Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Segun Runsewe, has hailed the achievements of one of the Nigeria’s pioneer tourism administrators, Dr. Franklin John Adejuwon, who celebrated his 80th birthday anniversary, recently.
The event, held in Lagos, gathered a host of top industry operators, both from the public and private sectors of the economy, to pay homage to the man who guided the country’s tourism sector, often sacrificing himself as a bridge and mediator in the comity of global tourism operators.
Dr Adejuwon is generally credited with crafting the first National Tourism Masterplan for the country, which was officially launched in 2006 by the then Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr Adetokunbo Kayode, in Abuja.
A former Director of Research and Planning, and later Chief Executive of the defunct Nigeria Tourist Board (NTB), as well as a one-time Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Tourism in the 80s, Dr Adejuwon also had a stint at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources as minister of state.
He was the country’s consultant and member of the executive council of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Also a member and later chairman of the technical committee for programmes and coordination (TCPC) of the General Assembly of the UNWTO.
He was born on September 27, 1943 and holds the first Tourism PhD degree in Nigeria.
In his speech at the birthday celebration, Runsewe who landed the celebrant as a ‘pillar of tourism,’ said the occasion is better described as Pa Adejuwon’s ‘Oak Jubilee.’
Runsewe, who described himself as one of Pa Adejuwon’s protégés and who has followed the imprints of his gigantic strides, stated that it won an honor for him to deliver the felicitation encomium, just as he expressed a deep gratitude for the profound impact the celebrant has had on his life, including ‘those of countless others and indeed the growth and development of our country Nigeria, especially in the tourism sector.
Continuing, Runsewe celebrated Pa Adejuwon for his ‘indomitable spirit,’ which, according to him, used to his advantage as he championed the cause of promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to the world.
“Through his tireless efforts, he not only succeeded in putting Nigeria on the global tourism map, but also inspired a generation of young professionals to follow in his footsteps.
“Under his leadership, the Nigerian tourism industry flourished. He spearheaded numerous initiatives to develop infrastructure, preserve historical sites and promote sustainable tourism practices. His strategic partnerships with international organisations created opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and capacity building.
“The tourism sector experienced unprecedented growth, attracting visitors from around the world and generating employment opportunities for countless Nigerians.
“Beyond his professional achievements, Pa Adejuwon’s greatest legacy lies in his mentorship and guidance to succeeding generation of cultural administrators,” he said.
He has been a beacon, a source of inspiration. His wisdom, experience, and generosity have shaped the careers of many individuals, including mine.
“In fact, he has undoubtedly been instrumental in shaping tourism policies and practices, not just in Nigeria but also on the international stage.
The NCAC boss praised the celebrant for his ‘remarkable foresight,’ which helped him ‘to recognise the immense socio-economic benefits that tourism could contribute to the growth and development our nation.’
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then