By Faruq Olaegbe, Khadijat Adekunle
Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, the Director General of the National Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and a distinguished alumnus of Olabisi Onabanjo University, returns to his alma mater on Wednesday, April 21, 2026, to deliver a stirring speech to the students of the department of Mass communication.
The event took place at the Large Lecture Theatre New Faculty, where the opening speech was done by Mr. Daniel and Dr. Kamarudeen Salaudeen, both Lecturers of the department. In presence were other dignitaries from the department of mass communication and the OOU Radio station namely, the Head of Department Dr. Semiu Bello, alongside Dr. Dele Odulami, Dr. Ifedayo Akinwalere, Dr. Felix Omoniyi, Dr. Emmanuel Olumuji, and Mr. Henry Jackson.
Dr. Semiu Bello, expresses his appreciation to the guests for their presence and to the students for their patience during the delay. He advises the students remain attentive, as the lessons shared would be vital both within the university and in their future professional careers.
During the keynote address, Dr. Awakan reflected on his journey from humble beginnings in Ajegunle to the pinnacle of national tourism leadership. He emphasizes that his success was not by personal power but by divine grace and a relentless work ethic. "I started my life as a slum person and I only started reading fluently in secondary school," Awakan revealed. He also made mention of a personal philosophy of his, which he coined "passionsistency" a blend of unwavering passion and consistency, urging the next generation of communicators not to allow judgement of others to cloud their vision.
The academic atmosphere took a sudden turn toward the spectacular when popular musician, 9ice made an unexpected entrance. Introduced by Dr. Salaudeen, the artist joined the event to the roar of excited students. Building of Mr Awakan remarks, 9ice offered motivational insights, encouraging students to remain dedicated to their crafts before treating the hall to a brief, high energy musical performance.
The event also features remarks from Mrs. Omolola Awakan, stands beside her husband to motivate students to dream big and refuse any self-imposed limitations. The ceremony was concluded with the presentation of an honourary award to Dr. Awakan, with Dr semiu presenting two copies of his book as a gesture of academic synergy.
As the event draws to a close, the hall resonated with the department’s enduring motto: "We cannot communicate."
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