Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe has hailed the ‘achievements of a remarkable man,’ and one of the Nigeria’s pioneer tourism administrators, Dr. Franklin John Adejuwon, who celebrated his 80th birthday anniversary, last Wednesday.

Dr. Franklin John Adejuwon
The event which 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 SAN, 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 has 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). He was a Member and later Chairman of the Technical Committee for Programmes and Coordination (TCPC) of the General Assembly of the UNWTO.
He was born incidentally on September 27, 1943 and holds the first Tourism PhD degree in Nigeria.
In his speech at the birthday celebrations, Director General of the NCAC, Otunba Runsewe who hailed 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 Pa Adejuwon’s protégés, who has followed the imprints of his gigantic strides, stated that remains 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 great country Nigeria, especially in the Tourism Sector.’

Otunba Segun Runsewe
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 organizations 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 has been a beacon, a source of inspiration. His wisdom, experience, and generosity have shaped the careers of many individuals, including mine.
“His leadership style was characterized by humility, empathy, and inclusivity. Frank was never one to seek the limelight or take credit for the accomplishments of others. He recognized and celebrated the achievements of his team members, always encouraging everyone around him to reach for the stars. His ability to bring out the best in people and create a supportive work environment fostered a sense of camaraderie and collective responsibility in the sector.
“Furthermore, Pa Adejuwon’s impact extends far beyond the borders of Nigeria. Through his participation in international conferences, seminars, and workshops, he has become a respected figure in the global tourism community. His insightful contributions and expertise have earned him accolades and recognition from industry leaders worldwide.
“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 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.’
Concluding his speech, Runsewe prayed for Pa Adejuwon, as expressed the wish that the celebrant’s ‘light of inspiration and leadership continue to shine for many more years to come.’
Pa Adejuwon was also in the news only recently when on the occasion of the World tourism Day (WTD) celebrations on September 27, 2023, posited that the country ‘could have been anything and everything in the realm of tourism development considering a serious and purposeful follow up of her antecedents in the sector.’
Commenting on the WTD celebration, last Wednesday, Dr Adejuwon remarked the country’s immense tourism potential have yet to fully explored and tapped into.
“Today September 27, marks another World Tourism Day (WTD) as set up by the UNWTO (World Tourism Organisation) and approved by the United Nations Organisation. The idea of a World Tourism Day, incidentally and proudly, was first muted by a Nigerian, late Ignatius AtigbI, the main pioneer of the tourism industry in Nigeria. He raised the importance of the United Nations Organisation having a day assigned to the emerging economic sector at the World Tourism Organisation general assembly in the early 1970s.
“I have deliberately alluded to the above instance to remind us that Nigeria could have been anything and everything in the realm of tourism development considering a serious and purposeful follow up of her antecedents in the sector.
“Tourism is an amalgam of most economic sectors and understanding it as such is most important. It encompasses the entire cycle of national planning and physical development, economic growth and wellness of the people. We refer to this sector as the largest employer of labour worldwide and the largest earner of foreign exchange exceeding earning from petroleum.
“Benefits from the sector are immeasurable hence prosperous countries take its development very serious, protect and respect the sector. It is beyond entertainments and jamborees as often insinuated here in Nigeria. Today, we are celebrating the world tourism day in Lagos State but this should not be by the lips only,” he said.