Runsewe bags Africa Man of the Year award, continues post-service recognition
Maureen Aguta
Former Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Olusegun Runsewe, has added yet another prestigious accolade to his growing post-service honours, clinching the Africa Man of the Year Award in Arts, Culture and Hospitality.
The recognition, conferred by the National Chronicle on April 30, 2026, underscores Runsewe’s enduring influence in shaping Nigeria’s cultural and tourism landscape, even after exiting public office.
Organisers of the award highlighted his visionary leadership, sustained cultural advocacy, and decades-long commitment to promoting Nigeria’s heritage on the global stage.
In its citation, the publication credited Runsewe with significantly enhancing Nigeria’s cultural visibility internationally, while deepening appreciation for African identity and creative expression.
The honour reflects not just past achievements, but his continuing relevance as a key voice in cultural diplomacy and tourism development.
Runsewe’s career trajectory has been closely intertwined with Nigeria’s cultural renaissance over the past two decades.
He played a strategic role as media coordinator during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2003, and later emerged as the pioneer chairman of the Abuja Carnival—an initiative widely credited with redefining Nigeria’s festival tourism.
His appointment as Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in 2006 further positioned him at the forefront of national tourism promotion, a role he expanded during his tenure at the National Council for Arts and Culture until 2024.
Since leaving office, recognition for his contributions has only intensified. In 2024, Vanguard Newspapers named him Arts, Culture and Tourism Icon, acknowledging his enduring impact beyond government service. Around the same period, he remained an active stakeholder in the sector, intervening in industry disputes and advocating cohesion among practitioners.
His influence also extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. At the World Crafts Forum in Kuwait, Runsewe was honoured as Icon of Crafts, Culture and Hospitality in Africa, further cementing his continental stature.
Beyond public office, Runsewe continues to wield influence through multiple platforms. He serves as President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, heads the African Tourism Initiative, and holds fellowship status at the London Institute of Management Studies.
He is also a recipient of numerous traditional titles across Nigeria, reflecting grassroots recognition of his cultural stewardship.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost cultural diplomats, Runsewe’s latest honour reinforces a legacy defined by sustained advocacy, institutional development, and global promotion of African heritage. For many observers, his post-service trajectory signals that his influence in the cultural and tourism sectors remains as potent as ever.