Segun Runsewe: The Tourism Czar Who Dared to Make a Difference

In a sea of bureaucracy and inertia, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), has been a breath of fresh air in the Nigerian tourism sector. His tenure, marked by bold initiatives and a relentless pursuit of excellence, has left an indelible impact on the industry.

Runsewe’s career in the tourism sector spans over two decades, with his most notable achievement being the creation of the Nigerian Tourism Village at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. This innovative space showcased the best of Nigerian food, fashion, music, and arts to millions of football fans worldwide.

‘The Nigerian Tourism Village was a game-changer,’ Runsewe told THISDAYLIVE in an exclusive interview. ‘It allowed us to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage on a global stage and attracted significant investment into the sector.’

Since then, Runsewe has continued to push boundaries in the tourism industry. Under his leadership, the NCAC has partnered with various private sector players to develop tourism infrastructure across the country. This includes the construction of world-class museums, galleries, and cultural centers in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Ibadan.

Runsewe’s vision extends beyond physical infrastructure. He has also been instrumental in promoting Nigerian culture and arts both at home and abroad. In 2015, he led a delegation of Nigerian artists to the Venice Biennale, the world’s oldest international contemporary art exhibition.

Despite the challenges facing the Nigerian tourism sector, Runsewe remains optimistic. ‘We have a rich cultural heritage that is yet to be fully tapped,’ he said. ‘With the right policies, investment, and collaboration between the public and private sectors, we can transform Nigeria into a major tourist destination.’

For Runsewe, the future of Nigerian tourism is bright. With his relentless drive, innovative thinking, and commitment to excellence, he is poised to continue making a difference in the sector for years to come.