Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo has called on the newly inaugurated Tourism Board members to explore the sector and give considerable attention to tourism potentials in the state.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Chibuike Onyeukwu, said this in a statement in Owerri on Wednesday.
Ihedioha was quoted as making the call when he inaugurated the Imo State Tourism Board in Owerri on Wednesday.
The governor stated that the future of Imo State was anchored on tourism and hospitality.
He said the state would henceforth accord priority to allocation of lands for development and economic purpose.
He noted that tourism remained the driving force that would boost economic development of the state while affirming the administration’s commitment to support willing investors especially in the tourism sector.
READ ALSO: http://Asian shares rebound as U.S., Iran stand down, yen retreats
“Imo State has the capacity to take the lead in the tourism sector in the country. We can make a fortune from this sector and rake in N3 billion monthly to our internally generated revenue from it alone.
“Our vision is to boost tourism in the state, develop an entertainment city and turn Imo into a tourism destination. We have the potentials, therefore we can achieve it.
“We are ready to work and support those who have ideas to develop our state. We will continue to utilize our potentials to ensure we make appreciable impact in developing our dear state in the next two years,” he said.
The governor expressed optimism in the ability of the members of the Board to live up to expectation of making Imo the top tourist destination in Nigeria.
Chairman of the Board, Charles Anudo, was quoted as saying that the board would ensure that the sector become a major revenue earner for the State.
Other members of the board are Mrs. Ngozi Ngoka, Prof. A Duruaku, Chief C. Onuoha, Paul Onwuanibe and Chidi Okoro. (NAN)