Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has called for repositioning of tourism industry in the country, reiterating, “shifting from consumption to production, a new Nigeria is possible”.

Obi made the call while speaking at the opening of a 2-day Jands Travel Business School Domestic Tourism Conference held at Ofu-obi African Centre, Enugu on Saturday.

The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party was almost ‘mobbed’ by his admirers who thronged the venue of the conference to have a glimpse of him. They held him ‘hostage’ for hours, exchanging pleasantries before he was heralded into the hall by a loud ovation.

Obi said tourism industry is a cash cow but lamented that the sector is neglected, citing Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey where tourism is well developed and yielding them huge revenue.

Declaring the conference open, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State described the conference as a historic gathering, saying it was anchored on the timely theme: “The Future of Domestic Tourism in Nigeria:Celebrating our Arts and Culture”.

The governor who spoke through his State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ugochi Madueke, said the Conference came at a time when nations are discovering their cultural assets, adding, “Nigeria must rise to showcase the richness, creativity and resilience that defined our people, our heritage and our tradition”.

“Enugu is proud to host this convergence of visionaries. As we commence this conference today, let us commit to meaningful dialogue, practical collaborations and bold strategies that will reposition domestic tourism not merely as leisure but as a vital driver of economic growth, job creation and national pride”, she said.

Also speaking, Monsignor Professor Obiora Ike, Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of University of Jos and a Professor of Ethics and Intercultural Studies at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu and the Jands Board of Trustees Advisor, reiterated that the conference is in line with the Jands efforts in repositioning tourism as a tool for economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and youth development.

The cleric who held the audience spell bound with his incisive speech, gave examples of some advanced countries where tourusm had been well developed and sustained by transparency and resilience.

In his paper entitled: “Structuring Nigeria’s Tourism Economy: Accountability, Branding, and the Business of Culture, Chief Ben Etiaba Chartered Accountant, Management Consultant, and Chairman, Jands Travel Business School Board, said, “Tourism as a creator of jobs
is one of the few industries where jobs are created across every level.”

Etiaba noted, “Every country is known for something: France for romance and wine, Italy for fashion, art and history, Kenya and South Africa for safaris, Nigeria too is blessed — not with one attraction, but with many: breathtaking landscapes, vibrant arts, rich traditions, music that rules the world, Nollywood that entertains millions, and cultures as diverse as our people. Yet, the question remains: why has Nigeria not fully unlocked tourism as an engine of prosperity?

According to him, “We must structure Nigeria’s tourism economy on three pillars: accountability, branding, and the business of culture.”

“Let us structure tourism not as a side attraction, but as a central pillar of Nigeria’s economy. let us tell our stories boldly, let us package our culture with pride, and let us work together — government, business, and community — to make Nigerian tourism not just a passion, but a profit, not just a heritage, but a future.
The world is waiting for our story. Let us tell it — boldly, proudly, and profitably”, he stated.

Earlier in her welcome address, Conference Convener/Director of Jands Travel Business School (JTBS), Enugu, Mrs Chioma Obi, said that this year’s conference is more than just an event, stressing that it is a living story of how passion, culture, and collaboration can transform tourism in Nigeria.

“Enugu State is already buzzing with visitors thanks to recent infrastructural strides, but the truth lies in boldly positioning tourism as a powerful driver of jobs, innovation and sustainable growth”, she added.

Obi also noted that the theme of this year’s conference highlights how “our arts, heritage and cultural identity can fuel a thriving industry while empowering young people – whose creativity, digital innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit will shape the future.”

The JBTS boss noted, “By celebrating culture and equipping the next generation, we are not just preserving traditions but building a vibrant future for Nigeria’s domestic tourism together.”

On the purpose of the conference, Mrs Obi explained that it is to promote Nigerian arts, culture, and heritage.

Others, she stated are:
Encourage domestic tourism, empower youth and entrepreneurs, foster collaboration, celebrate cultural identity, and promote sustainable practices.