Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has said that the tourism business is undergoing a tremendous transformation under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, as more resorts and luxury hotels dot the state.
He disclosed this in Asaba when the Senior Special Assistant on Culture and Tourism Development to the Governor, Ambassador Huxley Adiniebo Unumadu (Izomo-Of Umuebu), paid him a courtesy visit, saying that foreigners and Nigerians from all walks of life are daily arriving the state, either to enjoy their vacations or to visit tourist sites to invest heavily in the tourism sector.
Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe named some of the tourist attraction sites to include; the famous Araya Bible Site with Pool of Bethesda and a prayer altar in Isoko South Local Government Area of the state; the Mount Ned Nwoko Resorts which sits 1000 feet above sea level, making it the highest point in Delta State, and the Ibru International Ecumenical Centre in Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area, which welcomes visitors and guests for retreats, spiritual solace and pilgrimages.
Other tourists sites which holidaymakers crave in Delta, according to the Bureau Chief are; the Mungo Park House in Asaba, built by the Royal Niger Company in 1886 and occupied by Mungo Park, a Scottish explorer who was the first Westerner to stay in the first Government House in Nigeria, pointing out that Asaba was the Administrative Headquarters of the then Southern protectorate.
The Mandela Garden in Asaba, Nanna Living History Museum in Koko, Okpe Beaders in Orerokpe, the beautiful serene Forcados River in Bomadi, the Gana Gana Island of Okwagbe, the Ibori Golf and Country Club in Asaba, Maryam Babangida Leisure Park Asaba, Delta Films Village Asaba, beaches in Abraka, Ethiope East LGA, and several tourist sites spread across the state.
Oghenesivbe noted that tourists are shifting focus to Delta, because of the good measure of peace and security across the three senatorial districts, coupled with huge infrastructure and socioeconomic development embarked upon by governor Oborevwori, adding that the state government will stop at nothing to make the state number first choice destination for local and international tourists and holiday-makers.
He said the Araya Bible Site, Isoko South Local Government Area of the state, is a holy destination for Christian pilgrims from all over the world, adding that in 1942, a holy bible surfaced on top of yams in a farm at Araya, wherein rain fell heavily but the holy book was not wet, and which was why a holy site was developed there to serve as Christians pilgrimage destination in Africa.
He further disclosed that the Araya Bible Site has a “Prayer Altar” and a miraculous stream referred to as the “Pool of Bathsheba” known for its inestimable divine powers to heal all manner of sicknesses, afflictions and diseases, noting that the site has become a major spiritual reference point in the history of Christian worship and spiritual growth in Nigeria.
The Director General assured that the State Orientation and Communications Bureau will do the needful to project the Araya Bible Site, and other tourist locations locally and internationally, to project Delta State as a major hub for for Christians’ holy pilgrimage, among others.
Oghenesivbe assured the SSA to Governor Oborevwori on Culture and Tourism, that the Bureau will stop at nothing to ensure the successful launch of project DELTA IS BEAUTIFUL, which would showcase the tourism potential of the state, noting that tourism is a mega money-spinning business, and would upscale the internally generated revenue of the state, as well as create thousands of jobs, create wealth opportunities for Deltans across board; graduates, professionals, artisans and unskilled workers.
“Tourism is an integral part of socio-economic development which focuses on spiritual, physical and mental relaxation of body and soul, and also ensure refreshing moments for our people and visitors.
“Development of Tourist sites is an important programme in the ongoing implementation of Governor Oborevwori’s MORE agenda, a deliberate effort to Advance Delta beyond 2027. It’s a money-spinning business anywhere in the world, and Delta will not be an exception. All hands must be on deck to develop the tourism industry in Delta State.
“The ‘Delta is Beautiful’ campaign which your office is promoting is commendable. As a Bureau which focuses on sensitisation and strategic communication of government policies, programmes and achievements. We are very much ready to join efforts with your office to drive the projects to fruition.
“Tourism will create thousands of jobs and wealth for our people, while government IGR will continue to soar as hoteliers and industry players pay taxes and levies to the state treasury. We are in this together, and feel free to always walk in to cross-fertilise ideas with us,” Dr Oghenesivbe said.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant on Culture and Tourism Development to Delta State Governor, Ambassador Huxley Adiniebo Unumadu, disclosed that the DELTA IS BEAUTIFUL campaign is conceptualised to showcase the rich culture and tourism heritage of Delta State, adding that the sites and locations would be captured in print advertorials and visual documentary which would be published and aired on local and international media to project Delta as a major player at the global tourism stage.
He stated that the project ‘Delta is Beautiful’ is to identify and project the multi-ethnic diverse cultural heritage of the state and present the beautiful tourist destinations to boost patronage and create wealth for both investors and practitioners.
“The huge benefit of this result-oriented campaign to make tourism a major revenue earner to the state government, make the sector more vibrant and viable in line with the MORE Agenda of our amiable and visionary governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, JP.
“This project requires the participation and contributions of the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Local Government Councils and stakeholders. We strongly recommend that every local government council chairman should set up a Tourism Committee to serve as a tour guide to tourists and visitors.
“Let me also use this opportunity to once again congratulate you on your well-deserved appointment as the Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau. It’s the handwork of God that made it possible for you to continue your exemplary achievements as the People’s governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori found it expedient to appoint you as Director General and to add Communications to the Bureau’s mandate.
“Your appointment, no doubt, reflects the recognition of your hard work, acceptance, endorsement of your competence, a wealth of experience and professional multifaceted skills in strategic communications and media Management,” Ambassador Unumadu added.
The highlight of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Latimore Fred Oghenesivbe as one of the project partners of the “Delta is Beautiful” campaign to showcase the Tourism potential of Delta State, locally and internationally. Copies of “Discover Delta” and “Christmas in Delta” were also presented to the Bureau’s Director General.
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