By Genesis Ogiri
Abuja, Nigeria — Chartered Engineer (CEng, UK) and ECOWAS Youth Ambassador, Dr. Chinedu Ogwus, played a prominent role at the landmark signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the European Cultural Center and the International Society of Diplomats (ISD), held at the Kapital Hotel in Asokoro, Abuja.
The high-profile event, part of the United Nations World Tourism Day celebrations, convened global diplomats, ambassadors, policymakers, industry leaders, and diaspora influencers to explore the intersection of tourism, diplomacy, and sustainable development.
For Dr. Ogwus, the occasion marked a strategic alignment of cultural diplomacy and youth-driven transformation. His presence underscored the rising impact of African thought leaders in leveraging tourism as a tool for economic diversification and global engagement.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ogwus spotlighted the transformative power of Nollywood and international media in reshaping Nigeria’s global narrative. “Nollywood is more than entertainment—it’s a vehicle for cultural diplomacy,” he said. “By telling authentic Nigerian stories, we can project our values, creativity, and heritage to the world.”
He emphasized the importance of global media partnerships, noting that collaborations with Hollywood and increased international coverage can elevate Nigeria’s visibility. “When our stories reach global platforms, they invite the world to experience Nigeria’s richness—its culture, history, and vibrant spirit,” he added.
Dr. Ogwus also drew a direct link between media representation and tourism growth. “Every film, documentary, or broadcast becomes a window into our nation’s soul. A positive portrayal can inspire travel, investment, and pride,” he said.
He advocated for strategic media engagement to position Nigeria as a hub for cultural tourism and creative economy investments. “By reclaiming our narrative and showcasing our achievements, we can redefine how the world sees us,” he concluded.
Dr. Ogwus commended Prof. Edet Bassey Ekpenyong, ISD’s Country Director and Head of Mission, for orchestrating the event and facilitating the MOU. He described the agreement as a timely blueprint for international cooperation and tourism-led development.
The two-day summit, themed “Foundations of Tourism and Diaspora Diplomacy” and “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” featured a diverse lineup of stakeholders and dignitaries, including representatives from the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, the Chinese Tourism Promoters Initiative, and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy.
Notable attendees included H.E. Christiana Amal Abbass (ISD), H.E. Mersole J. Mellejor (Ambassador of the Philippines), H.E. Bambang Suharto (Ambassador of Indonesia), Hon. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere (House Committee on Diaspora Affairs), and Hon. Chief Dr. Billy Adesuwa Osawaru (House Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa).
Dr. Ogwus’ participation was widely seen as emblematic of a new era—where engineering acumen, diplomatic insight, and youth advocacy converge to shape Africa’s global future.