While the audience erupted in applause as Runsewe mounted the stage, his acceptance speech quickly turned the spotlight from personal glory to the urgent need for reform within Nigeria’s tourism sector — an industry he described as “full of speeches, but short on action.”
Honouring the Pioneers
The event was a gathering of trailblazers who have shaped Nigeria’s cultural and tourism landscape. Among them was Frank Ogbuewu, former Minister of Tourism and Culture, who was also honoured for his long-standing contributions to national heritage promotion.
According to ANJET President, Okorie Uguru, the awards were created to acknowledge those whose work laid the groundwork for today’s tourism industry.
“We are not just celebrating those currently in office,” Uguru explained. “We are recognising those whose ideas and dedication built the visibility Nigerian tourism enjoys today. They are the custodians of the industry’s institutional memory.”
“Too Much Talk, No Action”
In his trademark candid tone, Runsewe lamented the lack of tangible progress in the tourism sector despite decades of discussions, policies, and summits.
“There are too many talks in tourism — no action. We speak big English and return home,” he said to nods of agreement from attendees.
Runsewe revealed that he had intentionally stepped back from public commentary in recent years because the industry’s conversations often failed to translate into results. He recalled past instances of decisive leadership, including the era of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whose engagement with international cultural initiatives once positioned Nigeria more boldly on the global stage.
Religious Tourism: Nigeria’s Missed Fortune
Perhaps the most compelling part of Runsewe’s remarks came when he addressed the untapped potential of religious tourism in Nigeria. He cited the global appeal of the late Prophet T.B. Joshua’s ministry, noting that his events drew thousands of international visitors.
“How many of us know that Prophet T.B. Joshua was selling religious tourism?” he asked. “At his conferences, over 20 private jets would be parked at the airport. I have the data. That is economic activity that we have not learned to structure.”
Runsewe stressed that the failure to recognise and commercialise such opportunities amounted to a national economic loss.
Tourism as a Job Creator
He further underscored the transformative power of tourism as a tool for economic growth and job creation.
“After agriculture, tourism is the largest employer of labour in the world. If we take it seriously, no Nigerian child should be jobless,” he declared.
For Runsewe, tourism represents more than entertainment or culture; it is a sustainable development driver capable of revitalising communities and empowering the youth.
Celebrating the Living
The night was also one of mutual appreciation. Runsewe took a moment to commend former minister Frank Ogbuewu for attending the ceremony despite his initial hesitation.
“It is only the living that can be celebrated. Let us thank God that during our lifetime, we are being appreciated,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
Beyond Awards: The Way Forward
While the evening recognised remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s cultural and tourism growth, it also revealed an uncomfortable truth — that the country’s tourism potential remains largely unrealised.
From religious and cultural tourism to creative festivals and eco-tourism, opportunities abound, yet they remain underexplored due to weak institutional structures, policy inconsistency, and a lack of sustained investment.
As the event wound down, Runsewe’s message echoed across the hall: “Tourism is not just culture, festivals, or travel — it is an economic lifeline waiting to be activated.”
The applause that followed carried both admiration and a shared hope — that perhaps, this time, the industry will finally move from talk to tangible transformation.