Tourism
By Stanley Nwanosike
Enugu, Aug. 25, 2026 (NAN) The Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN) has commended Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his dedication to advancing the state’s tourism sector.
The association particularly praised Mbah for appointing a core professional, Chief Steve Odo, to drive his administration’s vision in the sector.
The National President of HATMAN, Dr Lilian Managwu, expressed the group’s appreciation while speaking with newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday.
Managwu described Odo’s appointment as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Tourism to the governor, as a “step in the right direction”.
She said before his current appointment, Odo served as the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Tourism Board, where he successfully revived the agency’s key programmes.
She said that HATMAN deeply appreciates Gov. Mbah for recognising and valuing professional competence in key appointments, describing Odo as “a perfect fit” for the role.
The president said that the association was thrilled to see one of its seasoned members entrusted with such a vital responsibility by the state government.
She said that the appointment reflects Odo’s extensive experience, proven competence, and long-standing commitment to developing tourism and cultural heritage.
Managwu expressed strong confidence that the appointee, a Fellow of HATMAN, would bring his vast knowledge to bear on his new assignment.
She added that the appointment comes at a critical time, particularly as Enugu State continues to position itself as a top-choice tourism destination in Nigeria.
The president expressed confidence that with the governor’s support, Odo would revive the state’s cultural heritage and boost tourism assets.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Odo, a veteran practitioner, was admitted as an Affiliate Member of the British Institute of Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management Association, U.K., in 1992, before becoming a HATMAN Fellow in 2022.
The former lecturer in the Department of Hospitality of both the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu and the Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, authored a book titled
“The Principles and Practice of Hospitality and Tourism Management”.
He is also a co-author of the maiden book “Entrepreneurship in Hospitality and Tourism: Perspective in Nigeria”, published by HATMAN. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
KSN/FDY
========
Edited by Philip Yatai
Source link
About the Author
