The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Delta State chapter, has called on tourism stakeholders and relevant authorities to immortalise a great tourism icon, Ignatius Atigbi, the Delta State of Nigeria man who initiated the marking of the global tourism day.

FTAN made this known in Asaba during an event to mark the 2025 World Tourism Day, noting that Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi made a tremendous impact towards the establishment of what the world observes today as tourism day.

FTAN also urged the Delta State government to look inwards and push a sustainable transformation in its tourism sector, while charging the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism to stir the move as a vital revenue force for the state.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinator, Delta State Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Engr. Chibuikem Diala, emphasized that Delta State was leaving value and money on the table by underutilizing its tourism assets, stressing that intentional development of key products and festivals could transform the state into a global tourism hub.

Diala, in his address harping on the theme of the 2025 WTD, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, linked the global theme to Delta State’s vast tourism potential that has not been tapped.

He highlighted cultural treasures such as the Ukwata Abii Festival, Tigboti Dance, and Adane-Okpe Masquerade, along with the Ethiope River (including the source at Umuaja), as strategic opportunities for creating green jobs, boosting GDP, and attracting foreign exchange.

“Right here in Asaba, we have the Lander Brothers Anchorage and Mungo Park Museum, a historic site that tells the story of the explorers who first traced the River Niger. With the right investment and connection to the nearby Arcade Event Centre, it could become a world-class heritage attraction,” Diala said.

“Beyond landmarks, Delta’s true wealth lies in its people and culture: the elegance of Anioma festivals, dances, and cuisine; the regal maritime heritage of the Itsekiri; and the rich folklore and masquerades of the Urhobo, with festivals like Owhorhu, Idju, and Iyeri. With vision, these living traditions can be transformed into global showcases of African history, culture, and performance.

“Our cultures – Anioma, Itsekiri, Urhobo, and Ijaw – are living museums. With vision and sustainability approaches, they can be built into world-recognized tourism brands. That is transformation. That is tourism that is sustainably transformed,” he said.

He called for a Delta State Sustainable Tourism Master Plan, which he described as a necessary blueprint for sustainable growth.

“A master plan will help the state map out its tourism assets, define sustainable practices, set clear investment priorities, and ensure benefits reach youth and local communities without sacrificing culture or the environment,” he said.

Diala also reminded the participants that the idea of marking World Tourism Day on September 27 every year was originally proposed by a Delta State man. He said the late Ignatius Atigbi, born in Warri, Delta State of Nigeria, conceived the idea while serving as Secretary-General of the Nigeria Tourism Association (NTA), now the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).

He urged the state government to immortalize this remarkable legacy by naming an iconic site after him, while also pushing for the UNWTO to host a future edition of World Tourism Day in Delta State in his honour.

FTAN Delta State also pledged concrete actions in collaboration with the State Directorate of Culture and Tourism, including building capacity across the hospitality and tourism value chain; advocating for policies that put sustainability at the core of tourism growth; and linking Delta to global and regional partners such as UNWTO, GSTC, and ECOWAS to align with international standards.

The event was declared open by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Darlington Ijeh, who was represented by the Director of Administration, Kennedy Nwabeze. The Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Otatahor Godwin, was represented by the Acting General Manager of the Tourism Board, Bodji Elias, while the Director of Tourism, Ogwu Harkins, delivered the vote of thanks.

In a closing remark, Diala reaffirmed that tourism in Delta State must transcend sightseeing to truly transform lives and communities.

“Tourism in Delta must be about transforming lives, communities, and futures. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Let us go together to build a Delta where tourism is not just an activity but a legacy of prosperity and pride,” he added.

FTAN is the umbrella body for Nigeria’s tourism private sector working to strengthen partnerships, build capacity, and advocate for policies that drive tourism as a key contributor to national development.