…promises transformative tourism agenda for the region
Travel entrepreneur and aviation training expert,Mrs. Faith Esohe Essien has emerged the new South-South Vice President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN).
Mrs. Essien emerged from the election at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the association held in Abuja on Thursday,July 31,2025. She is vice to Dr. Badaki Aliyu who emerged as the new National President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), following his victory over Professor Wasiu Babalola at the Federation’s 2025 Annual General Meeting and Election held in Abuja.
Badaki, who previously served as FTAN’s First Deputy President, pledged to reposition the Federation and revive Nigeria’s tourism sector through a new initiative tagged Tourism Transformation Movement (TTM).
The South South Vice President,Mrs Faith spoke in Abuja after the election,where she expressed gratitude to the electorates. The Chief Executive Officer of Abilfat Travels and Abilfat Aviation Business School outlined her vision to transform the South-South geopolitical zone into a nationally and continentally competitive tourism hub in her new capacity,building on her four-point agenda, which is designed to drive regional investment, promote cultural heritage, empower the tourism workforce, and strengthen innovation through public-private collaboration, she states that she will uphold the spirit of leading local for global impact.
Mrs. Essien holds a B.Sc. in Biochemistry and postgraduate diplomas in Business Management and Education respectively from the University of Uyo and National Teachers Institute, Kaduna, alongside a Diploma in Travel & Tourism from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). She is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC), a Member of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) and ForbesBLK Community, and currently serves as Zonal Secretary of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Eastern Zone.
Earlier in July,she formally unveiled an ambitious regional development blueprint, which aligns perfectly with FTAN’s commitment to moving “Tourism Forward, Leading Locally, and Impacting Globally.”“The South-South region is endowed with enormous tourism potential, rich in culture, nature, and history,” she said. “But to unlock this, we need intentional investment, collaboration, and most especially skilled manpower. My agenda offers a practical framework for that transformation, driving our region forward to impact the global tourism landscape.”
It could be recalled that a key component of her campaign is showcasing the diversity and appeal of the South-South states, each offering unique experiences, from coastal retreats and ancient kingdoms to culinary and cultural festivals. She said under her leadership, these attractions will be professionally packaged and promoted under a unified South-South tourism brand.
According to her, “I am delighted about the responsibility reposed on me by this position, I assure stakeholders of my advocacy to secure the future of tourism in the region.” A future, she said, in which the South-South becomes a magnet for tourists, a hub of hospitality excellence, and a model of sustainable development in Nigeria and the sub-region.
Mrs Essien also emphasized the need for accessible funding, grants, and financial literacy training for tourism entrepreneurs and will encourage all South-South states to adopt robust tourism development plans, promote cultural festivals, and develop immersive heritage trails in partnership with local communities. Her strategy includes leveraging storytelling, virtual tours, and influencer marketing to enhance the region’s national and global appeal.
“With the support of the entire Federation, I pledge to serve with integrity, innovation, and a relentless commitment to results, ensuring we move Tourism Forward, Lead Locally, and Impact Globally,” she concluded.
