SPOTLIGHTS
- IPCI expresses commitment to partnering with the Imo State government.
- The group commends the integrated approach to tourism, hospitality, and culture.
- IPCI believes the state can attract significant investment in these sectors.
- The importance of cultural events and celebrations is emphasised.
From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
As part of its commitment to improving tourism, health, and culture in Imo State, the Imo People’s Congress, Israel (IPCI) has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma of its readiness to partner with the state government.
The group, led by its Diaspora President, Kingsley Obinna, conveyed this assurance during a courtesy visit to the State Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Jerry Egemba, on Monday. The visit was to congratulate Egemba on his reappointment and commend the governor for expanding the Ministry’s scope to include hospitality and culture.
Obinna remarked, “The stage is now set for a more holistic approach to developing these interrelated sectors. Culture as a husband should marry Tourism as wife and connect Hospitality for easy marketing nationally and internationally.” He added, “There is hardly anything anyone can do without culture because culture is everything and everything is culture.”
He thanked the governor for appointing Egemba and expressed hope that his track record of hard work and determination would attract investors to the state, particularly given the numerous programmes initiated during Egemba’s first tenure under the Uzodimma administration.
While reiterating the IPCI’s willingness to collaborate with the government in revitalising these sectors, Obinna called for legislative instruments to support these industries and attract foreign investment.
It is worth recalling that Imo State celebrated “World Culture Day” on the 28th of May, 2024, to commemorate global cultural diversity as recognised by the United Nations. Prior to this, the Ministry marked World Tourism Day on the 27th of September, 2023. The Ministry also organised a festive event, “The Extravaganza Christmas Season of Victory Celebrations in the Wonderland,” from the 16th of December, 2023 to the 6th of January, 2024.