The promoter of Ekoonibaje Tourism Village Festival, Ezemuo Chiedu Idezuna, made this assertion at a press briefing he addressed on the 2018 Ekoonibaje Tourism Village Festival held in Ekoonibaje village, Ibeju – Lekki, Lagos, on Saturday.
Chief Idezuna pointed out “ Tourism is a potent instrument of economic buoyancy which if stoked very well has the capacity of creating mass employment, empowering the citizens and paving way for endless development. “Apart from the fact that it stimulates wealth, it also brands, protects and promotes the cultural values of the community; while on the other hand, it can be used to facilitate cultural understanding and mutual respect.”
He revealed that states that have proactive governors and are blessed with the wisdom of the hindsight of seeing tourism as a viable economic sector have been initiating policies and projects which will be beneficial to their states and citizens.
Chief Idezuna singled out Chief Obiano as “a governor out of the Governors in the South – East who has identified tourism as the business of today and the future. Thus, he has embarked on the enhancement of tourism sites, and creating the awareness of the economic import of tourism among the indigenes and citizens of Anambra State.”
He said further: “You can know the governor who knows his onions by the personalities and pedigree of the people that constitute his cabinet. Governor Obiano’s cabinet is full of highly educated and resourceful goal getters who have proved their mettle in different endeavours, whom he has now urged to leverage on these inestimable experience and expertise for the development of Anambra State”
Chief Idezuna pointed out “Look at the manner in which he is managing the tourism sector. Governor Obiano, first of all, created the Ministry of Indigenous Artworks, Diaspora Affairs, Tourism and Culture and searched for Dr Sally Mbanefo, one of the best tourism administrators in Nigeria and someone who has gloriously proved her mettle as the director–general, Nigeria tourism development Corporation, as the commissioner. This is to tell you that he means well for the tourism sector”
He also revealed: “Chief Obiano has commenced a steady renovation and enhancement of major tourist sites in the state, especially the Ogbunike caves, Ojukwu bunker, Ogbaukwu Caves and Waterfalls in Owerre-Ezukala and Father Tansi Tombs.
“We are also happy to inform you that this God-sent tourism governor of Anambra State has agreed to host the first ever South–East Black Heritage Festival. This is what we are saying . He is doing all these not because of his pocket but because of his people and the development of their economy. Thus, this kind of a governor deserves our commendation, prayers, and support.”
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