Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq., a renowned advocate for tourism development and a distinguished public servant, has been awarded the Long Service Award in Nigeria Tourism Development and Promotion by the National Tourism Transportation Summit. This prestigious recognition highlights his three-decade-long dedication to advancing Nigeria’s tourism industry.
The award ceremony, scheduled to take place in Abuja on December 4, 2024, follows a nomination letter signed by Chief Abiodun Ogunsanwo, President , National Tourism Transportation Summit,reflecting the profound impact Ojo-Lanre has had on the tourism sector in Nigeria and beyond.
Amb. Ojo-Lanre, the current Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, boasts an impressive academic and professional pedigree. He holds degrees in History Education, a Master’s in Peace and Conflict Studies, and diplomas in Green Growth and Travelism as well as Journalism. A Barrister-at-Law, he is also an accomplished journalist and Associate Editor for Tourism, Travel, and Hospitality with the Nigerian Tribune (currently on leave of absence).
Over the years, he has championed several initiatives that have reshaped Nigeria’s tourism landscape:
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Advocacy for a Ministry of Tourism and Culture: He was instrumental in lobbying the 8th Senate for the establishment of a dedicated ministry to strengthen tourism and culture in Nigeria.
Legal Framework Contributions: He played a pivotal role in the renaming of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) to the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority and supported the legal framework for the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).
Leadership Roles: He served as National Publicity Director for three Presidents of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and held key leadership positions in the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Guild of Tourism Journalists, and the Association of Travel Writers in Nigeria (ANJET).
Amb. Ojo-Lanre has tirelessly promoted Nigeria’s tourism potential on the global stage, attending and participating in major international tourism events such as the London Travel Market, ITB Berlin, IMEX Frankfurt, and the Indaba in South Africa. He has visited 68 countries and traveled across Nigeria, exploring its national parks and advocating for its rich cultural heritage.
Previously, he served as Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Segun Oni, Director General of the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, and Senior Special Assistant on Tourism Development to Governor Kayode Fayemi.
The award underscores his enduring commitment to Nigeria’s tourism growth, a mission he has pursued with passion and relentless dedication.
