L:R: Ugochi Madueke, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Peter Mba, governor of Enugu State; Ikechi Uko, tourism consultant; and Ebele Enemchukwu, former, Mrs.Tourism United Nations, at the presentation of the tourism development plans to the governor in Enugu.
…plans N30bn projects, approves N13.8bn for first phase
With a whopping N30 billion investment in the tourism sector, the Enugu State government seems to be serious at developing and fully harnessing the huge tourism potential of the state.
That amount is the largest by any state in the present administration and a huge win for the ‘blue economy’, which is the lowest hanging fruit for economic diversification and development.
Of course, the state, led by Peter Mbah, is pragmatic with the investment.
Out of the planned N30 billion, the government has approved N13.8 billion in the first phase of the investment.
The approved fund will see to the realisation of several tourism projects in the state, amid high anticipation for the soon unveiling of the first zipline in Nigeria and the longest Canopy Walkway in Africa.
Offering details of the planned investment after the State’s Exco meeting recently, Ugochi Madueke, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Enugu State, noted that the first phase will cover Nsude Pyramid Canopy Walkway: A 600-metre canopy walkway, the longest in Nigeria and the first in the South-East. The canopy walkway, according to the commissioner, will start from Ugwu Uto, then slope over 500 metres and terminates at the site of the ancient pyramids.
“There will be rondavels around the hill. A lighthouse and an observatory with a restaurant will be on the hilltop at about 530 metres above sea level,” she explained.
It will also cover the Ngwo Pine Forest, which hosts lots of photoshoots. There is a plan to make it more appealing with rotundas flowers and a 300-meter zipline, the first in Nigeria.
Also in the plan is the Cross of Hope at Okpatu Hill: It is a 50-metre cross atop a 15-story building reaching a total height of 630 metres above sea level. This will be the tallest cross in Africa.
Awhum Waterfall Development is also covered in the tourism development fund. Of course, the alluring and mystical Awhum, is the most popular waterfall in the state and South-East. There will also be additional canopy walkway and boardwalk to enhance experience at the waterfall.
The ambitious tourism plan also covers the Akwuke Beach/Atakkwu Waterpark. It will feature a waterpark with experience centres, food courts, and renewable energy.
The last, but not the least is the Ovu Lake Golf and Resort. It is a golf and resort complex with experience centres, food courts, and renewable energy. Also, a boat Jetty has been planned to host world-class events.
It would be recalled that earlier in 2024, the state hired consultants Ambassador Ikechi Uko and Queen Ebele Enemchukwu to visit all major attractions and draw up plans for at least 15 sites.
After a series of vetting by Governor Peter Mba and his team, they approved the first phase for development. With the inclusion of Ovu Lake and Atakwu Waterparks, the projects will cost the state a total of N30 billion.
The second phase will include a cable car from Okpatu to Awhum, developments at Ezimo, Oji River, Awgwu, Nsukka, Ezeagu, among others.
Meanwhile, the ambitious tourism projects are part of the governor’s plan to grow the economy of the state from $3 billion to a $30 billion economy. Tourism is expected to be a major driver of the growth. The governor has planned for 6 million visitors by 2027, and the development of the projects is expected to generate these numbers.
Speaking on the projects and their viability, Ikechi Uko, tourism consultant to the state, noted that, “This will be the most ambitious tourism investment by any state since after Donald Duke, the former governor of Cross River State. If you add the new conference centres, the Enugu Air project, Nike Lake Landmark upgrade and the revamp of Hotel Presidential alongside numerous infrastructural upgrades, Enugu State is undergoing an unprecedented renewal never seen in Nigeria. I am happy to be a part of this project. This further highlights the popular mantra by supporters of the governor “Tomorrow is here.”
