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 Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism, Anambra State, in Awka on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Speaking, the leader of the delegation, the Vice President (South East) of FTAN and Chairman, FTAN South East,Mr. Wilson Ugwu, 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,” Ugwu stated.
“FTAN stands to project and protect the interests of private operators while promoting inclusive growth in the tourism sector,” he added.
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.
Ugwu praised the Chukwuma 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.
South East, he said remains the most visited region in Nigeria during festive seasons, noting that, “No other part of Africa experiences such massive homecoming as Alaigbo.”
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
The Awka Session of the event will be held at : Golden Tulip Agulu Lake Resort, 10:00 a.m,while the Onitsha Session will take place at NITDA/Oba Ji Centre
Responding, the 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, Chukwuma Soludo, including:
Mapping of five priority tourist sites for immediate development;
Launch of Solution Fun City;
Improved state security; and
Introduction of an annual tourism and culture event calendar.
“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.
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.”
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