By Jude Onyenedogha
Imo State Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Barr. Jerry Egemba has asserted that tourism is more than leisure or travel, but a driving force for Imo state’s economic development, social inclusion, the preservation of culture and heritage.
Egemba made this assertion in his address during the World Tourism Day celebration, tagged “World Tourism Day Extravaganza 2025: the Imo Idea”, with the theme: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, which held in Owerri, the Imo State capital city on Thursday.
The Tourism , Hospitality and Culture Commissioner further described tourism as the soul of progress that touches lives, creates jobs and shapes the identity of communities.
He added that under the purposeful leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, Imo was rapidly evolving into a hub of culture, hospitality, creativity and enterprise, adding, “we are not just constructing roads, we are connecting dreams, we are not only building hotels, we are building hope, we are not only developing tourist sites, we are transforming lives”.
He listed some of the achievements of the present Imo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma in the Tourism, Hospitality and Culture sector to include; Building the foundation for tourism to thrive, through improvement in infrastructure and accessibility through quality road networks, massive establishment of Hospitality, Convention and Leisure facilities.
Others were; Expanding the Imo tourism landscape through bold infrastructural and economic initiatives, cultural renaissance and creative industry synergy, among others.
The Commissioner went further to list plans in the vision ahead for the sector to include;
Completing and upgrading key tourism facilities across the state, expanding rural tourism through better access roads, lighting, and directional signage leading to cultural and ecological sites.
Further listed were; Branding and promoting Imo’s festivals, heritage and destinations, for national and global visibility, launching a comprehensive Imo Tourism Brand Campaign, leveraging digital technology to showcase our culture, beauty and hospitality to the world and empowering our youths with practical training in tourism management, catering, tour guiding, event planning and digital promotion, ensuring they are active participants in the new tourism economy.
The event which was chaired by a renowned culture and tourism enthusiast, Ndaa Paddy Obinna, featured; Cultural dance performance by Unique Nursery and Primary School, performance by Omenimo cultural troupe, performance by a team of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN).
Others were; Drama performance by Creative Art Unit of the Ministry of Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, lecture on Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, by Engr. Chibuike Diala, release of Balloons, to signify success of the celebration, among others.
Discover more from The STATESMAN Newspaper
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Post Disclaimer
THE STATESMAN NEWSPAPER make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the stories hereon as the statements are purely of the news makers.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from THE STATESMAN NEWSPAPER.
Contact:
