Breaking News: Gov Oyebanji Bags Tourism Excellence Award in South Africa

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has been honoured with the prestigious Women African Tourism Board (WATB) Iconic Award, in recognition of his outstanding leadership in tourism development and the economic transformation of Ekiti State.

The award was presented at the 2025 Sixth Annual Iconic Global Summit and Honours, held at the Capital on the Park Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg. The high-profile event attracted African political leaders, diplomats, policymakers, cultural icons, and development stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.

The summit, convened by Iconic International Holdings in partnership with the Women African Tourism Board (WATB), was anchored on the theme “The Africa We Want – Everyone’s Responsibility,” highlighting the collective role of leadership, innovation, and collaboration in shaping Africa’s future.

Presenting the award, WATB President, Ambassador Moleboheng Matli, described Governor Oyebanji’s recognition as well deserved, stressing that Africa’s true liberation in the 21st century is rooted in economic empowerment and inclusive development.

“Africa’s liberation in the 21st century is economic. We can no longer discuss development without addressing access, opportunity, inclusion, and the dismantling of structural barriers across trade, creative industries, mobility, and governance,” Matli said.

She noted that WATB’s mission goes beyond tourism promotion, focusing on economic transformation that empowers women, youth, and communities across borders. According to her, the Iconic Global Summit and Honours is designed as a platform for action, not rhetoric.

Also speaking at the event, the Convener of the Summit and President of Iconic International Holdings, Dr Temisan O. Louis, described the gathering as a defining moment for Africa’s next phase of development.

“The Iconic Global Summit & Honours is a defining platform for Africa’s next chapter. Our responsibility is to drive economic cooperation, strategic leadership, and visionary policy that positions Africa as a global powerhouse,” he said.

Dr Louis reaffirmed that the annual summit would continue to promote Africa’s economic integration, deepen continental diplomacy, and create new opportunities for women, youth, business leaders, and players in the creative industries.

The ceremony recorded strong diplomatic presence, with senior diplomats from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgium, Zimbabwe, Angola, and Namibia, further underscoring Africa’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and shared prosperity.

The WATB Iconic Awards celebrated transformational leadership across governance, cultural preservation, and economic innovation. Other notable recipients included former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who received the Women in Politics and Pan-African Leadership Award; Mrs Neo Masisi, former First Lady of Botswana, honoured with a Special Award for Public Service Leadership; and the late Zimbabwean music legend, Oliver Mtukudzi, who received a posthumous award.

Also recognised was Dr Jane Mufamadi, Chief Executive Officer of Freedom Park and Heritage Site, who received the WATB Icon of Africa Award for Preservation of Culture and Heritage Pride.

Ambassador Matli reaffirmed WATB’s long-term vision to reposition Africa’s tourism and creative sectors as globally competitive engines of development, driven by policy alignment, innovation, and women-led leadership.

The summit concluded with a renewed commitment to Africa’s socio-economic advancement, including the operationalisation of key G20 resolutions, positioning tourism as a catalyst for economic diversification, expanding youth employment through AfCFTA-aligned systems, and accelerating regulatory harmonisation to improve the ease of doing business and mobility across African states.

Governor Oyebanji’s recognition in Johannesburg further underscores Ekiti State’s growing visibility on the global tourism and development map, reflecting a governance strategy that deliberately leverages tourism as a driver of sustainable economic growth.