Obiano Storms Ogbunike Cave, Promises to turn it to Tourist Wonderland

Says Anambra LGAs to hold annual cultural festivals in December

By James Eze

The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has vowed to transform the historic Ogbunike Cave, in Ogbunike town, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State to a first class tourist haven.

Chief Obiano who stormed the ancient Cave with select members of his cabinet to see it in its naturally preserved state further maintained that his administration would transform the cave into a first class leisure world with modern facilities and a five-star hotel located within the area.

Addressing the press from the immediate entrance to the cave along with the current Miss Tourism, Queen Collette Nwadike, the governor said the proposed resort would incorporate a modern recreational facility for children and all the facilities that would make for a perfect holiday getaway.

Explaining that the cave had been designated a world heritage site by the UNCESCO, Governor Obiano said his administration would strive to acquire the surrounding areas of the cave and ensure the preservation of its pristine outlook.

Earlier, the governor had flagged off construction work on the Ugwu-Nwasike - Azu-Ogbunike - Azu-Amawa - Osile - Ifite-Umueri - Saint Monica College Ogbunike Cave road and promised that more roads leading to the heritage site would soon be flagged off as well.

Reiterating his administration's resolve to re-introduce leisure and recreation into the lives of Ndi Anambra, Governor Obiano further revealed that work had reached an advanced stage on the construction of the Agulu Lake Hotel Resort in Anaocha Local Government as well as the three ultramodern shopping malls that are currently being built in the state.

According to him, the government would in addition, revamp the ancient Igboukwu bronze and Nka Metal work and build modern roundabout in the various cities and communities in the state, depicting what each community is known for.

'We shall re-integrate aesthetics and beauty into our cities and our environment. We shall make Anambra beautiful again,' he explained and further announced that plans were underway to set aside one full week in December for the celebration of the cultural heritage of the people in all the local government areas of the state. He called on Diasporan Nigerians and Ndi Anambra in the Diaspora to come home and contribute to on-going efforts to build Anambra State.

Earlier in his opening remarks on the construction of the access road to the cave, the Commissioner for Works, Arc. Callistus Ilozumba, recalled that the 8 kilometer road which links Oyi and Idemili North local government areas of the State was awarded at the contract sum of N1.4 billion and has a completion period of 18 months.

He assured that the Ministry would sustain strict supervision and urged the benefitting communities to report any attempts to endanger the road to the appropriate authorities.

Also speaking, Miss Tourism Nigeria, Miss Collette Nwadike from Nise, Awka South Local Government Area of the State who accompanied the governor to the cave noted that the completion of the road would enhance the development of Ogbunike Cave.