From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, are among the top dignitaries expected at the 2025 edition of the Domestic Tourism Conference, scheduled to be held in Enugu between September 5 and 6.
The announcement was made by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Jands Travel Business School (JTBS), Chief Ben Etiaba, organisers of the annual conference.
He disclosed this shortly after inaugurating the event’s planning committee in Enugu.
Etiaba said the event is focused on promoting domestic tourism in the South East and Nigeria at large, noting that this year’s theme, “The future of domestic tourism in Nigeria: celebrating our arts and culture,” is both timely and significant.
“The 2025 edition will be bigger and more impactful than previous years, with strategic emphasis on arts, culture and tourism-driven entrepreneurship,” he said.
Also speaking at the committee inauguration, Prof Obiora Ike, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Jos and a professor at Godfrey Okoye University, emphasised the importance of tourism as a tool for economic empowerment, cultural preservation and youth engagement.
Prof Ike, who also serves as a Board Advisor to JTBS and Founder of the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), officially inaugurated the conference committee at the Ofu Obi Africa Centre, Enugu.
Director of JTBS, Chioma Obi, briefed the Board of Trustees on the ongoing preparations, noting that the conference would bring together key tourism stakeholders, policymakers, investors and creatives from across the country and beyond.
She explained that the 2025 conference would provide a platform for policy dialogue, promote synergy in the creative and travel sectors, and showcase Nigeria’s cultural wealth, ranging from indigenous cuisines to local crafts and entertainment.
“The event will also feature industry-focused training sessions, masterclasses for young tourism entrepreneurs and avenues to stimulate investment in local tourism initiatives,” she added.
Other dignitaries expected at the event include Dr. Gabe Onah, Chairman of Calabar Carnival; Elizabeth Agu, retired director and former CBN branch controller, Asaba and Emeka Sibeudu, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
The conference is expected to serve as a catalyst for tourism-driven development, cultural appreciation and youth empowerment in the South East.