A group under the aegis Team Make Ogbunike Great, has called on Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo to invest in Ogbunike cave in Oyi Local Government, to enhance Internally Generated Revenue.
The group Coordinator, Dr. Harris Chuma, made this call during a chat with journalists on Thursday, lamenting that previous governments’ approach to harness the potential of the town was more theoretical than practical.
According to him, the cave had the potential of adding N40billion annually to the economy of the state if its tourism possibilities were well utilized.
He disclosed that Ogbunike was a billion dollar economic hub which is magnificent but under-utilised tourism, urging Prof. Soludo to work on the project in order to leave an enduring legacy to his name.
He said, “We wish to remind the stakeholders of this great state, especially our policy formulators, that there is need to effectively tap into the billion dollar Ogbunike economic hub, embodied in its gigantic but under-utilised tourism.
“This has become very imperative, considering the need for diversification of the economy of our state to avail more income streams for the several developmental needs of our people.
“As I have always said in the past, there is no other place to look forward to in Anambra than Ogbunike, when it comes to how cultural tourism can transform a society.
“It is no longer news that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has acknowledged this fact by recognising Ogbunike Cave as a world heritage centre.
“This badge of honour is yet to be fully exploited by successive governments in the state, and has been lying fallow, not minding the enormous advantages therein.
“It is pertinent to note that the location of our town, Ogbunike, is quite strategic. With close proximities to Onitsha, Asaba Airport as well as Anambra International Cargo Airport, it is a proof that this will be a gold mine when harnessed properly.
“An independent survey carried out by TMOG has shown that Ogbunike town has the potential to add N40billion annually to the economy of Anambra State, if its tourism potential is well harnessed.
“These will come from inflows from tourists, patronage of hospitality resorts and taxes from workers in the hospitality sector of the town.
“While successive governments have only talked about harnessing the potential of Ogbunike in paper, I will urge the Soludo administration to put action to words in this regard, and leave this legacy to his name.”
A stakeholder in the community, Anthony Aniebue, an engineer; said he was disappointed that over the years successive government has neglected the town despite its potential.
He said: “Any government interested in increasing the IGR of the state and doesn’t factor into the Ogbunike cave and other revenues surrounding the facility, including the market, parks and other businesses, is not serious.
“Ogbunike holds a very powerful resource base for the state. If government builds a five-star hotel around the cave, just as it did at Agulu Lake, people will come from all parts of the world to explore the cave.”
