By Iheanyi Enwerem
There has been widespread clamour, especially from Okigwe South region of Imo State, for the development of the historic Abadaba Lake which has been overgrown by weeds for several years.
An investigation by IKORO OKIGWE revealed that it was the administration of the Late sage, Chief Sam Onunaka Mbakwe, that saw the need for the development of the lake into a national tourism centre. The Imo State government then did not only stop at identifying the economic potentials inherent in Abadaba Lake but went ahead to lay foundation for some buildings that can assist in take-off of the tourism project.
IKORO OKIGWE can also say authoritatively that base on our findings, one of the major contracts that stalled the project was stalled the project was struggle for the ownership of the project site between Nkwumeato in Ihitte/Uboma and Umulogho in Obowo Local Government Areas leading to a situation where the Imo State government had to express some reservations on the project leading to a situation where subsequent administration both military and civilian have not cared to re-visit the tourism project.
A tourism expert Mr. Chris Anyanwu who spoke to IKORO OKIGWE said that the Abadaba Lake is a goldmine that has been abandoned by several administration in Imo State adding that if fully developed it will be capable of generating at least N1bn annually to enhance revenue generation. He went further to say that based on the human face of the present government, the re-elected Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma should ensure that the project is revisited because of its economic potentials.
An indigene of the area, Mr. Kenkwo Kesaandu Kingsley who spoke to us via telephone conversation lamented that the project has been abandoned for over 35 years leading to situation where the lake including the structures at the site have been overgrown by weeds and pleaded for intervention by Imo State government.
” Abadaba Lake is bigger than Oguta lake, 85% of the structures constructed under Dee Sam Mbakwe’s administration are still alive, the 800 capacity halls. The lake will create jobs and generate revenue for our State, I appeal to government to look into reviving it”. He said.
What are the minimal requirements in terms of contributions of work done by the State Ministry of Tourism? Why leave the whole work to the Governor. He needs prompting via impressive reports.