With Enugu State preparing to welcome an anticipated three million tourists annually, a renowned tourism and hospitality expert, Chief Steve Odo, has called on the state government to urgently establish a Tourism and Hospitality Institute. The proposed institution, he said, would help train a new generation of professionals needed to meet the demands of the rapidly growing tourism sector and ensure exceptional service delivery across the industry.
Odo, who recently served as Chairman of the Enugu State Tourism Board, made the call while delivering a keynote address themed “Empowering Minds, Shaping Future” at the 38th Convocation and Matriculation Ceremony of Nwandu Memorial Institute, Enugu. The event brought together hospitality stakeholders, students, and government officials to discuss the future of tourism and professional development in the state.
Highlighting the state’s enormous tourism potential, Odo stressed that Enugu is uniquely positioned to become a major hub for both domestic and international tourists. With over 400 privately owned hotels, more than 20 tourist destinations, both developed and untapped and the ongoing upgrade of five recreational parks within the state capital, he said the infrastructure was fast aligning with the government’s vision.
He further referenced several major projects that underscore Enugu’s readiness to host millions of visitors yearly, including the newly completed International Conference Center (ICC), the revived Presidential Hotel, the iconic Nike Lake Resort, and a new five-star hotel nearing completion near the ICC. Also notable is the recent commissioning of Enugu Air and modern transport terminals, which are set to enhance connectivity and ease of access for travelers within and outside the state.
According to Odo, these developments reflect the strategic vision of Governor Peter Mbah, who is determined to position Enugu as a prime tourist destination. However, he warned that such a vision requires a skilled and professional workforce, hence the urgent need for a dedicated institute and a comprehensive Tourism and Hospitality Workforce Development Plan.
Citing national projections, Odo noted that the tourism and hospitality industry is expected to create 2.6 million new jobs across Nigeria in the next decade, with Enugu likely to be one of the major beneficiaries. He encouraged the graduating students of Nwandu Memorial Institute to seize opportunities not only in Enugu but also in other thriving cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja, either through entrepreneurship or by joining established organizations in the sector.
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Earlier, the Dean of Studies at the Institute, Mrs. Regina Nmeribe, disclosed that 30 students were graduating while 23 fresh students took part in the matriculation to pursue programs in catering, hotel management, and caregiving. Nmeribe celebrated the institute’s legacy, stating that since its founding in 1982, it has graduated over 9,000 students, many of whom are now making significant impacts across Nigeria and beyond.
She reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to building a generation of job creators and service-driven professionals, urging the graduates to uphold the values of excellence and professionalism that define the institution.
The convocation ceremony featured an oath-taking session for new students, the ceremonial cutting of the convocation and matriculation cake, and the presentation of certificates to the graduating class.
Chief Steve Odo, who also served as a local government chairman and lectured in the Department of Hospitality at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu and Benue State Polytechnic, is a Fellow of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN). His contributions to tourism advocacy continue to inspire policy direction and professional growth across the sector.
