As part of the efforts to make the Oguta Blue Lake of treasure the
greatest tourism centre in Africa, the Imo State government has
reached agreement with the Actors Guild of Nigeria [AGN] towards the
lake to a movie village.
The State Governor, Rochas Okorocha disclosed this to newsmen while
touring the site with some actors in the Nollywood Industry.
Owelle Okorocha added that in order to ensure that the facilities are
improved and managed effectively, the supervising ministry, the ministry of culture and Tourism would be re-located to the Oguta Lake.
He said that the state government would erect befitting buildings
needed for movie activities as well as a grant free access to the
state owned oguta motel and other facilities to the movie industry in
the country.
On the need for security, the governor said that the road leading to
the lake would be barricaded with a gate while a police post would be
built at the lake.
Governor Okorocha equally directed government ministries and the 27
local government councils of the state to erect a building each at the
vicinity of the lake to fast track the development of the area.
He disclosed that about $500 million is needed to develop the lake to
international standard while the state government is expected to
provide the initial fund of $1 million.
Governor Okorocha equally disclosed that government is creating
jetting beach, procuring over 10 speed boats to ease transport at the
lake as well as launch a boat regatta festival on the lake in a short
period.
The governor who decried Nigeria’s over-reliance on oil noted that Imo
State has the potential to realize millions of dollars from tourism as
inherent in the lake.
Mrs Patience Ozokwo, a Nollywood star thanked the governor for giving
them opportunity and promised that the actors would make an optimal
use of the facility available at the lake.
She stated that a lot of wealth is left wasting in Nigeria and called
on other state government to emulate the efforts of governor Okorocha
in developing tourism in Nigeria.
Ace Comedian, Nkem Owoh popularly known as Osufia said the lake is a
good historic site capable of promoting Nigeria movie industry to
greater heights.
Modestus Okafor
For SSA Media to the governor
27th April, 2012
