From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi will headline the 2025 Domestic Tourism Conference, set for September 5–6 in Enugu.
Chief Ben Etiaba, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Jands Travel Business School (JTBS), the event’s organiser, announced this after inaugurating the planning committee in Enugu.
Etiaba said the conference will promote domestic tourism in the Southeast and Nigeria, with the theme “The future of domestic tourism in Nigeria: celebrating our arts and culture.” “The 2025 edition will be bigger and more impactful, with strategic emphasis on arts, culture, and tourism-driven entrepreneurship,” he stated.
Monsignor Prof. Obiora Ike, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Jos and a JTBS Board Advisor, highlighted tourism’s role in economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and youth engagement. He inaugurated the committee at the Ofu Obi Africa Centre, Enugu.
JTBS Director Chioma Obi outlined preparations, noting the event will unite tourism stakeholders, policymakers, investors, and creatives. “The conference will provide a platform for policy dialogue, promote synergy in the creative and travel sectors, and showcase Nigeria’s cultural wealth,” she said. It will feature training sessions, masterclasses for young entrepreneurs, and investment opportunities in local tourism.
Other expected attendees include Dr Gabe Onah, Chairman of Calabar Carnival; Elizabeth Agu, former CBN Branch Controller, Asaba; and Emeka Sibeudu, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
The conference aims to drive tourism development, cultural appreciation, and youth empowerment in the Southeast.