Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN) has concluded plans for the inauguration of the executive of its South East zone, as it seeks to boost its activities and entrench its presence in the region.

A two-day activities have been unveiled to hold between November 13 and 14, 2025, with the general session of the association, courtesy visit to the Imo State Ministry for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture and some of the stakeholders in the State, slated for November 13.

The inauguration of the executives, which will attract members of the association and other stakeholders, including operators in the government circle in the five South East states (Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi), will hold on November 14 at the Muna Suites, Off Port Harcourt Road, New Owerri, Imo State. 

Also expected in attendance is a Fellow and former Second Deputy President of HATMAN, Dr Rosemary Aji, who will be bringing her wealth of experiences towards increasing HATMAN’s presence in Abia State. The National officials of the association, with its National President, Dr (Mrs) Lillian Managwu and Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr Aliyu Badaki, who is also the National President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), will be heading the team from the national level.

The new executive to be inaugurated is headed by Dr Ndidi Ezeibe as Zonal Vice President and five State Coordinators: Dr Peace Uhuegbu-Imo State; Dr Callister Ogbu-agha-Ebonyi State; Prof. Elochukwu Nwankwo-Enugu State; and Grace Okeke-Anambra State.

As a professional body, HATMAN was established in 1996, with a spread across the 36 states of the federation and Abuja. It brings together professionals and operators, including academics, scholars and students from all sectors of the hospitality industry and its allied sectors.

HATMAN’s mission is to unite and empower professionals in the hospitality and tourism sector, foster knowledge sharing, promote industry standards, and advance career development.

While its vision is to be the leading professional body in Nigeria, significantly contributing to the growth and development of the  nation’s hospitality and tourism industry by shaping its future through education, innovation, and opportunity.