SPECIAL REPORT: OTUNBA RUNSEWE HONOURED BY NATIONAL CHRONICLE AS AFRICA MAN OF THE YEAR FOR ARTS, CULTURE AND TOURISM

The ballroom of Airport Hotel, Ikeja came alive last Thursday as Otunba Olusegun Runsewe was honoured by National Chronicle Newspaper with the prestigious African Man of the Year Award for Arts, Culture and Tourism. The colourful ceremony drew stakeholders from the creative industry, government officials, traditional rulers, and media executives who gathered to celebrate one of Nigeria’s most consistent voices in cultural promotion and heritage preservation.

Otunba Runsewe, a distinguished cultural icon and seasoned administrator, was recognized for his exceptional leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s cultural and tourism landscape. Though unavoidably absent, he was ably represented by veteran journalist Hon. Jimmy Enyeh who received the award on his behalf to a standing ovation. The hall resonated with tributes to Runsewe’s decades of service as a passionate advocate for indigenous creativity and national identity.

Reading the citation, the organisers.led by Amb Dr Ave okojie

described Otunba Runsewe as a visionary custodian of heritage and tradition who has played a pivotal role in strengthening cultural institutions and elevating Nigeria’s global cultural identity. His tenure in various leadership capacities within the cultural and tourism sectors has been marked by innovation, strategic reforms, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Guests nodded in agreement as his track record of impact was highlighted.

Over the years, Otunba Runsewe has tirelessly championed initiatives that celebrate Nigeria’s diverse traditions while fostering unity, pride, and economic opportunity through arts, culture, and hospitality. From policy advocacy to grassroots cultural festivals, his interventions have enriched the creative industry and opened new frontiers for tourism as a tool for youth empowerment and foreign exchange earnings. Industry players at the event lauded his ability to merge culture with commerce.

Veteran journalist Hon. Jimmy Enyeh, while responding on behalf of the awardee, thanked National Chronicle Newspaper for the honour and described the award as a call to greater service. He noted that Otunba Runsewe remains committed to using culture as a bridge for peace, national cohesion, and economic development. Enyeh conveyed Runsewe’s appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for arts and tourism to thrive.

The award plaque, which reads “African Man of the Year Award for Arts, Culture & Hospitality,” was presented amid fanfare and cultural displays that reflected Nigeria’s rich heritage. Dignitaries at the event included top government functionaries, Nollywood veterans, fashion designers, tour operators, and royal fathers who all affirmed Runsewe’s influence in rebranding Nigeria’s image through culture.

In the citation, National Chronicle Newspaper emphasized that Otunba Runsewe’s contributions have not only enriched the creative industry but have also positioned culture and tourism as viable pillars of national development. His dedication to excellence, institution building, and promotion of indigenous content has earned him national and international recognition as a key driver of cultural renaissance across Africa.

The event ended with goodwill messages, networking, and a renewed pledge by stakeholders to support policies that grow the creative economy. For Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the African Man of the Year honour adds another feather to his cap as a relentless champion of arts, culture, and tourism, whose legacy continues to inspire the next generation of cultural administrators and creative entrepreneurs.

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