The first zipline in Nigeria and the longest Canopy Walkway in Africa will soon be unveiled in Enugu State, as the government earmarks N30 billion for the development of tourism
The government of the state also approved the budget of over N13 billion for the development of several tourism projects in the state in the phase phase of the programme.
According to the Culture and Tourism Commissioner Mrs. Ugochi Madueke, the approval was given after the state’s exco meeting recently, signalling the kick-off of the first phase of the projects, which include Nsude Pyramid Canopy Walkway; a 600-meter canopy walkway, the longest in Nigeria and the first in the Southeast. The Canopy Walkway will start from Ugwu Uto and will slope over 500 meters to terminate at the site of the ancient pyramids.
There will be rondavels around the hill, a lighthouse and an observatory with a restaurant that would be built on the Hilltop at about 530 meters above sea level.
There is also the Pine Forest Hotel, which already hosts lots of photoshoots but the state plans to make it more appealing with rotundas flowers and a 300-meter zipline, the first in Nigeria.
The third project is the Cross of Hope at Okpatu Hill; a 50-meter cross atop a 15-story building reaching a total height of 630 meters above sea level. This will be the tallest across in Africa.
The state government has also seriously engaged with the development of the popular Awhum waterfall, which is alluring and mystical. Additional canopy walkway and boardwalk to enhance the experience will be added.
There will also be Akwuke Beach/Atakkwu Waterpark with experience centres, food courts, and renewable energy and added to this is the Ovu Lake Golf and Resort; a golf and resort complex with experience centres, food courts, and renewable energy in addition to a boat jetty with plan to host world-class events.
THISDAY learnt that earlier in 2024, the state hired consultants Ambassador Ikechi Uko, the organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, and Queen Ebele Enemchukwu to visit all major attractions and draw up plans for at least 15 sites. After a series of vetting by Governor Peter Mba and his team, they approved the first phase for development. With the inclusion of Ovu Lake and Atakwu Waterparks, the projects will cost the state a total of N30 billion.
The second phase will include a cable car from Okpatu to Awhum, developments at Ezimo, Oji River, Awgwu, Nsukka,Ezeagu, and others. These ambitious tourism projects are part of the Governor’s plan to grow the economy of the state from $3 billion to a $30 billion economy. Tourism is expected to be a major driver of this growth. The governor has planned for six million visitors by 2027, and the development of these projects is expected to generate these numbers.
According to the Tourism Consultant, Ikechi Uko, “This will be the most ambitious tourism investment by any State since after Dr. Donald Duke, the former governor of Cross River State. If you add the new conference centres, the Enugu Air project, Nike Lake Landmark Upgrade and the revamp of Hotel Presidential alongside numerous infrastructural upgrades, Enugu State is undergoing an unprecedented renewal never seen in Nigeria. I am happy to be a part of this project. This further highlights the popular mantra by supporters of the governor “Tomorrow is here.”
