BUDGET DEFENSE: MCET ANTICIPATES SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN DEVELOPMENT OF HERITAGE SITES

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

The Commissioner for the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, has announced that the Ministry’s budget for 2025 will focus on developing major heritage sites to enhance tourism attractions. Key sites include Agulu Lake, Ogbunike Cave, Owerre-Ezukala Cave/Waterfall, Anam Beach, and the Awka City Park.

He made this statement during a press interview at the Anambra State House of Assembly Complex in Awka.

Mr. Onyenji said, “We expect to achieve even better results next year, significantly advancing our projects. We have partnered with a globally recognized consulting firm to provide us with a business case and recommendations for our tourism sites.”

According to him, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo is keen on creating a city park in Awka that features a green environment for picnics and other recreational activities. Once the business case is established, we will attract investors to partner with the state government through Public, Private, and Community Partnership (PPCP) for the development of these sites.

“These initiatives will not only increase the workload for the Ministry but will also generate more revenue for the state government and, most importantly, create job opportunities for the people. These achievements is aligned with the Governor’s vision of transforming Anambra into a livable and prosperous mega smart city, where visitors can relax, work, and enjoy themselves,” he emphasized.

*Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.