On a crisp December evening in 2023, Enugu’s Unity Park shimmered with millions of lights, drawing families, tourists, and vendors into a festive embrace.
The inaugural “Christmas in the Park” event was more than a seasonal celebration; it marked the dawn of a new era for Enugu State’s tourism sector.
At the heart of this transformation stood Hon. Dame Rita Mbah, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Tourism Board, whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in redefining the state’s tourism landscape.
“Tourism is a powerful tool not just for economic development, but for peace-building and social harmony,” Hon. Dame Rita Mbah emphasised during the World Tourism Day celebration in 2023. “By preserving our cultural and natural heritage, we create spaces where communities unite and economies grow.”
This bold assertion by the Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Tourism Board is not merely aspirational, it is the foundation upon which she is building one of Nigeria’s most compelling tourism transformations. Guided by Governor Peter Mbah’s development blueprint and fueled by a deep belief in Enugu’s potential, Hon. Dame Rita Mbah is leading a renaissance that blends heritage with innovation.
From revitalising historical sites to introducing groundbreaking infrastructure, her leadership is reshaping the cultural and economic fabric of Enugu State and positioning it as a globally competitive tourist destination. Her efforts are breathing new life into spaces long forgotten and introducing novel concepts that are shifting public perception of tourism in southeastern Nigeria.
Strategic Transformation: From Vision to Reality
Under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, Enugu State has committed billions of naira to rejuvenate its tourism landscape. With Hon. Dame Rita Mbah at the helm of the tourism board, this transformation is no longer an abstract goal but a fast-developing reality that is now visible across multiple sectors.
Major pillars of the transformation include:
Comprehensive Park Redevelopment: Five landmark parks; Unity Park, Edward Nnaji Park, Ejindu Park, Ngwo Park, and Eze Park are undergoing massive upgrades. These renovations are not just cosmetic facelifts; they are complete reimagining of what public recreational spaces can be. Features include game arcades, amusement and water parks, basketball and volleyball courts, children’s playgrounds, and relaxation lounges, with all facilities adhering to global best practices in environmental and safety standards.
Beautification from the Gateway: Starting at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, the state has begun a sweeping beautification campaign. This initiative is comprehensive and includes clearing slums, planting trees, installing streetlights, and showcasing murals of cultural heroes and heritage scenes, creating a vibrant welcome for visitors. Every touchpoint in the city is being transformed into a story of pride, cleanliness, and cultural identity.
Flagship Projects: The administration is also developing a five-star hotel, a 300-bed hospital focused on medical tourism, and revamping the International Conference Centre, designed to attract high-profile conferences and global tourists. These developments mark a deliberate pivot toward positioning Enugu as not only a leisure destination but also a hub for business, healthcare, and high-end tourism.
Harnessing Heritage: Preserving the Soul of Enugu
As the city transforms physically, Hon. Rita Mbah remains committed to preserving the heart of Enugu, its culture and history. She’s leading efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage Site status for iconic locations like Milliken Hills, Ngwo Pine Forest, and Iva Valley.
Speaking during an inspection visit, she noted, “These sites are not just scenic spots. They tell the story of our people, their struggles, and triumphs. They deserve global recognition.”
Planned enhancements include a canopy walkway at Awhum, ziplining at Iva Valley, and interpretive centers at historic coal mining towns, all designed to fuse eco-tourism with storytelling and education. These attractions will serve not only as leisure destinations but also as platforms for learning and intergenerational connection, ensuring that future generations understand the past.
Tourism as a Catalyst for Economic Growth
The Enugu State Government has set an ambitious target to increase its GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion. A significant part of this growth strategy is hinged on tourism, one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, travel and tourism accounted for 7.6% of global GDP in 2022, and Nigeria’s share is projected to grow as states like Enugu innovate.
“Tourism remains the highest employer of labour globally,” Dame Rita Mbah remarked, “and it will be a major pillar of Enugu’s economic expansion and job creation.”
With upgraded infrastructure, new attractions, and immersive cultural experiences, Enugu is poised to attract investors, hospitality chains, and international tour operators seeking fresh opportunities in West Africa. This multidimensional approach to tourism development underscores its importance as a driver of job creation, youth engagement, and entrepreneurial growth across both urban and rural areas.
People-Centered Approach: Training the Tourism Workforce
Recognising the human capital gap in the hospitality sector, Hon. Rita Mbah launched a collaboration with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) to provide free capacity-building workshops for hoteliers, restaurateurs, tour guides, and hospitality personnel.
In her words,
“It is not enough to have beautiful sites. The people must be trained to deliver unforgettable experiences.”
Hundreds of participants have already completed training sessions in customer service excellence, tourism marketing, destination management, and environmental sustainability. These programs are not one-off events but part of a sustainable plan to ensure continuity and quality across the tourism value chain. This focus on upskilling ensures that Enugu delivers on its promise of excellence, not just in infrastructure but in service delivery and global competitiveness.
Destination Enugu: Rebranding and Promotion
Marketing Enugu as a global tourism destination is a core component of Hon. Rita Mbah’s strategy. From social media campaigns to strategic partnerships with travel agencies and diaspora organizations, the state is ramping up its visibility and reputation on the national and international stage.
In 2024, Enugu hosted the first International Cultural and Arts Expo, attracting delegations from over 15 African countries and spotlighting its traditional music, fashion, and cuisine. The event served as both a tourism showcase and a celebration of African identity and unity. It was not only a cultural display but also a soft power strategy that positioned Enugu as a regional leader in creative economy initiatives.
“People are looking for authentic experiences, and Enugu has that in abundance,” said Dame Rita. “We are not just selling tourism, we are offering cultural rebirth, tranquility, and adventure.”
Safety, Technology, and Sustainability: A Modern Tourism Blueprint
Hon. Rita Mbah’s tourism blueprint is not just ambitious, it is forward-looking and sustainable. Safety and technology are critical components. All tourist locations are now subject to digital surveillance, emergency response systems, and eco-friendly waste management protocols.
Smart tourism tools such as QR-coded signs, interactive virtual tours, and mobile-friendly guides are being introduced to enhance tourist navigation and storytelling. These enhancements are built on the understanding that modern travelers expect convenience, interactivity, and accessibility.
Moreover, sustainability remains central. The Enugu State Tourism Board is integrating green design principles, solar-powered utilities, and community involvement in all projects to ensure that tourism growth doesn’t come at the cost of environmental degradation. The use of local labor and materials further reinforces economic inclusivity and environmental responsibility.
A Call to Action: Join the Enugu Experience
With rapid development already underway, the time to visit, invest in, and experience Enugu is now. The momentum is strong, and stakeholders from all walks of life are being called upon to contribute.
To the Diaspora: Return home and explore the cultural heritage that shaped your identity. Witness firsthand the revival of a land rich in memory and meaning.
To Investors: Seize untapped opportunities in hospitality, eco-tourism, and creative industries. Partner with a state that supports innovation and guarantees returns.
To Locals: Embrace the change and become active stakeholders—clean your surroundings, support tourism businesses, and serve as cultural ambassadors.
Everyone has a role to play in Enugu’s success story.
The Making of a Legacy
Hon. Dame Rita Mbah is more than a tourism executive—she is a visionary builder, a cultural revivalist, and a development strategist. Her leadership is charting a path where Enugu no longer lingers in the shadows of national tourism conversations but leads boldly, with pride and innovation.
From festive lights at Unity Park to historical echoes in Iva Valley, from high-tech hotel constructions to handcrafted souvenirs, the story of Enugu’s tourism renaissance is being written, one park, one policy, one dream at a time.