Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to repositioning tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural pride and sustainable transformation.
Governor Otti who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, during this year’s World Tourism Day celebration held at the JAAC Building, Secretariat Road, Umuahia, described tourism as a vital tool for driving inclusive development and environmental sustainability.
“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 by making productive suggestions. Tourism, if well harnessed, can be a tool for economic prosperity,” the Governor stated.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, unveiled government’s ambitious vision of transforming Abia into a premier cultural and eco-tourism destination, adding that his ministry has already identified over 55 potential tourism sites spread across the 17 local government areas of the state.
“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 explained.
Mr Ekwuribe while attributing the gains to the bold vision of Governor Otti, further highlighted key projects underway, including the establishment of eco-tourism hubs, digitization of heritage sites and targeted empowerment programmes for 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,” Ekwuruibe added.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment and Tourism, Hon. Justice Martins, described the World Tourism Day celebration as a “call to action” for both government and private sector players.
“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,” he urged, while commending Hon. Ekwuruibe for the noticeable improvements in Abia’s aesthetics and hospitality infrastructure.
In their goodwill messages, the Vice Chancellor Abia State University (ABSU), Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo represented by the Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Dick Uduma, a representative from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Mr. Nashir Abubakar, the State Assistant Controller of Immigration, Mrs Blessing Eziogu and the State Chairman of Hotel Management, Dr Charles Ezeala, while felicitating Abians on this year’s world tourism day, applauded Governor Otti for his visionary leadership and promised to partner the ministry in enhancing and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the state.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Barr. Mrs Chibuzo Ehiemere, also lauded Governor Otti for his purposeful leadership and praised the commissioner for his dedication to ensuring the success of the event.
Highlights of the occasion includes lectures and panel discussions where Dr. Vivian Okpaleke delivered a paper on “Managing the Tourism Industry for Profitability in the 21st Century,” while Mr. Uwakwe Solomon spoke on “Visitors’ Experience and Customer Satisfaction.”
The event attracted the presence of commissioners, Aides to the Governor, Permanent Secretaries, stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism industry, scholars and cultural enthusiasts.
