By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Samson Nunayon Apata and Bola Ahmed Tinubu |
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Tourism Vanguard for Tinubu (TVT) has officially unveiled its nationwide organizational structure. The initiative aims to harness Nigeria’s vast tourism potential while building a formidable grassroots base to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement, released on Friday, 8th May 2026, was signed by the movement’s Convener and National Coordinator, Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon. The new hierarchy includes 15 specialized directorates, coordinators for the six geopolitical zones, and a dedicated team for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking on behalf of the National Central Working Council, Hon. Nunayon emphasized that the TVT is built on the belief that tourism is a critical pillar for Nigeria's economic future. He noted that the movement’s goal is to ensure the "Renewed Hope" agenda receives the administrative and grassroots backing necessary for long-term success.
“The unveiling of these structures represents our determination to build a formidable nationwide movement that will not only mobilize support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition in 2027 but also advocate for tourism-driven development, youth inclusion, and good governance,” Hon. Nunayon stated.
The National Coordinator further highlighted that the movement views tourism as a strategic instrument for job creation, foreign investment, and cultural promotion, asserting that "continuity of governance and policy consistency" are vital for these sectors to flourish.
To ensure professional execution of its goals, the TVT has appointed a diverse team of experts to lead its national directorates. The core leadership includes:
National Coordinator: Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon
National Deputy Coordinator: Dr. Adeyinka Olarinmoye
National Secretary: Engr. K. A. Abolarin
Director of Strategy & Policy: Prof. Afolabi Isolaowa
Director of Communication & Media: Alhaji Oyeniran Apata
Director of Sports: Amb. Mutiu Adepoju
Director of Youth Engagement: Comrade Benjamin Onileowo
The structure is bolstered by over 30 distinguished individuals appointed to various directorates, focusing on everything from Diaspora Affairs (Alhaja Aolat Sule) to Monitoring and Evaluation (Mr. Odewale Odeyemi).
The statement further disclosed that the following distinguished individuals were also appointed as members of the National Directorates to strengthen the administrative, mobilization, tourism, media, stakeholder engagement, and strategic coordination framework of the movement:
Hon. Adebanji Adeoye Atewogboye, Hon. (Ms.) Taiwo Salvador, Hon. Alaba Ogunleye, Hon. Deji, Prince Adeyemi Shonibare, Mr. Tunde Kolade, Mr. Akinsola Samuel, Mr. Akiode Temitope, Mr. Anthony Semawon Whejiepon, Mr. Ajayi Solomon, Prince Mautin Moses Apata, Aare Wale Oloro, Mr. Bayo Deyon Olarinde, Mr. Emmanuel Ifeanyichukwu, Mr. Manoah Nunayon Kikekon, Mr. Phil Idowu Ebegbune, Mr. Dansu Peter, Ms. Cynthia Nneka Juwah, Ms. Oluwabukola Lawal
To maintain a presence in every corner of the federation, the TVT established a zonal framework to harmonize activities between national leadership and local stakeholders. The Zonal Coordinators include: South West: Mr. Talabi Jamiu, South East: Hon. Atuloma Onyekachi, South South: Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, North West: Alhaji Isiya Salihu Shinkafi, North East: Mr. Bello Muhammed Gwagwada, North Central: Mr. Jonathan Justin Akem, FCT: Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sule
The TVT confirmed that its nationwide expansion is moving at a rapid pace. The official unveiling of the 36 State Coordinators is scheduled for next week Tuesday, a move expected to solidify the movement's operational framework at the state and local levels.
The council disclosed that these newly inaugurated structures would immediately begin stakeholder consultations, tourism advocacy programs, and community outreach.
“Tourism has the capacity to become a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy if supported with the right infrastructure and investment-friendly policies,” the statement added.
As the political landscape begins to take shape for 2027, the Tourism Vanguard for Tinubu is positioning itself as a unique bridge between sectoral advocacy and civic participation, championing a vision of national unity through the lens of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.