The 2025 World Tourism Day celebration in Abia State resonated with messages of hope, collaboration, and transformation, as stakeholders across government and the private sector pledged to strengthen partnerships in advancing tourism as a driver of inclusive development.
Held at the JAAC Building, Secretariat Road, Umuahia, the event brought together policymakers, cultural promoters, academics, and industry practitioners under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”
Representing Governor Alex Otti, the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, described tourism as a vital tool for inclusive development and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the government’s commitment to harnessing the sector’s economic potential.
“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 through productive ideas. Tourism, if well harnessed, can be a tool for economic prosperity,” Governor Otti said.
Delivering the keynote address, Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, unveiled the state’s plan to transform Abia into a premier cultural and eco-tourism destination.
He revealed that over 55 potential tourism sites have been identified across the 17 local government areas — each holding unique cultural, ecological, or historical significance.
“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 said.
He further outlined ongoing projects, including the establishment of eco-tourism hubs, digitization of heritage sites, and empowerment programmes for women and youth in 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,” he added.
Vice President (South East) of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Wilson Uche Ugwu, commended the Abia State Government for its proactive tourism agenda and called for stronger collaboration between policymakers and practitioners.
He highlighted FTAN’s Tourism Transformation Mandate, emphasizing the importance of practitioner inclusion in tourism policy design and implementation.
Ugwu announced FTAN’s readiness to partner with the state government through the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, saying:
“This event marks another step forward in our collective journey. The process of reimagining Alaigbo through tourism has truly begun.”
Other speakers including representatives of the Abia State University (ABSU), EFCC, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Hotel Management Association — commended Governor Otti’s visionary leadership and pledged institutional collaboration to promote responsible tourism.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment and Tourism, Hon. Justice Martins, described the celebration as a “call to action” for all stakeholders.
“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,” Martins urged.
The celebration ended on a note of optimism, with participants reaffirming their commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable tourism ecosystem across Abia and the South East.
With government leadership, private sector participation, and community engagement, Abia appears poised to become a leading example of how tourism can power cultural renewal and economic transformation.
