He led the Post COVID-19 Initiative Committee on the Creative Industry to assess the pandemic’s impact and recommend necessary support measures. This initiative not only addressed immediate concerns but also sought government intervention to provide relief for affected professionals, resulting in various support programs and funds. Runsewe’s extensive contributions extend beyond pandemic response; he has been instrumental in organizing significant cultural events such as the Abuja Carnival and the Nigerian Tourism Village, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. His leadership roles at the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) have played a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s narrative in arts, culture, and tourism. In summary, Otunba Segun Runsewe’s dedication to promoting Nigeria’s cultural and tourism sectors has fostered development within the industry, both locally and globally. His ongoing efforts continue to support and enhance Nigeria’s creative landscape.
