AKSG Urged To Raise Young Tourism Ambassadors Through School-Based Training

By Our Reporter

The Akwa Ibom State Government has been urged to partner with the Passionate Young Leaders Initiative (PYLI) to institutionalize the training of secondary school students as tour guides, a move aimed at nurturing future tourism professionals and strengthening the state’s cultural and tourism economy.

The call was made by communication expert, Dr. Saviour Ekpe, during a panel discussion at a symposium organized to mark the first anniversary of the PYLI with the theme, “Inspiring Young Tourism Stewards for Sustainable Tourism Practices” programme held recently at the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture, Uyo.

Dr. Ekpe emphasized that introducing tourism education and tour guide training at the secondary school level would inspire students to develop a passion for the industry from an early age. According to him, such exposure would encourage many young people to pursue careers in tourism while equipping them with leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.

He explained that beyond career development, the initiative would foster a stronger appreciation of Akwa Ibom’s rich cultural heritage, traditions and tourist attractions, thereby producing young ambassadors committed to preserving and promoting the state’s identity.

The communication expert noted that properly trained student tour guides could also create economic opportunities for themselves through tourism-related engagements, while contributing to increased visitor experience and revenue generation for the state.

He therefore appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to collaborate with the Passionate Young Leaders Initiative in expanding the programme across secondary schools, describing it as a strategic investment in youth empowerment, cultural preservation and sustainable tourism development.

The “Inspiring Young Tourism Stewards for Sustainable Tourism Practices” programme brought together students, educators, tourism stakeholders and development advocates to promote youth participation in tourism through seminars, panel discussions, debates, cultural displays, essay writing and other educational activities.