The Anambra State Government has awarded contracts worth about N2 billion on roads in Ogbunike community in Oyi Local Government Area that hosts the famous Ogbunike Cave.

The government also revealed that there were plans in the pipe line to transform the cave into a world-class tourist attraction, adding that feasibility studies for the proposed project were underway.

Governor Willie Obiano gave an a peep into the government’s plans at a thanksgiving service organised by Ogbunike Catholic Community in honour of the governor and his wife, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, at St. Vincent’s Catholic Church, Ogbunike.

Obiano said his administration has already advertised for competent professionals to handle the feasibility study and explained that the tourist centre would have all the necessary facilities that would promote the cave and its environs as a tourist centre.

According to him, the facilities would include a standard hotel and recreation centres.

On the road projects, the governor said that the contractor has been mobilized up to 30 percent of the contract sum, explaining that the projects would be flagged off within the next two weeks.

The governor said: “I believe that the roads when completed will open up the Ogbunike community and create both business and income generation opportunities for the youths in the area.”

He urged the community to be part of the state government’s agricultural programme geared towards achieving food sufficiency and food security for Anambra State.

While encouraging farmers to form cooperative societies so as to receive free tractor service and farm inputs, Obiano explained that land provided for farming by any community in the state would be properly utilised to engage the youths in agriculture.

He also announced a personal donation of N2 million to support the church building project and a bus to enhance its activities.

The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Anyasi, later prayed for both the governor and his wife. He noted that the governor had sanitised the state within a short stay in office and put in place

In his speech, President-General of Ogbunike Town Union, Alex Okoye, said the governor had demonstrated commitment to transform the state and attract investment from within and outside the country.

•Photo shows Governor Obiano at a recent project flag-off.

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