… Stakeholders Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainable Tourism Growth in the Region
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), South-South Zone, has formally inaugurated its new Zonal Executive Committee at a landmark ceremony held at Ogeyi’s Place – Le Meridien, Port Harcourt. The event brought together key tourism leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to advancing the region’s tourism and hospitality potential.
The inauguration was themed:
“Green Horizons: Unlocking the South-South’s Natural Wealth for Inclusive and Sustainable Prosperity through Tourism.”
The theme set the tone for a forward-looking conversation on sustainability, destination competitiveness, and regional cooperation.
Distinguished Personalities in Attendance
The event recorded an impressive presence of dignitaries, including:
Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State, Prof. Gideon Uboegbulam, a Professor of Tourism/Hospitality and Marketing Management UNIPORT, Barr. Tomonialadieokuma Ishmael, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Rivers State, Director in NIHOTOUR,Rivers State, Representative of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Rivers State, Ibom Air Port Harcourt Station Manager - Mr Daisi Oluyemi and team, Directors of Culture and Tourism from Rivers and Bayelsa States, State Chairmen of FTAN member-associations across the South-South, NANTA Deputy President I, Rev. Chinyere Umeasiegbu, and NANTA Rivers members, Mr. Kufre Etim, Zonal Chairman, Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD), FTAN National Executive Council members, led by National President, Alhaji Aliyu Badaki, PhD. Tourism leadership figures including PA Steve Isokari, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, Deans, and other industry experts.
Government Endorses FTAN’s Regional Focus
In his remarks, Barr. Tomonialadieokuma Ishmael, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, commended FTAN South-South for selecting Rivers State as the host of this milestone event.
He emphasized the significance of inter-state collaboration in unlocking the full economic value of tourism within the region and assured of the state government’s readiness to partner more closely with FTAN to strengthen tourism development initiatives.
Keynote Address by Dr. Anthony Luka Elumelu
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Anthony Luka Elumelu, former Private Sector Director at ECOWAS, provided an extensive and insightful analysis on strategies for advancing tourism through improved institutional cooperation, private sector engagement, and sustainable development practices.
His lecture highlighted the need for innovation-driven approaches that align with global best practices while respecting the unique cultural and environmental identity of the South-South.
Swearing-In of the Zonal Executives
A central moment of the ceremony was the official inauguration and swearing-in of the new FTAN South-South Zonal Executive Committee. The administration of the oath of office was conducted by His Honour Uto Ralph Essien, Esq.
The newly inaugurated leadership is expected to unify stakeholders, reinforce regional tourism structures, and drive programs that enhance capacity, visibility, and sustainable destination growth.
Chairman’s Vision for the South-South Region
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of FTAN South-South Zone, Mrs. Faith Esohe Essien, FIMC, MITPN, outlined a vision centred on collaboration, heritage preservation, capacity development, and responsible tourism investment.
She highlighted the immense natural beauty, cultural heritage, festivals, waterways, and diverse ecosystems found across the region, stressing the need to harness them in a manner that promotes sustainability, community empowerment, and economic inclusion.
Mrs. Essien underscored the importance of:
Strengthening public-private partnerships
Advancing eco-tourism and sustainable product development
Empowering local communities and cultural custodians
Enhancing tourism infrastructure
Leveraging technology and digital promotion to position the region globally
She called on all stakeholders to work collectively toward transforming the South-South into a model of tourism excellence in Nigeria.
A Renewed Commitment to Regional Tourism
The event concluded with goodwill messages, networking among stakeholders, and renewed commitment to driving tourism-led prosperity across the South-South. Participants described the ceremony as a defining step toward unlocking the region’s vast tourism potential.
The Newly Zonal Executive Council members are:
Mrs Faith E.Essien - Vice President
Mr Henry A. Erikowa- Deputy Vice President
Mrs Veronica N
.Obasi- Secretary General
Mr Emmanuel U.Okpako- Treasurer
Amb. Awomoyi Ayomeji- Zonal Membership Officer
Amb. Emmanuel Ossai - P.R.O
State Chairmen:
Chief Engr. Williams Parker- Bayelsa
Sir Charles Ogar- Cross Rivers
Engr. Chibukem Dialla- Delta
Mr Joseph Umoh - Akwa Ibom
Mr Princewill B. Iminabo- Rivers
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