Anambra State, on Friday, September 27, joined the rest of the world to mark the 2024 World Tourism Day, with the state government reaffirming its commitment to transforming the tourism sector under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
Briefing newsmen in Awka, as part of the state’s activities to mark the day, the State’s Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Donatus Onyenji, who explored the significance, highlighted the state government’s deliberate and strategic efforts to boost tourism and maintain a steady influx of tourists into the state.
According to him, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) established the annual event to raise awareness of tourism’s potential as a driver of economic growth, cultural exchange, and social development;
Continuing, he said the theme for this year’s celebration, “Tourism, Justice, and Peace,” highlights the role of tourism in promoting peace, justice, equity, and cultural preservation, adding that Anambra State has made significant strides in the tourism sector, especially in the last two and half years of the Soludo Administration.
Commissioner Onyenji commended Governor Soludo’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, including the construction of the Solution Fun City in Awka, which Onyenji described as the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Solution Fun City, according to him, 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.
According to him, Governor Soludo has been intentional about placing Anambra on the global tourism map, while the surge in the influx of tourists in recent times is a proof of this commitment.
“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 further added that the project is 70% completed and is expected to be ready for public use by the end of the year.
According to the Commissioner, apart from the Solution Fun City, the state has undertaken other significant projects aimed at boosting its tourism appeal, including the retrofitting 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 mentioned 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.
Mr. Onyenji equally mentioned that 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.
“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.
The Culture Commissioner said in addition to these cultural and historical projects, the state government has also prioritized infrastructure development to support the tourism sector, judging by the Governor’s ongoing massive road constructions, declaration of free education from nursery to secondary school, which was recently extended to senior secondary schools (which has encouraged education tourism); declaration of free antenatal and free delivery (which has encouraged health tourism); among others.
Acknowledging insecurity, high cost of fuel and others as some of the challenges affecting tourism nationwide; Onyenji said: “Tourism cannot thrive without adequate infrastructure and security. The Solution Government is taking concrete steps to provide the necessary infrastructure and ensure the safety of tourists, both local and international.”
While noting that the administration’s holistic approach to tourism includes fostering partnerships with private investors to sustain the momentum of development, he further noted that government is working with international consultants to develop comprehensive master plans for some of these tourist sites, ensuring they meet global standards.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Hon. Jerome Ilokwu, re-echoed that Anambra tourism sector has witnessed and is still witnessing significant transformations under the Soludo-led Administration, while reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to sustain the strides.
Also present during the briefing were the members of the Tourism Volunteers Network, Directors, among other senior staff of the State Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism.
