Anambra joined millions of people globally to celebrate benefits of Tourism industry

Commissioner Don Onyenji, Permanent Secretary Jerome Iloka with other Directors of the ministry

Anambra joined millions of people globally to celebrate benefits of Tourism industry 

By Mimi Chiadikobi, Awka

Anambra Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism industry, Mr Don Onyenji, said that  the state joined millions of people across the globe  to celebrate "World Tourism Day ".

He said that "the state  joined the rest of the world to mark the 2024 World Tourism Day, on September 27, and noted state government commitment to transforming the tourism sector under the leadership of the Governor, Prof  Charles Soludo"

Onyenji  in an interview with journalists on Friday  in Awka said that high rate of insecurity would hinder development and benefit of tourism industry in human growth and well-being. 

He called on wealthy Anambra people and community leaders to join hands with Gov Charles Soludo as there is need to curb insecurity to its barest minimum for development of tourism in Anambra to thrive 

He said that "the need to promote tourism industry cannot be overemphasised and comnended  the United Nations World Tourism Organisations (UNWTO) who established globally the annual celebration of tourism  on September 27.

"UNWTO on September 27 1980 found the essence to celebrate tourism globally and raise awareness of tourism’s potential as a driver of economic growth, cultural exchange, and social development."

He said that  "for the people to enjoy the great ideas of the governor who is well travelled that all we need is  to partner with his administration to fight insecurity,and other  challenges affecting tourism development."

 “Tourism cannot thrive without adequate infrastructure and security which is part of what Soludo is working hard to change the tourism narrative in Anambra.

"The Solution Government is taking concrete steps to provide the necessary infrastructure and ensure the safety of tourists, both local and international residents.

"Soludo administration’s holistic approach to tourism includes fostering partnerships with private investors to sustain the momentum of the industry development, 

 "The government is working with international consultants to develop comprehensive master plans for some of the tourist sites in Anambra to ensure  it  meet global standards," he noted.

 

"The Solution Government is taking concrete steps to provide the necessary infrastructure and ensure the safety of tourists, both local and international residents.

"Soludo administration’s holistic approach to tourism includes fostering partnerships with private investors to sustain the momentum of the industry development, he revealed

Onyenji commended the governor’s vision to make Anambra a prosperous and livable homeland, a state where people can live, work, have fun, and enjoy recreational activities. 

He attributed the state’s growing popularity among tourists to the administration’s numerous tourism-focused initiatives of the present administration in the state, which includes the construction of the Solution Fun City in Awka,

Onyenji described the fun city as first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa as it will feature a range of attractions, such as an amusement park, a country club, sports facilities, and more, all designed to cater to the entertainment needs of residents and tourists alike.

“The development of the Solution Fun City alone will create numerous job opportunities and serve as a central hub for leisure and tourism in the state,” Onyenji stated.

He disclosed that the project is 70% completed and is expected to be ready for public use by the end of the year 2024 for the Festive season. 

The Commissioner, stated that  apart from the Solution Fun City, the state has undertaken other significant projects aimed at boosting its tourism appeal.

"The projects included the  remodelling  and expansion of the Igboukwu Museum, which houses a rich collection of Igbo cultural artifacts; the development of the Agulu Lake Leisure Park, and plans for an artificial beach at Agulu Lake. 

He also expressed confidence that these projects would enhance Anambra’s reputation as a top tourist destination in Nigeria.

The Commissioner also spoke about the government’s efforts to promote rural tourism by profiling and developing heritage sites across various communities. 

He listed  some of the sites being developed to include the Ogbunike Cave, Owerre Ezukala Waterfalls, Anam Sand Beach, and the historic Ojukwu Bunker in Amorka, which played a pivotal role during the Nigerian Civil War, among others.

Onyenji said that the partnerships are being formed with local communities to create leisure parks, with the aim of ensuring that tourism development extends beyond urban centers and reaches grassroots levels.

"The state is in partnership either Soulcity Integrated Resource LTD to create Soulcity Obosi Tourism Town Smart City Inugurated on September 17 in Obosi Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra.

"The Descendants Fortune Investment Limited  is in partnership with the state government to create Anambra Christmas Village all to ensure the pleasure of Anambra people.

“Anambra State is home to numerous natural and historical treasures that are yet to be fully explored. 

"Our goal is to bring these attractions to the forefront, not just for entertainment but also to preserve our rich cultural heritage,” he said.

Onyenji said that tourism have many part such as religious tourism, health tourism educational tourism cultural tourism  amongst others.

"Ongoing massive road constructions, declaration of free education from nursery to secondary school,  has encouraged education tourism.

"Declaration of free antenatal and free delivery  has encouraged health tourism,cultural tourism among others as once there are movement from one point to another is tourism in action,"he explained.

Onyenji said that world tourism notes the value of fostering sustainable tourism and understanding many cultures as part of World Tourism Day, which is focused on the relationship between tourism and global peace.

He commended the team of workers in the Ministry for their team work spirit and a  show of commitment to promote the culture, entertainment and tourism Ministry. 

He said that the permanent secretary  of the Ministry, Mr  Jerome Iloka, re-echoed that Anambra tourism sector has witnessed and is still witnessing significant transformations under the Soludo-led Administration.

Onyenji said for a permanent secretary to described the  narrative of the area  in such manner reiterates  the Ministry’s commitment to sustain the strides.

He said that  the members of the Tourism Volunteers Network, Directors, among other 

senior staff of the State Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism were part of the job.