Prominent travel entrepreneur and aviation training expert, Mrs. Faith Esohe Essien, has formally declared her intention to contest for the position of South-South Vice President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria [FTAN], unveiling an ambitious regional development blueprint titled the “ARISE & THRIVE” Agenda.
Speaking from her base in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Chief Executive Officer of Abilfat Travels and Abilfat Aviation Business School outlined her vision to transform the South-South geopolitical zone into a nationally and continentally competitive tourism hub. According to her, the four-point agenda is designed to drive regional investment, promote cultural heritage, empower the tourism workforce, and strengthen innovation through public-private collaboration.
Mrs. Essien holds a B.Sc. in Biochemistry and postgraduate diplomas in Business Management and Education from the University of Uyo, alongside a Diploma in Travel & Tourism from the International Air Transport Association [IATA]. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants [IMC], a Member of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria [ITPN] and ForbesBLK Community, and currently serves as Zonal Secretary of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies [NANTA], Eastern Zone.
“The South-South region is endowed with enormous tourism potential, rich in culture, nature, and history,” she said. “But to unlock this, we need intentional investment, collaboration, and skilled manpower. The ARISE & THRIVE Agenda offers a practical framework for that transformation.”
Her journey into the travel and tourism industry was serendipitous. Initially untrained in the field, she began as a travel manager and quickly discovered a profound passion for the sector. Through perseverance and continuous learning, she built a successful travel business and later launched an aviation training school in Uyo, addressing a critical skills gap in the industry.
Her leadership approach is shaped by strong parental values of accountability, hard work, and faith. Known in her school days as “Marion Jones” due to her athletic speed and competitive drive, that same determination now fuels her commitment to revitalising the South-South’s tourism landscape.
Her transformative manifesto is built around a strategic and inclusive roadmap for regional tourism development, encapsulated in four pillars: Accelerating Regional Investment in Tourism [ARI]; plans to advocate for improved infrastructure including better roads, modern riverine tourism ports, and enhanced air connectivity to facilitate access to key destinations.
She also emphasised the need for accessible funding, grants, and financial literacy training for tourism entrepreneurs and will encourage all South-South states to adopt robust tourism development plans, promote cultural festivals, and develop immersive heritage trails in partnership with local communities. Her strategy includes leveraging storytelling, virtual tours, and influencer marketing to enhance the region’s national and global appeal.
With a proven track record in aviation education, Mrs. Essien is committed to addressing workforce capacity gaps by expanding training opportunities, particularly for youth, and aligning skills development with industry demands, she will also advocate for improved tourist safety, the adoption of digital tools, and streamlined regulatory frameworks to boost the ease of doing business in the tourism sector.
A key component of her campaign is showcasing the diversity and appeal of the South-South states, each offering unique experiences, from coastal retreats and ancient kingdoms to culinary and cultural festivals. Under her leadership, these attractions will be professionally packaged and promoted under a unified South-South tourism brand.
According to her, “I am not just campaigning for a position, but advocating for a future.” A future, she said, in which the South-South becomes a magnet for tourists, a hub of hospitality excellence, and a model of sustainable development in Nigeria and the sub-region.
“With the support of the entire Federation, I pledge to serve with integrity, innovation, and a relentless commitment to results,” she concluded.
By African Travel Times