The Edo State government has disclose plans to turn about 72 hidden tourist sites across the State into a revenue spinning venue, reducing dependency on oil revenue as the main source of state’s economic sustainability.
Popular Igun Street, the Igue Festival, the Ososo Festival, the Ubiaja Festival, and the Amar Waterfall in Esanland are among the notable tourist attractions and cultural festivals have been shortlisted by the State government.
The Director-General, Vivian Elabor assured that these sites which have been largely underutilized despite having great potential for economic growth, will be used as a tool for job creation and to boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.
She disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Benin City where she proposed a 12-year jail as a penalty for dumping refuse in moats and other unauthorized locations in the State.
According to her, “Edo State must reduce its dependence on allocations from the centre. Tourism has a critical role to play in driving economic development, and we are determined to make Edo a leading tourism destination”.
The Director General of the agency, expressed concern that many of the moats are currently being used as refuse dumps, despite their historical and cultural significance.
She stated that the agency is committed to educating the public on the importance of preserving the moats, which were originally constructed by the ancestors to protect communities.
“Today, many people do not appreciate the value of the moats. The outside world understands the importance of preserving tourist sites, and we want our people to have the same understanding,” she said.
The government official also revealed that the agency is working tirelessly to restore and preserve the moats as part of Edo State’s rich cultural heritage.
She further stated that the agency is committed to educating the public on the importance of preserving the moats – originally constructed by the ancestors to protect communities and villages in the State.
The agency’s upcoming summit, themed, ‘Edo Tourism: The New Frontier Exhibition and Fashion Show,’ is aimed at promoting the state’s rich culture and heritage.
“Today, many people do not appreciate the value of the moats. The outside world understands the importance of preserving tourist sites, and we want our people to have the same understanding.
“There will be stiff penalties for anyone caught disposing of waste in the moats. We must preserve our heritage and restore the legacy of the moats,” according to her.
