By Abieyuwa Odiase
The administration of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori continues to show an unwavering commitment to advancing the tourism sector, an aspect of economic diversification which is well articulated in the Governor’s MORE Agenda.
Executive Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Dr. Josephine Odunze was upbeat that tourism will become a money spinner in the state, as she explained efforts by the Oborevwori administration to promote tourism via a more enabling environment for tourism investors.
Odunze explained that the purpose of a recent two-day trip to various tourism sites in company of ofher political appointees and civil servants was to identify, inspect and assess the readiness of various tourism sites.
“Having looked at all these tourist sites located in different parts of the state, we needed to examine their revenue potentials, employment opportunities, and their viability as a means of cultural exchange.”
Supported by the General Manager of Delta State Tourism Board, Josephine Anyameluhor-Ogbolu, Odunze provided a graphic account of the most beautiful places to be in the state. She evaluated the eco-tourism potentials of the River Ethiope, which has its source at Umuaja in Ukwani Local Government Area of Delta State and source at the root of a silk cotton tree that penetrated the water. Odunze said eco-tourists can savour the sight of the river as it is the deepest among the inland waterways in Africa, adding that the Umuaja River flows through different communities to Sapele.
“This River Ethiope is navigable. It flows into the Turf Club, McCarthy Beach, Shiloh Beach, and other beaches. If properly managed, it can be used for boat regattas and other recreational activities. River Ethiope is very clean; we can have a botanical garden situated there, which will aid research for students.”
Speaking, she described McCarthy Beach as a serene environment, where tourists and poets who want to take recess from the hustle and bustle of life can go for relaxation and inspiration. McCarthy plays host to different events, thereby beefing up businesses in the area.
On the Warri Gardens, which is owned by the Delta State Government, Odunze disclosed that suggestions will be made to the government on a PPP arangement.
The Ibru International Ecumenical Center located in Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area is another attraction in the state for tourists who want to engage in some spiritual exercise, with no less enrichment than those who expend scarce foreign exchange to undertake pilgimages outside the shores of this country.
She revealed that the Ganagana Island in Okwagbe in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state is another beautiful place where tourism businesses could thrive. She encouraged tourism associations, managers and planners to visit Ganagana Island as history has it that it was the first place that Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther visited when he arrived in Nigeria but he was rejected and thus dusted his feet as Jesus ordered his desciples to do, then moved on off to Onitsha.
‘’The community is surrounded by water, but it is said that the water never overflows its banks. So it can serve as a seaport where a lot and even our popular locally brewed gin (ogogoro) can be marketed. This place needs recognition and support to give it an international platform for exports of some of our indigenous arts, crafts, and cuisines’’.
Odunze narrated their experiences at the Mount Ned Resort at Idumuje Ugboko, Aniocha North LGA on the second day of the unforgettable trip. She said that they witnessed the rich historical artefacts displayed at the environmental and cultural tourism site. For her, the site is under-publicized, and lots of people needed to come there not only for sight-seeing but for cultural and educational exposure.
While taking the team round, the curator at the site, Pastor Lauretta Onuma, appreciated the team for including the site on their list for the tour. She encouraged individuals and organisations to take a trip to Mount Ned Resort to have a first-hand experience of the rich eco-cultural site in Idumuje Ugboko.
Another site visited was the Nelson Mandela Gardens and Resort, established by globally renowned environmentalist, Dr. Newton Jibunoh, also known as the Desert Warrior. At the site, Miss Oluebube Okafor took the team to see various facilities such as the zoo, an Olympic-size swimming pool, hotel accommodations, and artworks of sundry messages. One memorable artwork depicted the confluence of the rivers Niger and Benue, among others.
She appreciated the Desert Warrior for the insight in managing and leveraging the tourist site which would eventually boost the revenue of the state. According to her, Jibunoh has paved the way for global and local tourism seekers to troop to Delta.
At the Mungo Park House in Asaba, she said should “this place reminds us of colonial rule, the interface between the western influences and African culture. It also was the first Government House in Nigeria as Asaba was the administrative head of the then Southern protectorate’’. She thanked the government of Delta State for creating an enabling environment for tourism seekers, but hoped they can do more by collaborating with the National Museum to give the facility a facelift.
They also made a stop at the Lander Brothers Anchorage where she suggested the remodelling of the Anchorage to boost visits. The anchorage was built in memory of two British explorers, Richard and John Lander, who were taken captive in 1830.
The General Manager of the Delta State Tourism Board, Anyameluhor-Ogbolu, at this point, said that tourism is multi-faceted as it cuts across our daily lives such as religious tourism, medical tourism, conferencing, hospitality, accommodation, culture, gastronomy, that the state is exploring to diversify the economy. ‘’But the state needs investors who will partner with the government to make Delta State a tourist destination of pride.’’
She, however, revealed that the tourism board promotes both state and privately-owned tourism sites using the official tourism brochure and via online marketing. “We need investors as the government cannot do it alone. The government has created the enabling environment such as road infrastructure, water, and light but we need investors who will partner with the government to ensure that we truly make Delta State the preferred tourist destination of pride.
We have some comparative areas of advantage because of the biodiversity and eco-system of the state. You will find that one area that is most prominent for private investment is the beach and resort development. You will find that the whole corridor from Umuaja, Umutu, and Abraka, going all the way down to Sapele, is so beautiful because of the beach, sand banks, and the green river. It is an area where investors can come in and do five to seven-star resorts along those corridors.
‘’Aboh is another beautiful beach, Aboh Palace, and Aboh Slave Relics; all of these put together are waiting for the private sector to harness. We also have Asaba Beach, although it is a seasonal beach because, during the rains, the water is full.’’
Odunze said the results are already pouring in as the Asaba Film Village and Leisure Park has not only attracted tourists and the entertainment industry to the state, with everything needed for film-making, acting, production and post-production stages are all there. The hotels, apartments, and hostels are well equipped for visitors to lodge during their stay”.
Odunze appreciate our working Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for sustaining collaboration with the private sector in managing the tourist sites like the Asaba film village, which has brought a high level of professionalism.
Odunze also thanked the state governor for the enabling environment for tourists and investors, especially during the maiden edition of the 2023 Christmas, tagged ‘’45 Days of Christmas in Delta’’.
“It was 45 days of fond memories, synchronized fireworks in the 25 local government areas of the state, hoisting of the tallest Christmas tree in Africa right in Asaba, carnival parade and other activities held across the state.
A roll call of the trip saw names such as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture, Hon. Huxley Unumadu; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Hon. Gloria Oborevwori, and Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Onosakponome Donaldson Others include Mrs. Kate Uwabor, who was the tour guide from the Tourism Board, directors and assistant directors, and tourism and cultural officers from the Directorate of Culture and Tourism. At the end of the trip, everyone had something to write home about. Indeed, it was a trip not to forget in a hurry.
