By CHARLES IWUOHA

The new General Manager of Enugu State Tourism Board, Chief Steve Odo, says the huge investment of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on security and peaceful co-existence has made the state choice tourist destination.

Odo disclosed this on Thursday in Enugu while speaking to newsmen on the 2020 World Tourism Day celebration coming up on Sunday, September 27.

He noted that apart from huge investment in security and peace co-existence, the government, through the pragmatic leadership style of Gov Ugwuanyi had created good rural roads network as well as very clean and serene environment.

According to him, all these provisions, which is a pre-requisite to tourism development, is here on ground with us and that is why the state is and continues to remain first choice for tourism in the country.

“This year’s theme for the World Tourism Day, which is ‘Tourism and Rural Development’ goes in line with Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s cardinal four-point agenda anchoring on rural development.

“Since Ugwuanyi is the most passionate governor on rural development and had centred most of his governance activities at the rural areas and upliftment of our rural people.

“So, the governor’s rural uplift is in consonance with the theme of the World Tourism Day and tourism in general.

“He remains a tourism friendly governor who is giving this board and our parent ministry, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the much needed support,” Odo said.

The General Manager noted that the state government was planning to celebrate this year’s World Tourism Day in a grand style by creating serious awareness about the myriad of tourist sites in the state.

“First, we are billed to conduct the first tourism road walk/show in Enugu metropolis on September 26.

“The road walk/show, which will take off from the Enugu State Tourism Board complex, will be accompanied with cultural dance displays as well as refreshment at the end.

“On the D-day, Sept. 27; there will be a tourism carnival and a carnival ride from Enugu metropolis to Ezeagu Waterfalls/Lake. Where people will view and feel the natural beauty of the Ezeagu Waterfalls and caves.

“There would be other side attractions of palm wine, cultural displays and dance as well as native cuisines – Achacha, Abacha, etc,” he said.

Odo said that there would curators meant to educate people more on the waterfalls, caves; other current and historical things concerning Ezeagu and Enugu State people in general.

He called on the general public should join the board and the state to explore these wonders of nature at the Ezeagu tourist complex on Sunday, Sept. 27.

The World Tourism Day is celebrated yearly on Sept. 27 and this year’s theme is “Tourism and Rural Development”.

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