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The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), South East Zone, has pledged closer collaboration with the Anambra State Government to accelerate tourism growth and private sector participation across the region.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the FTAN delegation to the Honourable Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism, Anambra State, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in Awka.
Leading the delegation, Mr. Wilson Uche Ugwu, Vice President (South East) of FTAN and Chairman of FTAN South East, said the visit was part of the association’s efforts to align with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s administration in repositioning Anambra as a major tourism destination.
His words: “Ours is to ensure mutual cooperation between public and private practitioners. FTAN stands to project and protect the interests of private operators while promoting inclusive growth and sustainable investment in tourism.”
He noted that FTAN is creating platforms to attract investors and strengthen data-driven planning across the tourism value chain. The association, he added, will collaborate with the state government to document and promote key tourism sites, cultural festivals, and heritage assets — enhancing their visibility and accessibility to both domestic and international tourists.
Commending the Soludo administration’s progress on infrastructure and security, Ugwu described these as “the foundation of a thriving tourism industry.” He also hailed the recent launch of the Anambra Solution Fun City as a bold step towards leisure diversification, expressing optimism that more pro-tourism policies and investments would follow.
Ugwu emphasized that the South East remains one of Nigeria’s busiest travel corridors, particularly during the festive season.
“No other region in Africa witnesses such a massive homecoming as Alaigbo,” he remarked, underscoring the vast potential for cultural and event-driven tourism in the region.
As part of the engagement, FTAN and the Anambra State Government announced plans to co-host a South East Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum on November 4, 2025 — with sessions scheduled for Golden Tulip Agulu Lake Resort (10:00 a.m.) and NITDA/Oba Ji Centre, Onitsha (3:00 p.m.).
Welcoming the FTAN team, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism commended the association’s initiative to bridge the public-private gap in the tourism sector. He highlighted the Soludo administration’s achievements, including; mapping of five priority tourist sites for immediate development; launch of Solution Fun City; improved state security; and introduction of an annual Tourism and Culture Event Calendar.
“Statistics is very important. We’ll involve the Bureau of Statistics to enhance data management,” the Commissioner said, noting that events like the upcoming 100-year anniversary of Igwe Orizu have now been included in the state’s “Onwa December” calendar.
He added that Anambra’s tourism landscape is witnessing a steady transformation — from better roads and vibrant nightlife to increased local hosting of weddings and festivals.
“People who once held traditional ceremonies in Lagos or Abuja are now proudly celebrating them at home,” he said.
Encouraging stronger industry collaboration, the Commissioner urged FTAN to guide investors with their expertise.
“Ogbunike Cave, Owelle Ezukala Cave and Waterfalls, and Agulu Lake are ready for investment. Anambra is working again.”
