At FTAN South-South Zone historic inauguration, stakeholders commitment to region’s sustainable tourism growth

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.” This set the tone for a forward-looking conversation on sustainability, destination competitiveness, and regional cooperation.

The historic event recorded an impressive presence of dignitaries, including: Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council; Prof. Gideon Uboegbulam, a Professor of Tourism/Hospitality and Marketing Management UNIPORT; Barrister Tomonialadieokuma Ishmael, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Rivers State; Director in NIHOTOUR, Rivers State; and Representative of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Rivers State.

Others include; 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 Rev. (Mrs) Chinyere Umeasiegbu, and NANTA Rivers members; Mr. Kufre Etim, Zonal Chairman, Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD); FTAN National Executive Council members, led by it National President, Dr Aliyu Badaki.

Also in attendance was the former Chairman of NANTA Board of Trustees, Steve Isokari, Dr Piriye Kiyaramo, Deans, and other industry experts.

In his remarks, Ishmael commended FTAN South-South for selecting Rivers State as the host of the milestone event. He emphasised 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.

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.

The official inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of the new FTAN South-South Zonal Executive Committee, was conducted by His Honour Uto Ralph Essien, Esq., who administered the oath of office on the members.

The newly inaugurated leadership is expected to unify stakeholders, reinforce regional tourism structures, and drive programs that enhance capacity, visibility, and sustainable destination growth.

In her welcome address, the Vice President, FTAN South South Zone, Mrs Faith Esohe Essien, 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.

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; and 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.

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.

 

… Executive Council members

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 – Public Relations Officer

 

… State Chairmen 

Chief Engr. Williams Parker- Bayelsa; Sir Charles Ogar – Cross Rivers; Engr. Chibukem Dialla – Delta; Mr Joseph Umoh – Akwa Ibom; and Mr Princewill I. Igoni – Rivers.