Distinguished stakeholders, partners, investors, creatives, operators, ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted to welcome you to the maiden Benue Tourism Business Dinner. This gathering is both symbolic and strategic. It brings together the men and women who have kept the tourism, hospitality, arts and creative economy of our state alive—often against the odds. I commend your resilience, innovation, and belief in Benue’s potential, even when the ecosystem lacked structure, incentives, or visibility.
Benue is richly endowed with cultural heritage, natural attractions, creative talent, cuisine, festivals, and warm hospitality. Yet, much of this potential remains underexplored and under-commercialised. From destination development and hospitality investments to film, music, fashion, crafts, gastronomy, and cultural tourism, the opportunities before us are vast. What is required now is coordination, investment readiness, compliance, and strong partnerships between the public and private sectors.
The administration of His Excellency, Rev, Fr. Dr. Chief Hyacinth Iormem Alia , has demonstrated uncommon commitment to jumpstarting the creative and tourism economy. A key pillar of this vision is the signing of an MoU for a 15 million US Dollar Benue Creative Impact Fund, designed to stimulate enterprise growth and create up to 300,000 jobs across the creative value chain. This intervention sends a clear message: tourism and the creative economy are no longer side conversations—they are central to economic diversification, youth employment, and inclusive growth in Benue State.
As we pursue growth, we must also emphasise responsibility. Sustainable sector development requires tax compliance, proper registration, and adherence to regulatory standards. These obligations are not punitive; they are the foundation for credibility, access to financing, data-driven planning, and investor confidence. A compliant ecosystem is a bankable ecosystem.
At the Bureau, we recognise that regulation must go hand-in-hand with support. We are committed to improving our weak points, simplifying processes, and bringing government closer to industry players. Our approach going forward is collaboration, consultation, and co-creation of solutions that work for business.
For the year ahead, the Bureau’s key targets include:
• Strengthening public–private partnerships in tourism and creative industries
• Rolling out a Digital Hospitality Business Onboarding System to ease registration, licensing, and compliance
• Launching and maintaining a robust Creative Industry Database to serve as a planning, funding, and investment tool
• Expanding destination promotion, product packaging, and investment matchmaking
• Building capacity and improving data across the ecosystem
These digital platforms—the onboarding system and the Creative Industry Database—are critical assets. They will improve visibility, unlock opportunities, support policy, and ensure that operators are counted, recognised, and supported.
I also wish to place you on notice: preparations are underway for the Benue at 50 Jubilee Celebration. This will not only be a moment of reflection but a major business and investment opportunity across events, hospitality, creative showcases, merchandising, media, and tourism services. We urge ecosystem players to get ready to partner, invest, and participate.
In conclusion, I am optimistic. With collaboration, compliance, innovation, and shared commitment, the Benue tourism and creative economy can thrive. The Bureau cannot do this alone—we need your support, ideas, and partnership.
Together, let us make this a prosperous business year for Benue State.
Thank you.
© Shadrach Teryila Ukuma Ph.D