ENTERTAINMENT AND HOSPITALITY ENTERPRISES IN IGBO LAND: THE EBONYI STATE EXAMPLE, 1999-2015

Abstract

Entertainment and hospitality industries are significant sectors of the Igbo economy. The study is a conscious investigation on the extent to which the Igbo of Ebonyi State extraction have engaged in the enterprises between 1999 and 2015. It is discovered that the enterprises are service-based, and are not optimally harnessed. They constitute cultural and traditional practicessuch as masquerade, cultural music and dance; modern practices, such as contemporary music and dances, sports, recreational and tourist centres, movie industry, and hotel management. Some of the areas in the industries developed with the people for fulfillment of religious and social demands. To sustain the practices, the socio-religious activities developed to possess socioeconomic attributes in the area. This development however, encouraged entrepreneurs of Igbo origin to invest in the sectors with vigours within the period under study. The enterprises therefore, resulted in creation of increasing employment opportunities in Igbo land, and Ebonyi State in particular. Even as untapped opportunities abound, the areas exploited were not fully harnessed. To that effect, certain challenges facing the enterprises were examined. The work relied on both primary and secondary sources. Its data were analyzed qualitatively according to contents.