News
Mbah, Obi, Etiaba to Attend as Jands Travel Business School holds Domestic Tourism Conference in Enugu
Chairman, Board of Trustees, Jands Travel Business School (JTBS), Enugu, Chief Ben Etiaba, has announced that the 2025 edition of the business school’s annual domestic tourism conference will be held in Enugu slated for September 5-6 this year.
Chief Ben Etiaba FCA who disclosed this to newsmen shortly after the inauguration of the committee ahead of the conference, told journalists that the idea of the event is to promote tourism in the Southeast geo-political zone and Nigeria at large, pointing out that the theme of the conference is apt and timely.
“The conference coming up in September will be a huge success, bigger than that of last year,” he stated.
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, said that the conference is in line with the Jands efforts in repositioning tourism as a tool for economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and youth development.
Monsignor Professor Ike who is also the founder of the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), inaugurated the conference committee held at Ofu Obi Africa Centre, Enugu yesterday.
Earlier, Mrs. Chioma Obi,
Director, Jands Travel Business School, briefed members of the Board of Trustees on the planning and progress on the forthcoming conference.
Mrs Obi noted that the highly anticipated event will bring together key stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond, to engage in conversations and actions that deepen the appreciation, investment and structure of domestic tourism in our country.
She disclosed that the theme of this year’s conference is, “The Future of Domestic Tourism in Nigeria: Celebrating Our Arts and Culture”, stressing that the theme was chosen to focus on deepening cultural tourism and positioning Nigeria’s rich artistic heritage and local experiences as core drivers of travel and entrepreneurship across communities.
According to her, “Objectives of the 2025 Conference are to promote domestic tourism as a sustainable economic driver for youth and women as well as provide a platform for policy engagement, creative industry synergy, and destination branding.”
Others, she stated, are to showcase cultural assets, indigenous cuisines, and creative expressions from across Nigeria.
“To provide industry-focused training and masterclasses for emerging tourism entrepreneurs.
“To encourage investment in local tourism ventures through partnerships and exposure.
Mrs Obi further said that among the key speakers and top dignitaries expected at the event are: Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Mr. Peter Obi CON, Chief Ben Etiaba FCA – Board Chairman JTBS, Monsignor Prof. Obiora Ike, Founder, CIDJAP, Dr. Gabe Onah – Chairman Calabar Carnival, Dame Elizabeth Oyibo Agu – Rtd Director, Pioneer Branch Controller, CBN, Asaba, Engr Emeka Sibeudu – Secretary General, Ohaneze Ndigbo.
Also expected are a host of other firebrand Panelists and Masterclass Speakers.
“We are confident that the 2025 edition of the Domestic Tourism Conference will elevate the brand and impact of JTBS, reinforce its leadership in tourism education, and catalyze opportunities for youth, culture, and regional growth”, she said.
The JTBS Director also reviewed the 2024 Domestic Tourism Conference, whose theme was: “Exploring Synergies to Boost Business and Entrepreneurship through Domestic Tourism”.
She recalled that the conference which was held at ECCIMA Secretariat in Enugu was a groundbreaking success.
“Over 300 participants, including tour operators, travel consultants, students, creatives, and policymakers were in attendance. Panel sessions, a Palmwine Tasting Competition, Local Cuisine Display, and a guided tour of Enugu. We had collaborators NANTA, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, and several local brands.
“The conference sparked interest in community tourism development and inspired 15+ new tour startup ideas. It also created a good measure of awareness for Jands Travel Business School. This set the stage for a bigger and more impactful 2025 edition, “she remarked.
On Jands Travel Business School, Mrs Obi recalled that it was conceived out of a long-standing vision to bridge the professional knowledge gap in Nigeria’s fast-growing but under-skilled travel, tourism, and hospitality sector.
“Officially launched in 2023, the school began as a series of training sessions and short-term programs offered to aspiring travel consultants and tour operators in Enugu and its environs.
“Our work gained momentum during the post-COVID tourism recovery period, where we provided accessible training for both start-ups and existing practitioners eager to realign with international best practices and ethics of the profession. From then until now, the school has gradually evolved into a recognized capacity-building hub for tourism entrepreneurship, travel agency operations, digital tourism marketing, and destination management.
She explained that the vision and mission of the school are to be the power house of travel, tourism and hospitality industry knowledge and skills acquisition in the south-eastern Nigeria and the nation as a whole.
“We are on a mission to be a training institute that will produce travel professionals who will be bonded and powerful enough to give the sector the needed voice, as well as grow the industry to be the driving economic force in Nigeria.
“JTBS is anchored on the following objectives:
To equip young Nigerians with hands-on skills in travel operations, tour packaging, hospitality business, and tourism marketing.
To promote ethical and sustainable practices in the Nigerian tourism industry.
To foster entrepreneurship and job creation through tourism-based enterprise development.
To create a platform for collaboration between the public and private sectors in tourism capacity building.
“Services and Programs
Our core services are enclosed around Trainings, Mentorship & Advisory. Currently, we offer:
Certificate and Diploma Programs in Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Short Courses in Ticketing, Reservations, Tour Packaging, and Visa Consulting
Corporate Training for Travel Agencies and Hospitality Businesses Internship and Job Placement Services
Digital Travel and Tourism Innovations Training
Consulting Services for Tourism Development
Tourism related programs, seminars, workshops, and conferences.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate dissolution of the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on the Alienation of Federal Government Properties, ending the operations of a body that has overseen the privatisation, sale and lease of federal assets for more than two decades.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, President Tinubu directed that all matters relating to the committee’s activities will henceforth be handled by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
The PIC was established in 2000 under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to supervise the disposal of Federal Government landed assets under the monetisation policy.
The committee was chaired by the then Minister of Housing and comprised representatives of the Ministries of Transportation, Justice, Health and Agriculture, as well as the Nigeria Police Force. Professor P.T. Ahire served as its pioneer secretary, while members were drawn from both the public and private sectors.
The statement recalled that the Federal Executive Council approved the establishment of a Panel of Inquiry on March 22, 2001, to produce a White Paper guiding the implementation of the committee’s recommendations. The panel worked for 21 months before submitting its report.
Explaining the decision, Onanuga said the Federal Government concluded that the committee had outlived its usefulness, as its activities had extended beyond its original mandate and resulted in multiple litigations across the country.
“After careful consideration, the Government has noted that the activities of the PIC had extended beyond its original mandate, resulting in multiple litigations across the country, and the continued existence of the Committee is no longer justified,” he said.
President Tinubu also directed that, with effect from November 5, 2025, all outstanding matters previously handled by the committee be coordinated by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
In addition, the former Secretary of the committee, B. S. Dutsin-Ma, was directed to immediately cease acting on behalf of the dissolved committee and the Federal Government on related matters.
The Presidency said the move is aimed at streamlining the management of issues relating to the alienation of Federal Government properties under the supervision of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Afrinvest have urged Nigerian clubs to embrace digital transformation, saying strong online presence, quality data and commercial partnerships are key to financial sustainability.
Speaking at a seminar for media and marketing officers of NPFL clubs in Enugu, NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owunmi, challenged clubs to improve their digital platforms or risk missing sponsorship opportunities.
To underscore the importance of data, Owunmi offered a ₦100,000 reward to any club with a functional website containing comprehensive statistics from the just-concluded season, including player profiles, goals, match records and attendance figures.
He lamented that many clubs either lack functional websites or operate platforms with little useful content, stressing that data and digital engagement have become major revenue drivers in modern football.
“Our Gen Z audience lives online. If clubs are absent from the digital space, they cannot reach young fans, attract sponsors or benefit from e-commerce opportunities,” he said.
According to Owunmi, potential sponsors now demand audience and performance data before committing funds, but many clubs are unable to provide credible figures due to poor data generation.
He urged clubs to reduce dependence on government funding by strengthening their media and marketing departments, citing Rangers International’s ₦200 million sleeve sponsorship deal and other commercial partnerships as examples of what effective branding can achieve.
Owunmi also disclosed that from next season, the NPFL will introduce measurable digital benchmarks for clubs, including website functionality, quality content and social media engagement.
Afrinvest Manager, Emmanuel Eleojo, said the company’s partnership with Rangers International and the NPFL is anchored on its “Finance Meets Football” initiative, which promotes corporate investment in football.
He said Afrinvest’s support for Rangers since 2023 has boosted youth development, led to the establishment of the club’s academy and contributed to two league titles in three seasons, while producing players for the national team.
“When finance meets football, we see growth. We see progress. We see trophies won,” Eleojo said.
One of the lead paper presenters at the seminar, Mr George Isitua-Onukwu, who spoke on ‘Monetising NPFL Clubs Through Marketing, Sponsorship and Brand Investment’, harped on the need for the clubs to adopt a clear and timed approach to branding and marketing.
According to him, NPFL sponsors report hesitation because clubs cannot yet guarantee the consistent visibility and production quality brands ask for.
“Clubs without a structured calendar for renewals, activation briefs, and reporting are, by definition, always reacting,” he further stated.
The seminar brought together media and marketing officers from the 20 NPFL clubs to strengthen capacity in digital marketing, branding, content creation and data management aimed at improving the league’s commercial appeal.
A socio-political organization, Forum of Abia Democrats (FABD), has lauded the sterling leadership qualities of Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa.
Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa is the Nigeria Democratic Congress State House of Assembly candidate for Isiala Ngwa South Constituency of Abia State
Forum of Abia Democrats (FABD), whose membership is drawn from the seventeen (17) local government areas of Abia State in a statement on Thursday, hailed
Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa’s resilience and commitment to nation-building and development.
The statement by the forum was signed by the Chairman, Surveyor Samuel Azubuike and Secretary General, Victor Mbanaso.
While noting that Dr Michael Chiemezuo ‘s invaluable contributions towards deepening democracy in Abia state and Nigeria cannot be overemphasized, Forum of Abia Democrats(FABD) also noted that Dr. Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa has remained unwavering in her pursuit of gender equality in the country.
The pro-democracy forum further noted that Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo’s continued support for human empowerment, community development, and as well passion for good governance.
“Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa has remained committed to public service and also dedicated to the advancement of democratic values in Abia state and larger Nigeria. And this illustrious son of Abia state has continuously demonstrated his desire to contribute to societal building and development, having chaired and coordinated professional bodies effectively and efficiently.
Forum of Abia Democrats (FABD) therefore threw their weights behind Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa’s House of assembly bid, describing his recent emergence as the NDC State House of Assembly standard-bearer for Isiala Ngwa South state Constituency as a beginning of a new chapter of progress and purposeful leadership in Isiala Ngwa South.
The forum expressed confidence in the ability and capacity of Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa in driving even development and uplifting local communities across Isiala Ngwa South Constituency through attractions of government’s provision of critical infrastructural amenities and projects when elected into the Abia State House of Assembly come 2027.
According to the ethnic-nationality body, aside from attracting meaningful socio-economic and infrastructural projects across IIsiala Ngwa South Constituency, we believe Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa equally possessed the wherewithal to pursue and make impactful laws that strengthen all statutory and relevant institutions of democratic governance in Abia State.
“Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo has remained a defender of justice and advocate for the rights and welfare of average Nigerians.
“The confidence and widespread acceptance he enjoy among the electorates in isiala Ngwa South state constituency will turn into electoral victory for NDC in the coming general election next year,”the forum noted.
Forum of Abia Democrats (FABD) pledged to rally bulk votes for NDC State House of Assembly Candidate, Dr. Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa to ensure his total victory in the upcoming election in 2027 in isiala Ngwa South Constituency by the independent national electoral commission (INEC).
The southeast forum also used the medium to call on all eligible Nigerian citizens to participate in the ongoing nationwide voters registration exercise by INEC, so as to enable them exercise their franchise in next year’s general election in the country.
“Every eligible imo citizens should ensure it register and collect their permanent voters cards (PVC), because, it is the only weapon and power vested on citizens by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to effect a change in government, and vote in credible people to mount leadership saddle in all levels in the country,”They stated.
The Service stated this in a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday.
According to the NIS, the only authorised platform for passport payments by Nigerians, both within the country and in the diaspora, is its official passport portal.
It added that foreigners seeking Nigerian visas should use only its official visa portal for embassy applications or the designated e-visa portal for electronic visa applications.
It said, “The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to reiterate that the only authorised platforms for passport payments for Nigerians (at home and in diaspora) is https://passport.immigration.gov.ng.
“For foreigners wishing to apply for visa, https://visa.immigration.gov.ng (for visa at the Embassy) and https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng (for e-visa) are the official links.
The NIS urged applicants who require clarification or assistance with passport or visa applications to contact its verified communication channels.
It listed its official X accounts as @nigimmigration and @InquireAtNaija, while its verified Facebook and Instagram handles are @nigimmigration.
The Service also provided WhatsApp numbers 09160878000 and 09117717772 for enquiries and support.
The statement reiterated the Service’s commitment to ensuring secure and transparent passport and visa application processes, urging the public to avoid fraudulent intermediaries.
The US Department of State said the move is aimed at centralising routine visa services in regional hubs to enhance national security, reduce government spending, and ensure greater consistency in visa screening, vetting and adjudication.
In a statement on the US Department of State website on Wednesday, the department said the reorganisation aligns with the President Donald Trump’s administration’s priority of placing America’s interests and security first.
“The Department of State is constantly evaluating its overseas operations in order to advance America’s priorities as efficiently and effectively as possible. This includes a visa process that maintains rigorous standards of security screening and vetting and aligns resources and operational capacity with America’s national interests.
“The Trump administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans, and the State Department will continue to provide Americans with appropriate consular services and assistance at diplomatic posts around the world,” the statement read.
Besides Abuja, the affected diplomatic posts are located in Asmara, Bamako, Banjul, Brazzaville, Bujumbura, Conakry, Cotonou, Durban, Freetown, Gaborone, Harare, Juba, Libreville, Lilongwe, Lusaka, Maputo, Maseru, Mbabane, N’Djamena, Niamey, Nouakchott, Ouagadougou and Windhoek.
It also emphasised that all diplomatic missions will continue to provide consular services and carry out their regular functions on behalf of the United States.
The department further assured travellers that the policy does not invalidate visas that have already been issued.
The United States periodically reviews its global diplomatic operations to reallocate resources and streamline consular services.
Under the new arrangement, applicants in countries affected by the policy are expected to access routine visa services through designated regional processing hubs, while embassies and consulates continue to provide other diplomatic and consular assistance.
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