Anambra Reviews Tourism Master Plan, Moves to Establish Arts Council and Centre
By Kenechukwu Chukwudi | IchieTimes
Anambra State is stepping up efforts to harness its cultural heritage and tourism assets for economic development, as stakeholders review the state’s heritage tourism master plan and explore the establishment of an Arts Council and Arts Centre.
The stakeholders, including community leaders, government ministries and tourism facility managers, met at the Anambra Country Club in Awka to deliberate on the master plan developed by Red Clay Consultancy and discuss strategies for advancing the state’s tourism and creative sectors.
The Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Udoji Amedu, described the master plan as comprehensive and far-reaching, aimed at positioning Anambra as a leading destination for tourists.
He said the state government would collaborate with relevant stakeholders at all levels to ensure the plan achieves its objectives, adding that the proposed Arts Council would provide a platform to showcase Anambra’s distinctive cultural heritage to the world and nurture emerging talents.
Dr. Adun Okupe of Red Clay Consultancy said the master plan focuses on unlocking the tourism potential of heritage sites across the state. These include Awka City Park, Agulu Lake, Anam Beach, Ogbunike Cave, and Owerre Ezukala Cave and Waterfalls.
She expressed optimism that strategic planning and development could help these sites realise their full tourism potential and contribute more significantly to the state’s economy.
The Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr. Law Mefor, said tourism must play a central role in the state’s ambition to build a prosperous and liveable homeland where people can come to live, work, relax and enjoy themselves.
Mefor described the master plan as a holistic framework for achieving these objectives, emphasising the importance of tourism in improving the state’s appeal and development prospects.
The Managing Director of Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport, Umueri, Mr. Martins Nwafor, stressed the importance of transportation and aviation infrastructure in tourism development, noting that connectivity must be integrated into tourism planning.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Ifitedunu, Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno, highlighted the tourism potential of the Omambala region and called for efforts to develop its attractions for the benefit of the state.
He commended the state government for its efforts to advance tourism development.
Another stakeholder, Peter Edochie, said the proposed Arts Council could create opportunities for talented young people in Anambra to showcase their abilities, gain recognition and earn a living through their creative work.
The discussions reflect growing efforts to connect Anambra’s cultural heritage, natural attractions, aviation infrastructure and creative talent with a broader tourism development strategy.
If effectively implemented, the master plan and proposed Arts Council could help expand tourism opportunities, support creative enterprise and create new avenues for employment and income generation across the state.
