The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Chief Matthew Ekwuribe, has said that the administration of Alex Otti is deliberately working to ensure that all sectors of the state’s economy are properly organised and repositioned for growth.
Ekwuribe stated this on Thursday during a stakeholders’ engagement for operators in the hospitality and tourism sectors, held at the Aba Town Hall in Aba. The engagement, themed around advancing standards, transparency and recognition, was organised by the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in collaboration with Amena Hospitality and Tourism Innovation Technology Solution.
According to the commissioner, the meeting was designed to sensitise hospitality managers and operators on the state government’s plans for the sector, stressing that their cooperation is critical to achieving sustainable development. He noted that Governor Otti is a planner who believes in structure and long-term impact, adding that many people are already working tirelessly behind the scenes to reposition Abia State as a preferred destination for business and tourism.
Ekwuribe explained that the ongoing initiative would help standardise hotels and hospitality facilities, introduce proper grading and classification, and expose Abia’s hospitality industry to the global market. He said this would allow visitors to plan and book their trips ahead of time, improve security coordination, and boost travellers’ confidence when visiting the state.
He lamented that Abia has in the past declined hosting some major events due to inadequate hospitality capacity, but assured stakeholders that the situation is changing.
The commissioner disclosed that the state government is already taking concrete steps to attract reputable international brands, while also upgrading existing facilities to meet acceptable standards.
Beyond hospitality, Ekwuribe highlighted ongoing and proposed tourism projects across the state, including the revitalisation of historic and cultural sites such as Ojukwu’s Bunker and the National War Museum, as well as development plans for Azumiri Blue River, Bonny Waters, Ncharo Loko and other heritage locations. He also revealed plans for an entertainment village, an arts and creative city, and other tourism-driven infrastructure aimed at boosting the state’s economy.
The commissioner further shared his experience at the World Travel Market in London, where he said Abia State attracted international attention and opened discussions with airlines and global tourism stakeholders on promoting the state as a destination of choice.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Barrister Chibuzo Ehiemere, told hotel owners that the grading and classification exercise is free of charge and should be fully embraced. She said the state government is committed to standardising all sectors to drive efficiency and competitiveness.
Speaking on the theme “Raising Standards, Building Excellence,” a consultant from Amena Hospitality and Tourism Innovation Technology Solution, Mr. Edosa Eghobamiem charged hotel owners to be intentional, professional and self-regulating, noting that factors such as security, road infrastructure, power supply, aesthetics and customer relations are key to business success.
On the hospitality and tourism grading and classification project, Mr. Edosa described the initiative as a major milestone in strengthening professionalism, improving customer experience and supporting sustainable tourism development. He explained that grading and classification provide a clear assessment of service delivery, facilities, hygiene, safety and overall customer experience, urging hotel owners to properly structure their businesses to benefit from government support.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Aba South Local Government Area, Mr. Anyanwu Obilor, said the council aligns with the new Abia vision of compliance and standards, assuring that the local government would support initiatives aimed at improving the hospitality sector.
The Chairman of the Hotel Proprietors Association in Aba, Chief Chidiebere Obasi, pledged the cooperation of members and encouraged operators to improve their facilities to meet acceptable standards.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Hotel Owners Association, Aba, Barrister Sir John Chibuike Ozuomba, thanked the ministry for the engagement and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to the success of the exercise.
