The “Delta Leisure Resorts”, a tourism and leisure facility to be built at Oleri and Ogwashi-Uku, in Udu and Aniocha South local government areas respectively has been officially unveiled at the Event Centre in Asaba, Delta state capital.
The parks worth N49 Billion will cover some 300 hectares focusing on entertainment, an animal reserve and wildlife park aimed at ecotourism and protecting the environment.
The unveiling which precedes the long term investment project aimed at driving the economy base of Delta state attracted both foreign and local investors, including Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and his Cross River state counterpart, Senator Liyel Imoke who said he was in the state to support the idea of building a strong and sustainable regional economy.
Recall that that the ground breaking ceremony of the “Delta Leisure Resorts” was performed by Prince Sam Obi, erstwhile Acting Governor of Delta state during his short stay in office after the annulment of the 2007 Delta governorship election by an Appeal Court.
The project, according to the Managing Director, Sarnar PFM (Africa), Princess Abiodun Oyefisi and the Managing Director, Sarner UK Limited, Mr. Ross Magri, is a purely private concern with amusement park, animal reserve, commercial; waterfall and culture resorts to further boost the already improved socio-economic base of Delta state and provide good resources to the Nigerian economy.
The huge project, acclaimed as “first of its kind in Africa” is said to be located in Delta state because of its central situation to the North, West, South and East geo-political zones of the country and will provide ample job opportunities to youths, especially graduates from the numerous higher institutions in the state.
High Chief Abel Ubeku, Chairman of the investment group, said the unveiling of the project and the state government’s determination to allow genuine investors embark on the project clearly defines the infrastructure, human capital development and peace and security programme of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration that can “provide jobs for children today and yet unborn”.
In a succinct keynote address presented by Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, he reaffirmed that the state’s development strategies are geared towards attracting investment opportunities and enjoined Deltans to show true commitment through support and encouragement rather than unnecessary criticisms.
Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta state, Mr. Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), who hypothesized that “the equity built through tourism cannot be quantified financially” disclosed that the Certificate of Funding has been presented to Delta state government by the Board of sponsoring investors.
The project, due for completion within 3 years is expected to take-off in June 2011 and completed in December 2012 while the official opening will be in April 2014 at the twilight of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s second tenure in office.
