Onung set for HTSSCN top job,applauds Umo Eno’s tourism drive

Onung set for HTSSCN top job,applauds Umo Eno’s tourism drive

Nelson NseAbasi

The immediate past President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and Honourary Special Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, has commended the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno Ph.D for the successful hosting of the 2026 World Heritage Day Celebration, which featured Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, as keynote speaker.

Nkereuwem, who was recently appointed as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSCN), stated that the event not only highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom State but also reinforced the growing importance of tourism as a catalyst for economic development. He described the initiative as timely and visionary, noting that it has further positioned the state as a frontline destination for cultural tourism in Nigeria.

In his remark, he lauded Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to promoting arts, culture, and tourism, adding that the success of the celebration reflects a deliberate effort by the state government to harness its heritage assets for global relevance and local prosperity,through the Anieti Udofia-led Ministry of Culture & Tourism,who through his humility,has brought purposeful leadership to the industry. 

On his recent appointment, Onung expressed gratitude to the Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Abisoye Fagade, for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to justify the trust by working with stakeholders to reposition the HTSSCN as a strategic driver of skills development within the sector.

Speaking further,he hinted that under his leadership, the Council is expected to strengthen professional standards, deepen certification frameworks, and promote capacity building across the hospitality and tourism value chain. He added that the Council would also focus on youth empowerment, job creation, and fostering stronger collaboration between government, private sector operators, and training institutions, with a view to building a globally competitive workforce.

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

In his private capacity, Mr. Onung, a retired banker cum tourism expert, is Chairman of Remlords Travels & Tours,with over three decades of service to the sector, he is also the founder of Experience Ibom, a destination management company, his appointment has since received commendations globally.