The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has inaugurated a new Akwa Ibom State Executive Council, marking a renewed push to strengthen tourism development, stakeholder collaboration, and public-private sector engagement in the state.
The inauguration ceremony brought together stakeholders from the tourism, hospitality, travel, culture, and entertainment industries, alongside representatives of government agencies and tourism institutions.
Speaking at the event, the South-South Vice President and Zonal Coordinator of FTAN, Faith Esohe Essien, urged the newly inaugurated executives to provide purposeful leadership and strengthen the voice of the private sector in tourism development.
She stressed that tourism remains one of the most viable sectors for job creation, investment attraction, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and economic diversification.
Essien commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its continued support for tourism development and praised the Ministry of Culture and Tourism led by Commissioner Anieti Udofia, as well as the Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Board chaired by Ime Udo.
According to her, the inauguration represents more than a leadership transition; it is an opportunity to deepen collaboration among policymakers, investors, and industry practitioners to position Akwa Ibom as a leading destination for culture, leisure, business, and investment tourism.
The newly inaugurated executive council is expected to drive initiatives focused on destination development, capacity building, tourism advocacy, industry visibility, investment promotion, and stronger engagement with both local and international tourism stakeholders.
With the new leadership in place, FTAN Akwa Ibom begins a fresh phase centred on collaboration, innovation, and sustainable tourism growth aimed at benefiting industry operators, host communities, and the state economy.
