By Andrew Udeh
Aghazu On Unlocking Nnewi Tourism Potentials
The Managing Director of Nnewi Hotel and Event Centre Uruagu Nnewi, Rtn Obiora Aghazu aka Ifenkirichukwu has outlined lucrative tourist centers capable of yielding financial fortune for Nnewi Community.
Expressing his disappointment on the level of neglect on Nnewi tourism industry, Rtn Aghazu, the President of Nnewi Rotary club, said that areas like Igwe KON Palace, Akweke Nwafor Orizu County home, Sir Louis Philip Odumegwu Ojukwu ancient residence, the palace of Eze Ogidi, Amaukwu Umudim and Obidiugwuof Nnewichi, should be developed for tourist attractions.
He said that other areas like Nkwo Nnewi triangle, local government secretariat, Ubu and Oduga Water ways deserve innovative touch aimed at attracting travellers from other towns and cities across the nation, including the white people from Europe and Western World. He also said that Nnewi has come of age in area of tourism, but required experienced developers with creativity.
“It may surprise you to know that a visitor at Buckingham Palace, the home of Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom, pays thirty thousand pounds to enjoy optimistic over view of the palace. And when such amount is converted into our local currency, it is more than fifty two million naira. This is exactly what we are losing out of ignorance and lack of seriousness.”
He said that the palace of Igwe Dr KON Orizu alone at Otolo-Nnewi boost of tourism profits if the potentials are well harnessed.
“Igwe KON Orizu palace can be developed from mere annual place for Ofala festival, to a thriving tourist resort, it is just a matter of allowing skilled brains and ability to transform quality ideas into a fortune. And we have people with expertise to do that.”
Ifenkirichukwu said that apart from Nnewi Hotel and Event Center under his management, there are other exotic places like Beverly Hills, Kingdom of Gold, Classic Munich, New Power and so on. He believes that in no distant period Nnewi Community will become destination center for those itching to enoy and see the home of Sir Philip Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, the first and foremost African Billionaire. “It is just a matter of time,” he stated.
