The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, Delta State Executive Council members are: has inaugurated its Delta State Executive Council, signalling a renewed push to strengthen private sector coordination and reposition tourism as a key driver of economic growth in the state.
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.
The ceremony, held at Asato Hotel, Asaba, brought together senior government officials, industry stakeholders, and tourism practitioners in a coordinated effort to advance a more structured and results-driven tourism ecosystem.
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.
The Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Oseji, in her address, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration, institutional alignment, and investment to unlock the state’s tourism potential.
Other dignitaries in attendance 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.
In her leadership remarks, the Vice President, South-South Zone of FTAN, Mrs. Faith Esohe Essien, delivered a compelling regional perspective, emphasizing the need to move tourism development from potential to measurable performance that is progressive and sustainable.
She reiterated that Delta State, like the broader South-South region, is richly endowed with culture, heritage, and natural assets but must embrace intentional collaboration, strategic investment, and capacity development to fully harness its tourism potential.
The State Coordinator of FTAN, Engr. Chibuikem Diala, described the inauguration as the beginning of a deliberate effort to drive private sector-led tourism transformation in Delta State.
“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,” he said.
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, re-emphasised on the need for a comprehensive tourism masterplan as a foundation for sustainable and globally competitive tourism development.
The highlight of the event was the formal inauguration of the FTAN Delta State Executive Council, comprising representatives from various member associations. The newly inaugurated executives are expected to deepen stakeholder engagement, strengthen private sector coordination, and work closely with government to drive structured and sustainable tourism development initiatives across the state.
The inauguration marks a critical step toward positioning tourism as a viable economic pillar in Delta State, anchored on effective public-private collaboration and strategic execution.
FTAN Delta Media