Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has called for the repositioning of Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Obi made the call at a two-day Domestic Tourism Conference held in Enugu.
The LP candidate, who was almost mobbed by admirers, reiterated the importance of shifting Nigeria’s economy from consumption to production, stressing that “a new Nigeria is possible.”
Describing the tourism sector as a “cash cow,” Obi cited Morocco, Indonesia, and Turkiye as examples of countries whose economies are largely anchored on tourism.
He noted that the theme of the conference, “Our Arts, Heritage and Cultural Identity,” could fuel a thriving industry while empowering young people — whose creativity, digital innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit, he said, would shape Nigeria’s future.
Declaring the conference open, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State described it as a historic gathering.
He said the conference was anchored on the timely theme: “The Future of Domestic Tourism in Nigeria: Celebrating Our Arts and Culture.”
Mbah, represented by the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ugochi Madueke, said the event came at a time when nations were rediscovering their cultural assets.
“Nigeria must rise to showcase the richness, creativity, and resilience that define our people, our heritage, and our traditions,” she said.
“Enugu is proud to host this convergence of visionaries. As we commence this conference today, let us commit to meaningful dialogue, practical collaborations, and bold strategies that will reposition domestic tourism — not merely as leisure but as a vital driver of economic growth, job creation, and national pride.”
Also speaking, Monsignor Professor Obiora Ike, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Jos, Professor of Ethics and Intercultural Studies at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, and Advisor to the Jands Board of Trustees, said the conference aligned with Jands’ efforts to reposition tourism as a tool for economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and youth development.
The cleric, who held the audience spellbound with his incisive speech, cited examples of advanced countries where tourism had been well developed and sustained through transparency and resilience.
In his paper titled “Structuring Nigeria’s Tourism Economy: Accountability, Branding, and the Business of Culture,” Chief Ben Etiaba, Chartered Accountant, Management Consultant, and Chairman of the Jands Travel Business School Board, highlighted the potential of tourism as a major creator of jobs.
