ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT, RED CLAY CONSULTANT FIRM VISIT AWKA CITY PARK, OWERRE-EZUKALA, AND OGBUNIKE HERITAGE SITES
By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :
Following the approval from Governor Chukwuma Soludo for a tourism master plan that includes five heritage sites among other attractions in the state, the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, led by the Commissioner, Mr. Don Onyenji, recently visited notable locations including Ogba Cave and Waterfall in Owerre-Ezukala, Ogbunike Cave, and Awka City Park.
Ogba Cave and Waterfall is located in the Orumba South Local Government Area, Ogbunike Cave is situated in the Oyi Local Government Area, and Awka City Park is found in Amansea within the Awka Capital Territory.
During the visit, the Commissioner emphasized the importance of the Red Clay Consultant Firm conducting research at these sites. The aim is to create a robust business case for the government on how to develop these locations into an international tourism destination.
He said, “Both Ogba Cave and Waterfall, and Ogbunike Cave, are incredible, unique, and marvellous sights to behold. Ogba Cave and Waterfall features a lake, a massive cave, and a very high waterfall, which will influence the design of any future developments. Meanwhile, Ogbunike Cave is blessed with spectacular features that have temporarily placed it on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list, and with our efforts, we hope to secure a permanent placement on this prestigious list”.
Mr Onyenji also mentioned that Awka City Park spans 20 hectares and is planned to be developed into a city park that will encompass numerous attractions, green spaces, and facilities for relaxation and recreation. More details about these facilities will be shared in due time, and within the next five years, Anambra aims to become a prime tourism destination for both local and international visitors.
The commissioner noted that before visiting these heritage sites, the team had also explored Anam Beach in Anambra West Local Government Area and Agulu Lake in Anaocha Local Government Area. He expressed gratitude to the Chairmen and Mayors of the Orumba South and Oyi Local Government Areas for their warm hospitality.
In welcoming the Commissioner and his team, Hon. Shedrack Azubuike, Chairman/Mayor of Orumba South LGA, and Dr. Emmanuel Nweke, Chairman/Mayor of Oyi LGA, praised Governor Soludo for his commendable work throughout the state. They acknowledged that the development of these heritage sites will not only attract an influx of tourists but will also promote businesses in the area, create job opportunities for local communities, and foster overall development.
The five sites under consideration are Agulu Lake, Awka City Park, Anam Beach, Ogba Cave and Waterfall, and Ogbunike Cave.
Ogwo is the Ministry of Information, Anambra State