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By: Manoah Kikekon
LAGOS — In a move that blends spiritual influence with grassroots political engineering, the Tourism Vanguard for Tinubu (TVT) has officially conferred the prestigious title of National Patron on the renowned cleric and political strategist, Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku, popularly known as "Baba Eto."
The appointment, announced by the TVT National Central Working Council (NCWC) on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, marks a significant step in the movement’s mission to align Nigeria’s burgeoning tourism sector with the 2027 re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Cardinal Odunmbaku was honored for his decades-long advocacy in religious tourism and his role as a bridge-builder between faith-based communities and the political class. As the founder of Christ Ambassadors Soul Winners Ministry, "Baba Eto" has been a pivotal figure in organizing large-scale inter-denominational prayer conferences that attract thousands, a key subset of Nigeria's domestic tourism.
Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, the Convener and National Coordinator of TVT, described the conferment as a "recognition of a lifetime of service."
"Baba Eto’s contributions to religious tourism and his consistent advocacy for good governance align perfectly with our vision," Hon. Apata stated. "As a movement, we are committed to unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s tourism industry while mobilizing nationwide support for the President’s continued national transformation."
The TVT movement is positioning the tourism sector as a primary driver of the Renewed Hope Agenda. By leveraging the influence of stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones, the group aims to create a "united voice" for practitioners in hospitality, travel, and cultural heritage.
Dr. Adeyinka Wulemat Olarinmoye, the National Deputy Coordinator of TVT, emphasized that unity is the movement's greatest asset. "By aligning our efforts with the transformation agenda of Mr. President, we can collectively unlock tourism as a key driver of economic prosperity," she noted during the ceremony.
In his acceptance speech, Cardinal Odunmbaku reaffirmed his commitment to the TVT's goals, promising to provide the "political will" necessary to elevate the tourism industry.
"I am deeply honored by this recognition," Cardinal Odunmbaku remarked. "I assure you of my unwavering commitment to achieving our collective vision... Together, we will continue to strengthen our support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 to build on the gains already recorded."
Political observers note that the appointment of a heavyweight like Odunmbaku a founding member of the APC in Lagos and a seasoned grassroots mobilizer is a strategic masterstroke for the TVT. The move signals that the 2027 campaign will heavily feature sectoral endorsements, with tourism playing a central role in the administration's economic narrative.
The ceremony, covered by Eko Tourism Online Radio, concluded with a call to action for all tourism stakeholders to join the vanguard in promoting policies that enhance both governance and the "Visit Nigeria" brand.