Across the world, tourism has evolved beyond leisure into a major driver of employment, cultural preservation, agricultural exports and sustainable economic growth. From the Caribbean’s destination packages to East Africa’s wildlife tourism and Asia’s highland retreats, countries are transforming natural heritage into investment opportunities and stronger local economies.

Taraba State

Nigeria’s Taraba State is seeking to position itself within this expanding global market, with its remarkable landscapes, cultural diversity and agricultural resources taking centre stage at the latest Renewed Hope Global Town Hall Virtual Conference.

The conference, themed “From Taraba to Nigeria: Unlocking Tourism, Human Capital, and the Renewed Hope for Inclusive Economic Development,” featured Hon. Mary Manzo, Special Adviser to Governor Agbu Kefas on Tourism and Human Capital Development.

Honourable Mary Manzo

Manzo presented Taraba’s Mambilla Plateau, highland tea plantations, Gashaka-Gumti National Park and Nwonyo Fishing Festival as assets capable of attracting international visitors, investment and new employment opportunities.

She highlighted the state’s distinctive climatic conditions, wildlife, historical heritage and cultural diversity, describing tourism as a potential catalyst for inclusive development.

Tourism, education and economic ambition

Governor Kefas

Under Governor Kefas, Taraba is pursuing education, youth empowerment and tourism development initiatives, including proposals for a tourism village and a comprehensive destination-development roadmap.

Manzo outlined ambitions to generate more than ₦3 billion in tourism revenue and create over 2,000 jobs by 2030.

She also emphasised sustainable tourism, environmental protection and stronger collaboration with federal tourism authorities.

Nwonyo Fishing Festival

The Nwonyo Fishing Festival, revived in 2024, featured prominently in discussions about cultural preservation and international heritage recognition.

Beyond tourism, Taraba’s agricultural potential, particularly rice, cocoa, yam and highland tea, attracted interest from international participants.

$130 million proposal and international investment interest

Dr Wilson, identified as Chairman of Renewed Hope Global Caribbean and Caspian, proposed a US$130 million investment in fish-related tourism while encouraging the development of Taraba’s tea products for international markets.

The proposal represents an expression of investment interest, rather than a confirmed financial commitment.

Highlands Tea

Manzo disclosed discussions with a Kenyan investor concerning the upgrading of the Mambilla Highland Tea Factory, alongside plans to introduce locally developed tourism packages.

From Egypt, Hon. Peter Olufosoye of the Nigerian Diaspora Organisation expressed interest in connecting Taraba’s agricultural producers with Egyptian investors.

A participant from Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. Olubode, recommended Caribbean-style staycation packages and stronger international destination marketing.

Alhaji Adams also advocated sustainable green investment, drawing attention to underdeveloped natural attractions elsewhere in Nigeria, including Ondo State.

Women in governance and human capital

The discussion extended to women’s participation in political leadership.

Manzo said women occupy nearly 40% of positions in Taraba’s Executive Council and advocated increasing the national affirmative-action target from 35% to 45%.

She argued that stronger female representation would broaden participation in decision-making and promote more inclusive development.

Participants also praised the importance of education, youth development and equipping communities with the skills needed to benefit from tourism growth.

Global participants commend Taraba’s presentation

President Tinubu and Governor Agbu

The interactive session attracted contributions and feedback from Nigeria, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Trinidad and Tobago and other international locations.

Ayoola, participating from Brussels, described Manzo as highly knowledgeable and an effective representative of Taraba State.

Abdulkarim from Yola highlighted Nigeria’s wealth of natural attractions, while Jenny in Leicester praised the guest’s extensive unscripted presentation.

Aishatu from Kaduna commended the conference’s educational value, and Alhaji Umma from Zaria encouraged continued public engagement and fact-based communication about national development.

Conference Chairman and Chief Host, Ambassador Joseph Kolawole Adebola, MNIM, MCICN, thanked participants, international stakeholders and media partners for supporting the platform’s discussions on governance and development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Media partners acknowledged included BEN Television UK, Diaspora TV Switzerland, The Reflectors Newspaper Nigeria and Parrot Reporters Media Limited, South Africa.

Turning potential into measurable results

For Taraba, the opportunity now lies in converting tourism presentations, diaspora interest and investment proposals into bankable projects, improved transport links, visitor facilities, environmental protection and sustainable employment.

While ambitious revenue projections and investment expressions remain subject to implementation, the conference demonstrated growing interest in promoting Nigeria’s lesser-known destinations.

Nigeria’s tourism future will depend not simply on the beauty of its landscapes, but on how effectively governments, investors, communities and the diaspora transform those assets into lasting prosperity.

The next Renewed Hope Global Virtual Town Hall is scheduled for Saturday, 17 October 2026.

BEN Television — Bridging the Gap.

Watch the conference: https://www.youtube.com/@RHGVTHC/videos