L-R: Mrs Ngozi Mogbolu, Permanent Secretary, Delta State Ministry of Finance; Chibuikem Diala, Delta State Coordinator- FTAN; Dr Mrs Oseji, Head of Service, Delta State; Barr. Bridget Anyafulu, Member Representing Oshimili South in DTHA; Mrs Faith Essien, FTAN VP South South; Pastor Mrs Chichi Umeasiegbu at the Inauguration of Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) Delta State Chapter at Asato Hotel Asaba
The Head of Service of Delta State, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, has called for stronger collaboration, strategic investment, and sustainability-driven initiatives to unlock the state’s vast tourism potential.
Dr. Oseji made this known while delivering a special address at the inauguration of the Delta State Chapter of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), where she presented a forward-looking roadmap for tourism development anchored on promotion, stakeholder collaboration, and environmental sustainability.
She highlighted the need to showcase Delta State’s rich tourism assets through structured initiatives such as destination mapping, business directories, and organised sightseeing tours, noting that tourism remains a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and cultural preservation.
The Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Darlington Ijeh, represented by the Director of Culture, described Delta State as “a treasure trove waiting to be explored,” underscoring the state’s rich cultural, heritage, and tourism assets. He noted that tourism remains a critical economic and cultural bridge, capable of connecting Delta State to global markets while preserving its identity and heritage.
According to him, the inauguration of the FTAN Delta State Chapter marks “the dawn of a new era for tourism in Delta State,” providing a strategic platform for collaboration among government, private sector operators, and industry stakeholders. He further identified key priority areas for tourism development, including sustainable tourism practices, cultural heritage preservation, infrastructure enhancement, capacity building, and strategic marketing.
Providing a regional perspective, FTAN Vice President (South-South), Mrs. Faith Essien, emphasized the importance of private sector leadership supported by government partnerships in driving sustainable tourism growth across the region.
Speaking during a panel session themed “Collaboration, Execution, and Profitization in Delta State Tourism,” Adedayo Adesugba, Vice President of the Association of Tourism and Hospitality Consultants, stressed the critical need for a comprehensive state tourism masterplan as a foundation for building a sustainable and globally competitive tourism industry.
The event was coordinated by Engr. Chibuikem Diala, FITPN, FTAN Coordinator, Delta State, who noted that:
“FTAN Delta State is private sector-led and will help identify practical pathways for building a coordinated, results-driven, and profitable tourism ecosystem that supports long-term development and enhances Delta State’s competitiveness as a destination.”
The newly inaugurated FTAN Delta State Executive Council members are: Engr. Chibuikem Diala – State Coordinato; Dr (Mrs) Gloria Iseh – Secretary; Kelvin Osaiuku – PRO; Emmanuel Abamba – Programs Officer; Blessing Uyabeme – Welfare Officer and Mrs Phyl Onabu – Treasurer.
Dignitaries at the event included Barr. Bridget Anyafulu, Member representing Oshimili South in the Delta State House of Assembly; Mrs. Ngozi Mogbolu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance; Mr. Boje Elias, General Manager, Delta State Tourism Board; Dr. Josephine Emu, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism; the State Director of Tourism, Harkins Ogwu; Engr. Chuka Anuebunwa of Living Brands; and Mr. Jude Fejokwu, alongside other senior government officials.
The inauguration also recorded strong participation from major tourism and hospitality associations, including the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria, Association of Tourism and Hospitality Consultants of Nigeria (ATHCON), Nigerian Hotel Association (NHA), Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria, and Nigerian Hospitality and Catering Institute, reflecting a unified commitment to reposition Delta State as a thriving tourism destination.
The event marks a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors in building a vibrant, structured, and sustainable tourism ecosystem in Delta State.