The Advisory Board of Jands Travel Business School (JTBS), Enugu, has announced major plans to reposition the institution for greater impact and visibility, following a strategic meeting in Enugu.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, Chief Ben Etiaba, FCA, Chairman of the Advisory Board, said the session was convened to “brainstorm and map out a clear pathway for the school’s future,” with a particular focus on its 2026 vision and the role of Board members in driving growth.
Mrs. Chioma Obi, Executive Director of JTBS, added that the Board also reviewed the institution’s activities in 2025 and ongoing preparations for the 2026 Domestic Tourism Conference.
The 2025 edition of the conference had ended in grand style at the Ofuobi Africa Centre, Enugu, with participants emphasizing cultural revival and showcasing Nigeria’s rich heritage.
The opening session featured keynote speaker Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State, while Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah was represented by his Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ugochi Madueke.
The two-day event attracted high-profile personalities, professionals, and traditional rulers, including Igwe Anichebe, Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government Traditional Rulers Council, representing HRH Igwe Ogadagidi — Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council; and Ooni Ifeanyi Ugochukwu, who performed the traditional rites.
The closing ceremony featured a keynote address by Ferdinand Anikwe, Director-General of Centre for Black Arts and African Civilisation (CBAAC), who highlighted the untapped cultural tourism potential of Enugu and Nigeria.
“Enugu State’s cultural sites include historical landmarks like the Nsude Pyramid and Zik’s Premier Residence, ancient technological sites such as the Lejja Iron Smelting Site, and museums like the National Museum of Unity,” Anikwe said.
“Natural sites with cultural significance include the Awhum Waterfall and Milliken Hills, while vibrant traditions are showcased through festivals like the Mmanwu festival.”
Mrs. Obi, in her address, expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for his infrastructural strides, noting that such developments boost tourism and business opportunities.
The business panel featured Hassan Abdullahi Zakari, Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa, Chibuzor Hillary Asogwa, Benedeth Cherechi Anigbo, Dr. Chidima Chris Oguamanam, and Iheanyi Igboko. The discussants emphasized that the conference was not just a forum for dialogue but “a living celebration of Nigeria’s heritage.”
Delegates from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States offered guests a unique cultural experience, including palmwine tastings and masquerade performances (Iti Mmonwu) that brought Igbo traditions to life.
The exhibition segment featured a wide range of artisans, designers, tour operators, culinary experts, and medical consultants. Among them were Be Kute Fashion, Glochi Couture, Ma Slims, AshleyDavids Couture, Oma Beads, Odi-Oku, Lofish Travels, Bereeth Travels and Tours, TG Travels, Morvick Travels and Tours, Osite Foods, and Dinmzy Fruits.
Also present were Lo Fish Travel and Tours Ltd, EttaJewels, Fit Group of Companies, Kikky’s Place and Galleria, Health Focus Diagnostics, Mild Gloss, Spinelick Fruit Plus, and Veezee Signature.
A notable highlight was the participation of healthcare providers such as FiT Healthcare and Fedora Multiconcept, spotlighting the emerging medical tourism sector in Nigeria.
JTBS partnered with several institutions and brands to host the event, including Ofuobi Africa Centre, Signature TV, Lantana College of Hospitality, Rotary International, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (FMACCE), Afia TV, Solid FM, and STPN.
The Advisory Board reaffirmed its commitment to “elevating JTBS into a premier destination for tourism education and innovation in Nigeria and beyond.”
