By Obianuju Umeh
The Anambra State Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism has convened a stakeholders’ meeting to review the proposed Heritage Tourism Master Plan and Business Case prepared by RED CLAY, the consultancy firm engaged to develop the documents.
The meeting, held in Awka on October 20, brought together government officials and representatives of communities hosting identified heritage sites and natural tourist attractions to examine the proposals and contribute ideas towards the development of the state’s tourism sector.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Udoji Amedu, said the engagement demonstrated Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to inclusive governance and active stakeholder participation in policy development.
He explained that the meeting provided an opportunity for participants to review the proposed documents, express their views and make recommendations, adding that the master plan, upon adoption, would serve as a guide for the development, promotion and preservation of the state’s tourism assets.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Ben Nwankwo, commended the ministry and RED CLAY for the initiative, describing the exercise as an important step towards harnessing Anambra’s cultural heritage and tourism potential.
Nwankwo urged stakeholders to incorporate major cultural celebrations, including Onwa Dezemba, Iri Ji and Mmanwu festivals, into the state’s broader tourism development framework to attract visitors and promote the state’s rich cultural identity.
Presenting the proposed documents, RED CLAY’s Principal Adviser, Dr Adun Okupe, explained that their preparation involved visits to the identified sites and consultations with relevant government institutions, host communities and tourism operators.
She noted that the consultations were intended to ensure that the proposed master plan reflected the realities, opportunities and expectations of the communities and other stakeholders connected to the state’s tourism industry.
The proposed plan covers several tourist attractions, including Agulu Lake, Awka City Park, Ogbunike Cave, Owere-Ezukala Cave and Anam Sand Beach. Contributions and observations from stakeholders are expected to inform further consideration and refinement of the documents before their eventual adoption.
Obianuju Umeh is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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