…highlights Nollywood, music, festivals and Detty December as key attractions for global visitors
By Gloria Ikibah 
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has formally assumed duties as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), following the presentation of his Letters of Commission to the organisation’s Secretary-General, Shaikha Al Nowais.
The presentation ceremony took place at the UN Tourism headquarters in Madrid, Spain, on Friday, 13 November 2026, formally accrediting Ikpeazu as Nigeria’s chief envoy to the specialised United Nations agency.
Ikpeazu, who was accompanied by the Senior Counsellor at the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid, Kimiebi Ebienfa, used the occasion to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its engagement with the international tourism community and advancing its interests within the UN system.
In his remarks, Ikpeazu conveyed the warm wishes of President Bola Tinubu to the Secretary-General and highlighted Nigeria’s vast tourism potential, drawing attention to the country’s cultural diversity and thriving creative industries.
He identified Nigeria’s diverse cultures, vibrant music, globally acclaimed Nollywood film industry, colourful festivals and seasonal events such as Detty December as attractions capable of drawing visitors from across the world.
As Permanent Representative, Ikpeazu is expected to articulate Nigeria’s tourism priorities, build partnerships with member states and promote inward investment and technical cooperation opportunities within the UN Tourism framework.
His assignment is also expected to support the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda, which identifies tourism and the creative industries as important drivers of economic growth and employment generation.
The presentation of credentials to Al Nowais, the first woman to lead UN Tourism in its 50-year history, is expected to usher in a renewed phase of engagement between Nigeria and the organisation.
Nigeria has participated in several UN Tourism initiatives, including the recent admission of the Eko Tourism Foundation as an Affiliate Member during the organisation’s 126th Executive Council Session in Toledo, Spain.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Saturday jn Abuja, he said Ikpeazu’s concurrent accreditation as Permanent Representative will enable Nigeria to take advantage of Madrid’s position as the organisation’s headquarters to advance its cultural diplomacy and tourism interests.
During a meeting shortly after the ceremony, Al Nowais commended Nigeria’s active participation in the organisation’s activities and expressed her readiness to work closely with the Nigerian envoy to strengthen the partnership between both sides.
