Akwa Ibom State Tourism set for business as FTAN inaugurates 11 man Executive Committee.

An 11- man executive committee of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has been inaugurated with Mr. Joseph Umoh as State coordinator. The Inauguration held recently at Da' Silva Luxury Hotels and Suites, L-Line Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo. 

Other members of the committee include Sir. Aniefiok Alexander-    Deputy State Coordinator, 

Mr. Joseph Utin-State Secretary, 

Obonganwan Mariaterese Adiakpan- Treasurer, 

Ms. Bassey Nkponnam-Media & Publicity, 

Mr. Possibility Akpan-PRO, 

Mr. Emma Ekong-Director Contact & Mobilization, 

Mr. Raphael Ekpe-Welfare & Logistics, 

Mr. Iniobong Eko-Director Protocol, 

Mrs. Seno Praise-Financial Secretary, 

Ms. Otobong Akpabio-Events & Programme Director. 

While inaugurating the committee, the Zonal vice President, of FTAN, Mrs. Justina Ovat, charged them to ensure that all the hanging fruits regarding tourism in Akwa Ibom are brought together. She praised Akwa Ibom for lighting up the state in preparation for the Christmas celebration saying that there was a need to foster and re-emphasize public-private partnership, PPP, by FTAN and the government.

Congratulating the newly inaugurated committee, she stressed the need for FTAN to hold close with the government to enable its growth in the state. Ovat reiterated the resolve of FTAN in the zone to support and partner with the association in the state to succeed.

The national president of FTAN, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung appreciated governor Udom Emmanuel, the commissioner for culture and tourism, Mr. Orman Esin, and the chairman of Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Board,  Mr. Ini Akpabio for the bit they have done in tourism in the state, urging the executive to work with all stakeholders to move the association forward.

According to him, FTAN provides an umbrella for nine ministries in the state for partnership, stressing the need for the executive to partner with all stakeholders to achieve positive results.

Onung applauded FTAN in South-South for its vibrancy which has made it an outstanding and viable region in the country. He congratulated the state executive and reminded them that their acceptance to serve is a call to sacrifice and build tourism in Akwa Ibom.

The chairman, Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Board, Mr. Ini Akpabio said, “ It’s unfortunate that  Nigerians would have been very well respected persons all over the world but we are not. Respect comes from positive achievements and not too much hope which may be misplaced”. He recalled that when he came on board, he tried his best to bring together people in all aspects of tourism.

According to him FTAN cannot work without tourism associations, neither do associations exist without members, emphasizing the need for data collection statistics and understanding who each association are, and what is expected of them. The chairman of the board said it behooves therefore on FTAN in the state to outline associations, and build them up.

His words,” you must outline associations, build them up and it gives you the strength as FTAN. Get people on merit and not on relationships. Avoid those who are there with peculiar tendencies. Be pragmatic in working with agencies and partner with them to achieve your set goals”. He stressed the need for the leadership of FTAN in the state to show honesty in purpose and know the roles and responsibilities expected of them, by having a definable roadmap and targets.

The president, the National Association of Tour Operators NATOP, Mrs. Ime Udoh noted the numerous tourism sites in Akwa Ibom State, and stressed the need for their development, as most of them need attention.

“Akwa Ibom has enough tourism sites. These sites need attention. We need to harness and develop it. We should appreciate what we have, promote and sell it. With vibrant tour operators, we can achieve that” , she said.

A Tourism consultant to the Victor Attach International Airport, Elder Michael Ukpong stressed the need for sustainability in the tourism industry, as tourism cannot grow if there is no sustainability in what government achieves.

In his acceptance speech, the state coordinator, FTAN, Mr. Joseph Umoh who reaffirmed wholeheartedly the task to lead the association in the state, pledged the resolve of his executive to work hard to ensure its success and growth.

He promised to operate an all-inclusive administration where all hands would be on deck to move the association higher. Umoh listed his plans and programs and gave the assurance that in a couple of months, FTAN, Akwa Ibom chapter will be the envy of others in the country. He solicited the support and cooperation of members of his executive in his drive towards achieving the set goals of the association in the state.

Umoh thanked the chairman, Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Board, Mr. Ini Akpabio for his support towards the successful hosting of the Inauguration, assuring him that the committee  will work tirelessly to ensure that tourism thrives in Akwa Ibom.

Other dignitaries in attendance include the  representatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, State Security Service, SSS, and the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC.

By Bassey Nkponam

UYO