FTAN Rejoices with Akwa Ibom Gov-elect, says tourism must define the state economy

Akwa Ibom state born travel logistics expert and President,  Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Nkereweum Onung says the coming of Akwa Ibom governor elect, Pastor Umo Eno, will help deepen the vision of the founding fathers of the state, who spent enormous energy and money to position the cultural tourism economy of the foremost South South state. 

In a letter of congratulation to the governor elect who ran his campaign on "The Happy Hour" mantra indicative of his intention to generate tourism traffic to Akwa Ibom, Mr Onung stated that the campaign effort helped swing votes and prayers to Pastor Umo Eno, who stood firm and believed that a thriving creative cultural tourism and hospitality economy will grow Akwa Ibom as the preferred tourism destination in Nigeria. 

"We at FTAN rejoices with you, your deputy governor elect, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and the  good people of Akwa Ibom state for the victory at the just concluded governorship election and it is our prayers that your  campaign slogan,  translates to verifiable and practicable tourism efforts,  which will empower,  and provide jobs for Akwa Ibomites and Nigerians in general, thus engendering standardisation ecosystem desirable to sustain the industry" FTAN President further stated. 

He called on the governor elect, to remain steadfast in his vision to transform Akwa Ibom tourism and hospitality resources,  praising Governor Udom Emmanuel,  and other former governors of the state who committed huge resources to  building tourism infrastructure and other live-able options, foundations desirable to grow a true, viable socioecultural economy. 

Mr Nkereweum Onung assured of FTAN presence, assistance and collaboration with the Akwa Ibom governor elect, who is not new to progressive hospitality and tourism entrepreneurship; and all that will be needed to move the sector to a refreshing new level and expectations. 

"Congratulation,  Mr Governor elect, and to your deputy governor elect Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and we at FTAN no doubt wish to see the tourism reality start in earnest in the state and certainly pray to God to guide and give you and your deputy, the wisdom to rule well in Akwa Ibom state, which must be a reference point in Nigeria tourism trajectory" Mr Nkereweum Onung added.