BOOSTING TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE IN ABIA STATE
By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.
A few days ago, the Commissioner for Information in Abia State, Prince Okey Kanu disclosed the intentions of the Dr. Alex Otti-led administration to revamp the tourism sector of the State with a view to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Abia and her people. Kanu who was addressing the Press after a meeting of the State Executive Council said that the government has identified 55 viable heritage sites across the state and was poised to reactivate them to enhance tourism.
It is pleasing to note that the State Government has discovered and documented new tourism sites outside the existing and renowned sites like the Ibini Ukpabi otherwise known as the Long Juju of Arochukwu, Azumini Blue River in Ukwa, Agbagwu Slave Market, Uzuakoli in Bende LGA; and Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum in Umuahia. The new discoveries included Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi, Bende LGA, Mazi Okorie Orji`s Compound, Arochukwu LGA; and Ntugbo Oloko in Ikwuano LGA where participants of the famous Aba Women`s Riot of 1929 were tried.
Kanu stated that the government is committed to restoring and preserving these historical tourist sites in order to promote tourism and place Abia on the cultural and tourism map of Nigeria. This is a welcomed development which would go a long way in attracting endless stream of valued tourists and visitors from different parts of the globe. This would further translate to the economic empowerment of the state as the derivable incomes from the influx of tourists has enormous potentials of impacting positively on the local economy.
The Information Commissioner further disclosed that the State, in collaboration with the Federal Government, was planning to revamp the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker in which are located some of the relics of the armaments and war infrastructure used in the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War that lasted from 1967 to 1970. Kanu also highlighted the plans of the Government to build a five-Star Hotel in Umuahia which would serve as a major boost to the tourism sector in the State.
The development of the various sites would make the State a destination of choice by holiday makers and other categories of tourists seeking iconic places for pleasure and relaxation. This, undoubtedly, will go a long way in opening up Abia State to the outside world, including Nigerians and Igbos in the Diaspora. The tourism sector is an area of the economy that has huge economic potentials if properly harnessed and regulated by the authorities. By beaming searchlight on the sector, Governor Otti has seen the much that can be achieved in terms of revenue generation and employment opportunities for the teeming youths in the State.
Many countries in the world rely on the tourism industry for their revenue earnings. The earnings come largely from visiting tourists and travelers. Such countries include Maldives, Seychelles, Bahamas, Croatia, Fiji, Malta, Cambodia, Jamaica, Mauritius, Albania, and Israel. Within Africa, the major tourist destinations are Cape Verde, Kenya, Uganda, Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, Ghana and Tanzania. The selling points in these places are the diversity and multitudes of stunning landscapes as well as the rich cultural heritage that have been preserved over the years.
In Nigeria, some States boast of key tourist attractions that have continued to draw endless stream of visitors whose vital presence impact on the local economy. We have places like the Obudu Cattle Ranch in neighboring Cross River State, Yankari Games Reserve in Bauchi State, Ikogosi Spring Water Resort in Ekiti State, Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State and the great City Wall of Kano in Kano State amongst others.
With the renewed attention which the Otti administration is paying on the tourism sector, such iconic tourist sites like Azumini Blue River, Long Juju of Arochukwu and the War Museum and other highlighted sites, Abia State can take a pride of place and indeed lead the tourism sector in Nigeria. If these beautiful sites are fully developed and revamped, Abia would witness an unprecedented influx of visitors, tourists and holiday makers coming for sight-seeing and relaxation.
It is gratifying to note that basic infrastructure that would galvanize tourism development in the State are already being addressed by Governor Otti and his team. An airport is a critical component in this regard. Thankfully, the State in collaboration with the Federal Government is developing an International Airport at Nsulu in Isialangwa Local Government Area. When the airport is fully consummated and comes on stream, it will make Abia State accessible from all corners of the globe. Visitors can fly in and out at their convenience.
With the plan to build an International Hotel in Umuahia, the State Capital and the ongoing reconstruction and revamping of the Enyimba Hotel, Aba in collaboration with Radisson-Blu, a renowned global chain in the hospitality industry, the Otti administration is fully calibrated to take the tourism sector in Abia State to a new height. What is required is the support and encouragement of the people so that the government will be motivated to stay on track.
Dr. Nwosu, a Public Policy Analyst, writes from Umuahia.
Email: cdnwosu2@gmail.com