User:Darlington chukwunyere

TOURISM IN ANAMBRA STATE, A SLEEPING ASSET.

The purpose of this proposal is to unveil the benefits of tourism to the state government, descant possible suggestions to utilizing the assorted tourist sites in the state. Again, to insight the state on developing the various tourists’ sites in the state; with view to making them a great tourist attraction to the world. Anambra state, having been strategically placed in a highly advantaged geographical position stands the chance of making profit from tourism. Therefore, this proposal is geared towards making open to the concerned government authorities the yet un-milked potentials of the yet latent state tourists’ sites.

THE PROBLEM: (the present state of tourism in the state.)

Recently, tourism has been a major source of revenue and entertainment to the world. Ever since the birth of civilization, tourism has set in as a bond between man and nature; man and his environment, as well as a good tie between man and other animals.

Here in Anambra state, the case still remains same. Our dear state is blessed with the most sophisticated presence of wild life yet very few people if not none, appreciate it as for the purpose it could serve. There’re Elemental spectacles, (visible in the vast river Niger, Agulu Lake) and unique arts and culture.

The Onitsha main market has been recorded by recent statistics, as the largest market in Africa, if not the world as a whole, and the market has been laying waste to miscreants and touts who use it as a front to promote crime, thereby tainting the image of the state afterwards. And scaring possible tourists and investors. The remains of the ancient Nri kingdom which has been recorded as the root of the Igbo community, has been neglected if not abandoned by the state government. The rich culture of the state has totally been displaced by foreign religion and ideologies; taking for instance, the prestigious Okija shrine, which could serve a great tourist purpose is being tagged diabolic and evil.

Other states of the country have cites for cultural display (stadium, museum centers, recreation grounds) by these they are able to give tourists memorable hosting. But, up till date, our dear state is yet to have a stadium of her own.

furthermore, the ancient Egyptian pyramids are embraced by the Cairo/Egyptian government as tourists’ attraction instead of dreaded ghostly tombs; unlike our own Okija shrine, and today, it is being used as an icon to discovery world wide, source of revenue and national development. The Atani, Ogbaru LGA cattle plains could at anytime best the Cross River State Obudu cattle ranch if the state government should consider giving it a nice feat. Lagos state government earns 48-80% of her revenue and beauty from the Atlantic Ocean; this is because the state government deemed it fit to enlarge its water costs, dredge relevant areas and construct suitable infrastructure to enhance comfort around the beaches… this has ever since given the state a spectacular out look and a very enviable edge above other states of the federation. Onitsha, with the presence of the Niger strategically placed around the prestigious Main Market, could as well best Lagos to water attractions.

Furthermore, The River Niger if dredged would also add revenue to the state’s purse from the Ports earnings. Also, the river Niger has from time immemorial, been a major connection (trade route) between Anambra state and the western world. It could as well serve a great purpose of en-rooting investors into the state for crude oil exports counting on the immense productivity of the rich oil extracted from the river.

Football has been a major medium of entertainment, celebrated world wide by tourists and immigrants alike. A year or two ago, Nigeria hosted the world in an under17 soccer competition; most states of the country who had presentable tourist sites assisted the country in playing host to the world; among whom were, Enugu state and other neighboring states who participated in hosting the world cup with their STADIA. Anambra could do better in sports, entertainment, and tourism, if availed with a standard stadium. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, I strongly believe tourism if totally embraced would play a major role in the growth and development of our state. Again, it could be a major source of government revenue and could as well attract investors and market patronage.