Nkereuwem Onung applauds Eno’s heritage push, eyes transformation of HTSSCN

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Immediate past President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and Honourary Special Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, on Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, has commended Governor Umo Eno for the successful hosting of the 2026 World Heritage Day celebration in the state.

The event, which featured Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka as keynote speaker, showcased the rich cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom and drew attention to the growing importance of tourism as a driver of economic development.

Onung, who was recently appointed Chairman of the Governing Board of the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSCN), described the initiative as timely and visionary.

According to him, the celebration has further positioned Akwa Ibom as a leading destination for cultural tourism in Nigeria.

He lauded Governor Eno’s commitment to promoting arts, culture, and tourism, noting that the success of the event reflects a deliberate effort by the state government, through its Ministry of Culture and Tourism, to harness its heritage assets for both global relevance and local prosperity.

Speaking on his appointment, Onung expressed gratitude to the Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Abisoye Fagade, for the confidence reposed in him.

He pledged to justify the trust by working closely with stakeholders to reposition HTSSCN as a strategic platform for skills development in the sector.

He hinted that under his leadership, the Council would focus on strengthening professional standards, deepening certification frameworks, and promoting capacity building across the hospitality and tourism value chain.

He added that priority would also be given to youth empowerment, job creation, and fostering stronger collaboration between government, private sector operators, and training institutions to build a globally competitive workforce.

Onung further emphasized that the ongoing reforms by NIHOTOUR are critical to formalising the tourism sector, improving service delivery, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.

In his private capacity, Onung, a retired banker and tourism expert, serves as Chairman of Remlords Travels & Tours. With over three decades of experience in the industry, he is also the founder of Experience Ibom, a destination management company.

His recent appointment has continued to attract commendations from stakeholders both within and outside Nigeria.