By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Government has disclosed plans to explore the possibility of converting some of the state’s gully erosion sites into tourism attractions, in line with its drive to harness tourism for sustainable transformation and development.
The State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Comrade Don Onyenji, made this known during a press briefing at his office in Awka on Friday, September 26, as part of activities to mark the 2025 World Tourism Day.
Globally observed every September 27, World Tourism Day was instituted by the United Nations to highlight the role of tourism in development.
Addressing journalists ahead of the commemoration, Commissioner Onyenji said Anambra, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, is already living up to this year’s theme: “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”
According to him, the government is committed to rebranding Anambra into a leading tourism hub in Nigeria by promoting sustainable development practices, improving infrastructure, and involving creative industry players as active drivers of the sector.
He noted that erosion, long seen as one of Anambra’s greatest ecological challenges, could also be leveraged as part of the state’s tourism narrative.
“Yes, of course, we have plans to intentionally develop some of our erosion sites into tourist attractions,” he said, citing locations such as Nanka and Agulu erosion sites among others. He explained that while these sites would serve as educational and ecological tourism centres, they would also expose the extent of Anambra’s environmental challenges to the international community and attract possible intervention.
“Tourism sites are not only about fun,” Onyenji stressed. “They also present opportunities for global awareness. By exposing these erosion sites to international communities, we market our challenges to the world while still creating attractions for visitors. That way, as people come to see and relax, they also appreciate the urgent need for intervention where necessary.”
The Commissioner further highlighted the strides made so far under the Soludo administration to promote tourism. He pointed to urban regeneration projects, cleaner cityscapes, beautified environments, street lighting, and extensive road construction across the state, all of which, he said, have created a more enabling ambience for tourism and leisure.
On security, Onyenji recalled that eight local governments were under siege by gunmen when the present administration came on board, but stressed that Anambra is now safer, with residents freely attending festivals, weddings, conferences, and other social events. He described this as a major boost for tourism, noting that international and national conferences now regularly hold in Awka and other parts of the state.
He also listed some of the completed tourism-related projects in the state, such as the Solution Fun City, which has become a major family and leisure attraction; as well as other such ongoing and upcoming projects, such as the Anambra State Country Club, and the master plan for five heritage sites in the state, including Agulu Lake, Ogbunike Cave, Owerezukala Cave and Waterfall, and the Anam Beach, among others.
Plans for a modern Awka City Park, he added, have also been concluded, while the Trauma Centre built by the Solution Government is set to contribute to the state’s medical tourism prospects.
With reference to a recent roundtable meeting, Commissioner Onyenji further revealed that the state is working with stakeholders in the creative industry in the state, including filmmakers, musicians, DJs, influencers, and cultural promoters — to build the kind of sustainable ecosystem needed for tourism growth.
He also applauded the First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, for her Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, which he described as a valuable contribution to gastronomy tourism by promoting organic and regenerative local foods/cuisine.
He however acknowledged funding as one of the greatest challenges in developing heritage and tourism sites, explaining that the state government has adopted a public-private-community partnership model. Feasibility studies, he revealed, have already been completed for some sites, making it easier for investors to key in.
The Commissioner assured that with sustained efforts, Anambra would not only consolidate its status as Nigeria’s safest and fastest-developing tourism destination, but also demonstrate how tourism can be a tool for ecological awareness, sustainable transformation, and inclusive development, as are being championed under the administration of Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
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