Uche Emmanuel Chinonso, A Tourism and Hospitality Professional/Consultant has called on the Abia state government under he leadership of HE Alex Otti, in a letter where he wrote “ I write you today as a passionate son of Imo State and a tourism and hospitality professional deeply invested in the sustainable development of our homeland.
It is no secret that Abia holds immense untapped potential in the tourism and hospitality sector yet, despite our rich history, culture, natural landscapes, and resilient spirit, we have barely scratched the surface.
If we are serious about transforming our economy, empowering our youth, preserving our heritage, and elevating our global image, we must scale up tourism and hospitality.
The time to act is non and the responsibility lies on all of us.
Why Tourism and Hospitality Must Be Prioritized in Abia state
Economic Diversification and Revenue Generation
Over-dependence on federal allocations is no longer sustainable. Tourism represents a multi-billion-naira opportunity that can generate consistent internally generated revenue (IGR), diversify our economy, and reduce financial dependence.
Employment and Youth Empowerment
Tourism is a labor-intensive sector that provides direct and indirect employment to thousands hotel managers, chefs, tour guides, artisans, event planners, transportation operators, and more. Scaling up will directly tackle unemployment, especially among the youth.
Urban and Rural Development
Tourism-driven development forces improvements in critical sectors roads, security, power supply, sanitation, and healthcare benefiting not just tourists, but local communities.
Cultural Preservation and Promotion
Our unique cultural identity festivals, arts, cuisines, music, and crafts must be preserved and proudly presented to the world. Tourism provides both the platform and the incentive to keep these traditions alive.
Diaspora and International Attention
A vibrant tourism economy will encourage diaspora return, foreign partnerships, and global tourism inflows, helping to place Imo on the map for positive reasons.
How to Scale Up Tourism and Hospitality in Abia State
As a consultant, I recommend a comprehensive approach:
Develop and Implement a Strategic Tourism Master Plan
Create a clear, actionable 5–10 year blueprint with defined goals, timelines, target markets, and investment strategies.
Engage tourism professionals, urban planners, and the private sector in its design and execution.
Infrastructure and Security Enhancement
Upgrade roads to key tourism sites like Oguta Lake, Mbari Cultural Centre, Nekede Zoo, Amadioha Shrines, etc.
Strengthen security architecture to assure tourists and investors of safety.
Improve airports, public transportation, and signage for ease of access.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Investment Incentives
Offer tax incentives, land grants, and soft loans for hotel construction, resort development, eco-tourism ventures, and entertainment hubs.
Encourage global hospitality brands and investors to see Imo as a viable destination.
Branding, Marketing, and Promotions
Launch aggressive marketing campaigns targeting domestic and international tourists.
Establish a distinct brand identity: “Experience the Spirit of abia Heartbeat of Culture and Nature.”
Capacity Building and Hospitality Training
Create tourism academies or partner with institutions to train skilled hospitality workers, tour operators, and event managers.
Quality service delivery is essential for competitive advantage.
Revitalization and Creation of Tourist Attractions
Renovate and properly maintain existing sites.
Develop new attractions such as film villages, amusement parks, heritage museums, eco-tourism trails, and cultural villages.
Institutionalize Signature Events and Festivals
Host internationally recognized events like an Annual Abia Cultural Carnival, Oguta Boat Regatta, New Yam Festival, and Traditional Wrestling Championships to attract visitors year after year.
Call to Action
To the Current and Incoming Governments:
Tourism must be treated as a strategic sector, with consistent budgetary allocation and high-level leadership commitment.
To Tourism Stakeholders and Professionals:
We must organize ourselves into functional alliances, providing professional guidance, advocacy, and support.
To Businessmen and Entrepreneurs:
Explore the vast business opportunities in accommodation, transport, events, food and beverage, and tour operations.
We are all ambassadors of Abia State. Let us treat our environment with pride, welcome visitors warmly, and promote our culture boldly.
Conclusion
Abia state has everything it takes to become the tourism capital of Southeast Nigeria and a model for the nation. What we need now is visionary leadership, strategic investments, collaborative action, and a renewed spirit of pride in our state.
Let us be the generation that unlocked Imo’s true potential.
Let us build a future where our land is celebrated across the world for its beauty, hospitality, culture, and economic prosperity.
The future is in our hands. Let’s scale up now.With utmost sincerity,
Uche Emmanuel Chinonso
Tourism and Hospitality Professional / Consultant”