FTAN South-South Vice President Commends YAI Programme in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
The Vice President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), South-South Zone, Mrs. Faith Esohe Essien, has lauded the Young Africa Innovators (YAI) Programme for its transformative impact on youth-led innovation and enterprise development in Akwa Ibom State.
Mrs. Essien, who is also the Principal Officer of Abilfat Aviation Business School and Abilfat Travels, described her participation as a Guest at the YAI event as highly engaging, intellectually stimulating, and strategically impactful. The programme is proudly sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
She commended the Programme Director, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Egwaoje, for her exemplary leadership, as well as the facilitators Enoabasi Emah, Mmanti Umoh, Francis Onuk, and Sir Ahmed Mustapha, and the entire YAI workforce for delivering a structured initiative that addresses innovation, capacity building, and sustainable development.
Speaking from a tourism and hospitality sector perspective, Mrs. Essien emphasized the need for the intentional integration of tourism and hospitality–focused training within the YAI Programme, particularly for innovators operating in tourism-related value chains.
“Tourism and hospitality remain critical drivers of economic diversification, job creation, and community development. Embedding sector-specific training and structured business mentorship will significantly enhance sustainability, strengthen innovative ideas, and position young entrepreneurs for long-term growth,” she noted.
Mrs. Essien applauded the YAI team for their commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of leaders and innovators, stressing that the visible outcomes of the programme reflect a deep investment in the continent’s future.
She reaffirmed FTAN South-South’s readiness to support initiatives that align with youth empowerment, skills development, and sustainable tourism across the region.
