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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has charged Nigeria to reposition its tourism sector as a driver of economic growth, insisting that a new Nigeria is possible if we shift from consumption to production.
He made the call at the opening of the 2025 Jands Travel Business School (JTBS) Domestic Tourism Conference held at Ofu-Obi African Centre, Enugu.
The former governor, who was greeted with a rousing ovation and almost ‘mobbed’ by admirers eager to see him, decried Nigeria’s neglect of tourism despite its huge potential.
He cited countries like Mexico, Indonesia, and Turkey, where tourism is a major source of revenue and urged Nigeria to follow suit.
Declaring the two-day conference open, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, represented by his Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ugochi Madueke, described the gathering as historic and timely.
“Enugu is proud to host this convergence of visionaries. As we commence this conference, let us commit to meaningful dialogue, practical collaborations and bold strategies that will reposition domestic tourism not merely as leisure but as a vital driver of economic growth, job creation and national pride,” she said.
In his keynote address, Monsignor Obiora Ike, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Jos and Board Advisor to JTBS, said the conference aligned with the efforts to reposition tourism as a tool for empowerment, cultural preservation and youth development.
He stressed that transparency and resilience were key to sustaining tourism, drawing examples from advanced economies.
Also delivering a paper, Chief Ben Etiaba, chartered accountant, management consultant and chairman of JTBS board, argued that Nigeria must build its tourism economy on “three pillars: accountability, branding and the business of culture.
“Tourism creates jobs at every level. Nigeria is blessed with landscapes, vibrant arts, Nollywood and diverse cultures, yet has failed to unlock this wealth. We must tell our stories boldly, package our culture with pride and make tourism not just a heritage, but a profitable future.”
Earlier, Chioma Obi, Convener and Director of JTBS, described the 2025 conference as “a living story of how passion, culture and collaboration can transform tourism in Nigeria.”
She emphasised that the theme, “The Future of Domestic Tourism in Nigeria: Celebrating Our Arts and Culture,” highlights how arts, heritage and identity can fuel an industry that empowers youth and drives innovation.
According to her, the conference seeks to promote Nigerian culture, encourage domestic tourism, empower entrepreneurs, foster collaboration and advance sustainable practices.
The event drew tourism stakeholders, cultural leaders and government representatives, with participants agreeing that Nigeria must urgently harness its rich cultural assets to reposition tourism as a central pillar of the economy.
