“Sustainable Growth Through Partnership: Abia, FTAN Unite Under Governor Otti’s Vision on World Tourism Day 2025”

The 2025 World Tourism Day celebration in Abia State resonated with messages of hope, collaboration, and transformation, as stakeholders across government and the private sector pledged to strengthen partnerships in advancing tourism as a driver of inclusive development.

The event, held at the JAAC Building, Secretariat Road, Umuahia, brought together policymakers, cultural promoters, academics, and industry practitioners under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”

Representing Governor Alex Otti, the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, described tourism as a “vital tool for driving inclusive development and environmental sustainability,” emphasizing the government’s commitment to harnessing the sector’s potential for economic prosperity.

“There is nothing that has been intentionally discovered that hasn’t added value to humanity. In Abia today, we are witnessing a transformation that proves that even strangers can spark positive change through productive ideas. Tourism, if well harnessed, can be a tool for economic prosperity,” Governor Otti said.

Government’s Vision: Turning Heritage into Opportunity

Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, unveiled the state’s plan to transform Abia into a premier cultural and eco-tourism destination.

According to him, the ministry has identified over 55 potential tourism sites spread across the state’s 17 local government areas, each with unique cultural, ecological, and historical significance.

“Tourism is not just about sightseeing; it is soul-seeing. It helps us value what we have and transform it into opportunities. These identified sites are not just relics; they are economic assets waiting to be explored and maximized,” Ekwuribe said.

He further outlined ongoing projects including the establishment of eco-tourism hubs, digitization of heritage sites, and empowerment programmes targeting women and youth within the creative economy.

“None of this would have been possible without the commitment of His Excellency. He is the enabler — the reason Abia can now dream boldly in tourism,” the Commissioner added.

Private Sector Voices Support and Partnership

In his goodwill message, Mr. Wilson Uche Ugwu, Vice President (South East) of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), commended the Abia State Government for its commitment to the sector and called for stronger collaboration between government institutions and tourism practitioners.

He highlighted the Tourism Transformation Mandate being championed by FTAN, stressing the need for greater recognition and inclusion of practitioners in policy planning and implementation.

Mr. Ugwu, speaking on behalf of the Federation, announced the association’s readiness to partner with the Abia State Government through the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy. He said FTAN is committed to working closely with the state to reposition tourism as a catalyst for inclusive growth and sustainable development across the South East.

He described the Umuahia event as “another step forward in our collective journey,” adding that “the process of reimagining Alaigbo through tourism has truly begun.”

Academia and Agencies Pledge Support

Other speakers, including the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University (ABSU), Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo (represented by Prof. Dick Uduma), Mr. Nashir Abubakar from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Blessing Eziogu, the State Assistant Controller of Immigration, and Dr. Charles Ezeala, the State Chairman of Hotel Management, applauded Governor Otti for his visionary leadership.

They also pledged institutional support to promote the state’s cultural assets and advance responsible tourism development.

Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment and Tourism, Hon. Justice Martins, described the celebration as a “call to action” for all stakeholders.

“World Tourism Day is more than a celebration. It’s a call to action. Let’s move from discovery to development, from heritage to hope, and from preservation to transformation,” Martins urged.

A Shared Future for Abia’s Tourism

The 2025 celebration ended with renewed optimism, as participants reaffirmed their commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable tourism ecosystem in Abia and across the South East.

With government leadership, private sector participation, and community involvement, Abia appears set to become a leading example of how tourism can power cultural renewal and economic transformation.