Imo is a Hospitality Capital of Nigeria says Commissioner, Egemba

Austin Okoro DDM NEWS

Hon Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Jerry Egemba has stated that Imo state is the hospitality Capital of Nigeria.

He stated this while addressing newsmen during the International Tourism day celebration in Owerri on Thursday 24th April, 2025.

Hon Egemba said: ” We will continue to declare that  Imo state is the hospitality Capital of Nigeria, for this is where hospitality begins and ends.”

The Commissioner noted that an average Igbo man is naturally very hospitable.

” We rather want to feed strangers and stay hungry than other clans. So, it is innate in us.

” Now that I’m a Commissioner , a day has been set aside to showcase that nature which the Almighty God put in us as humans.

” That is why I can not allow that opportunity to  pass me by,” he stated.

Hon Commissioner for Youths and Talent hunt, Dr Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu said he was delighted to join the international hospitality day celebration.

According to him, Imo state is returning back to the good old days of hospitality through the efforts of Governor Hope Uzodinma who is championing this course.

He opined that Governor Hope Uzodinma is making hospitality possible by building roads, security and other infrastructures to attract investors to enjoy hospitality in Imo.

The chairman of the International hospitality day celebration, Mr Victor Nwokocha said he rates the hospitality sector high in Imo state.

He hinted that there’s a negative feelings outside Imo state that there is insecurity according to news reports  but that he had experienced a peaceful, human and very enjoyable nature of Owerri.

” I am saying from my experience that Imo state is safe, secure and hospitable.

” I want to experience it over and over again. It is a far cry from what is reported outside and it’s high time we did our best to encourage good reportage “, he stated.

The resource persons , Lady Silver Ohams, Dr Peace Ugoegbu and Dr Louis Uwajumogu who spoke on the topic “Uplifting the spirit of Tourism and hospitality with AI innovations” said Hospitality is an unforgettable experience to your guests at home, business and hotels.

They said innovation drives hospitality, “Motivate them, care about them and make winners out of them, if the customers are treated right, they would still come back.”

The dignitaries who graced the occasion to pay solidarity included Hon. Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Industry and Mines, Hon. Ernest Ibejiaku, Nwanda ably represented, Deputy Chief of Staff Strategy and Communication, Hon Ken Ibeto, SA to Governor on Tourism, Hon. Ikechukwu Henry,

Others were SA to Governor on Project Monitoring, Hon. Sam Nwabasi,  Hon. Commissioner for trade, industry and Commerce, Hon. Rex Anunobi Sokom ably represented by Comrade Basil Iwu  and special guest, Arch. Mark Anthony..

Highpoint of the event included Cultural displays, lavish entertainment and musical concerts.