Ejiro Efenudu
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), South East Zone, has called for stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to drive tourism growth across the region.
This call was made during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism, Anambra State, in Awka on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
FTAN Reaffirms Commitment to Public-Private Partnership
Leading the delegation, Mr. Wilson Uche Ugwu, Vice President (South East) of FTAN and Chairman, FTAN South East, said the visit was aimed at strengthening partnerships and aligning with the Soludo administration’s tourism agenda.
“Ours is to ensure mutual cooperation between public and private practitioners,” Mr. Ugwu stated. “FTAN stands to project and protect the interests of private operators while promoting inclusive growth in the tourism sector.”
He noted that FTAN is working to create platforms where investors can easily identify viable opportunities within the tourism value chain.
The association, he said, will also partner with the state to document tourist sites, events, and cultural heritage assets — ensuring better visibility and access to reliable tourism data.
Applauding Soludo’s Tourism Vision
Mr. Ugwu praised the Soludo administration’s focus on security and infrastructure, stressing that “a safe environment is the foundation for a thriving tourism industry.”
He also described the launch of the Anambra Fun City as “a step in the right direction” and expressed optimism that more investment-friendly policies would follow.
He added that the South East remains the most visited region in Nigeria during festive seasons, noting,
“No other part of Africa experiences such massive homecoming as Alaigbo.
Upcoming South East Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum
As part of the outcomes of the visit, FTAN and the Anambra State Government agreed to host a South East Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum on November 4, 2025 at two key venues:
Awka Session: Golden Tulip Agulu Lake Resort – 10:00 a.m.
Onitsha Session: NITDA/Oba Ji Centre – 3:00 p.m.
Commissioner Commends FTAN’s Initiative
In his response, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism welcomed FTAN’s visit and applauded the group’s effort to bridge the public-private gap in the sector.
He outlined the state’s key achievements under Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, including:
Mapping of five priority tourist sites for immediate development
Launch of Solution Fun City
Improved state security
Introduction of an annual tourism and culture event calendar.
Focus on Data and Statistics
“Statistics is very important. We’ll involve the Bureau of Statistics to enhance data management,”
the Commissioner said, referencing upcoming events such as the 100-year anniversary of Igwe Orizu, which is now part of the Onwa December calendar.
He added that Anambra has witnessed remarkable transformation in recent years — with better roads, improved nightlife, and more events now hosted locally.
“People who used to host traditional marriages and festivals in Lagos or Abuja are now proudly celebrating them at home,” he noted.
Anambra Open for Tourism Investment
Encouraging FTAN’s involvement, the Commissioner said:
“Practitioners should support government by guiding investors with their experience and professionalism. Ogbunike Cave, Owelle Ezukala Cave and Waterfalls, and Agulu Lake are ready for investment. I can boldly say that Anambra is working again.”
About FTAN
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) is the umbrella body of over 23 government-approved private tourism associations in Nigeria.
It serves as the collective voice of the tourism industry, promoting sustainable development, professional standards, and strong public-private collaboration nationwide.
