Ejiro Efenudu
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has elected seasoned tourism expert and destination branding consultant, Ugwu Wilson Uche, as its new Vice President for the South East region. Uche, widely regarded as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s tourism landscape, assumes office with a strong mandate to revitalize tourism across the culturally rich zone known as Ndigbo or Alaigbo.
Delivering his acceptance speech shortly after the announcement, Uche described the election as a “call to service, a shared mission, and a bold opportunity to reimagine the future of tourism in the South East.” With a career marked by innovation, community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to tourism development, Uche laid out a strategic and ambitious vision for the region.
He affirmed that his leadership would focus on transforming the South East into Nigeria’s foremost cultural and heritage tourism destination. According to Uche, the sector possesses untapped potential capable of driving cultural pride, economic growth, and grassroots empowerment across the five states of the region—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.
“This is more than a vision—it is a collective journey we must embark on, driven by passion, guided by purpose, and anchored in unity,” Uche said in his speech, which drew wide acclaim from industry stakeholders present at the FTAN event in Abuja.
Strategic Priorities for the South East
Outlining his roadmap for the next two years, Uche identified six core focus areas:
1. Strengthening FTAN’s Regional Structure: He pledged to foster unity among state chapters within the South East, encouraging collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and capacity development to enhance regional effectiveness.
2. Policy Advocacy and Infrastructure Development: Uche emphasized the need for robust government engagement to improve roads, heritage sites, hospitality facilities, and travel connectivity. “Without infrastructure, tourism remains a dream,” he stated.
3. Empowering MSMEs and Youth: Recognizing the central role of small businesses and young entrepreneurs in tourism, Uche announced plans for training, mentorship, and grant facilitation programs to support startups and professionals in the sector.
4. Strategic Partnerships and Visibility: To boost FTAN’s regional presence, he intends to forge alliances with cultural institutions, local governments, the private sector, and international organizations to co-create tourism products and campaigns.
5. Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism: Uche stressed the importance of environmentally conscious and community-based tourism initiatives that promote local ownership, gender inclusion, and cultural sensitivity.
6. Access to Funding and Investment: He highlighted the need to create channels through which tourism stakeholders can access funding—be it through government intervention funds, private investment, or donor-supported grants.
Broad Support from Industry Stakeholders
Uche’s election has been widely applauded by tourism professionals, travel operators, and cultural leaders from across the South East. Many see his emergence as a welcome development, citing his track record of innovation and dedication to rebranding Nigerian tourism, particularly in historically rich but under-promoted destinations.
“This leadership comes at a time when the South East needs new energy and direction in tourism,” remarked a representative of the Enugu State Tourism Board. “Wilson Uche brings that and more—he’s a visionary with practical ideas.”
A New Dawn for Alaigbo
Uche’s vision ties closely to a larger narrative gaining momentum within the region: the need to reclaim and project the South East’s identity as a hub of indigenous heritage, hospitality, and creative enterprise. He reaffirmed his commitment to reviving iconic tourism assets—from cultural festivals and craft markets to sacred groves and pre-colonial heritage trails.
“Our story must be told with pride and precision,” Uche declared. “From Arochukwu to Nnewi, from Abakaliki to Nsukka, the South East is a living archive of history, innovation, and resilience. We must open our doors to the world and show what we have.”
As he begins his tenure, the tourism sector across the region awaits practical implementation of the bold ideas presented. Stakeholders remain optimistic that, with the right leadership, the South East can take its place as a key driver in Nigeria’s tourism revival.
Wilson Uche will serve as Vice President South East for the 2025–2027 term, joining other newly elected executives in driving FTAN’s national agenda for tourism development.
