By Amos Okioma
In a bid to enhance the eco-tourism offerings of Bayelsa State to provide a mix of recreational, social, and educational activities for visitors to enjoy the oil-rich maritime state, the Commissioner for Tourism Development, Hon. Alla John, has hinted at plans by the prosperity administration to build a modern lakeside pavilion at Lake Efi in Sabageria Community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after visiting Lake Efi on Tuesday, Hon. John explained that the lakeside pavilion would provide a scenic view and good ambience to enhance the touristic appeal of the ancient Lake Efi, saying that tourism would be a significant driver of the local economy, contributing to job creation, generating employment opportunities in industries like hospitality, transportation, and recreation, bringing in revenue from visitor spending on accommodations, food, entertainment and souvenirs.
“Tourism would definitely support our local businesses, such as restaurants, shops, and other services to boost the local economy, thereby leading to investments in infrastructures, such as hotels, resorts, and attractions, generating tax revenue for local governments, as well as funding public services and infrastructural projects.
“The tourism sector also has the capacity to diversify the Bayelsa State’s economy, thereby reducing our sole dependence on a single industry and fostering meaningful community engagements and cultural exchange between visitors and the locals, promoting the state’s image and reputation to attract new businesses and investments,” he said.
He further noted that the lakeside pavilion could be used as a picnic shelter for relaxation to enable lake users to enjoy the scenic view of Lake Efi, as well as serve as an environmental education centre, among various other purposes, including hosting the popular Lake Efi Fishing Festival, weddings, conferences, a learning centre for conservation, wildlife, providing vital information and resources for visitors and lake enthusiasts.
The Tourism Commissioner, who met with the Amananaowei of Sabageria, Dr. Bokumo Orukari FNIPR, (JP), Kala X and his council of chiefs at the Palace, briefed the monarch about his mission to the community, informing him of the plan of the State Government to construct a befitting modern pavilion at Lake Efi, and solicited the cooperation of the community to have a hitch-free construction of the facility in record time.
Responding, the monarch, who gave a brief history of Lake Efi, expressed the community’s gratitude to Governor Douye Diri for showing such a genuine interest in developing the ancient fishing lake into an international tourist site, assuring that the community would be willing to cooperate with the contractors during construction to ensure a hitch-free work at the project site.
The elated paramount ruler said the proposed lakeside pavilion would go a long way in promoting the popular ancient Lake Efi Fishing Festival that had existed for centuries and had served as a hub for fishing activities.
He described the project as a tourism asset to the community, local government and the state government when completed, giving further assurance that the families that own the lake were equally happy that the state government was coming to construct a befitting modern pavilion there.
Lakes all over the world offer unique and relaxing ways to connect with nature for the enjoyment of outdoor activities, creating memorable experiences for tourists and locals alike.
There is no doubt that the proposed pavilion at Lake Efi would serve as a place for wildlife observation, birdwatching, nature photography, and observation of wildlife among other outdoor activities, in addition to being used as an open space for kids during visits to the lake.
Bayelsa is home to a remarkable collection of lakes that are as varied as they are gorgeous, ranging from man-made lakes to crater lakes surrounded by green forests along with incredible ecological diversity and natural features.
The Tourism Commissioner was accompanied on the visit by the immediate-past Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Hon. Alex Akata and his tourism counterpart, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tonye Koroye; Head of Culture department, Dr. John Suofe, and Head of Tourism and Hospitality, Mrs. Payeboye Festus-Lukoh.
About the Author
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
