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Anambra Plans Modern Theme Park at Ogbunike Cave
Government of Anambra State of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a private developer, Africa Project Finance and Development Limited for the construction of a world-class Theme Park and Resort in Ogbunike. The modern tourist center and park to be developed around Ogbunike Cave would include nature and game reserves, a water park, hotels, a museum, retail and dining facilities, a theater, cultural center, facilities for lake and river sports, among other features.
The project expected to cost 250 million naira (close to $1.5 million) will transform the historic Cave into a modern tourist attraction in what the State government hopes will also create employment and generate revenue for the State, the local community and partners under a special sharing formula. The developer will design, develop, finance, construct andoperate the Park and Resort under an equity distribution agreement which “allocates 75 percent to the company, 15 percent to the State government, 5 percent to Oyi Local Government Area and 5 percent to Ifite-Ogbunike.”
The State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano said “the project would provide comprehensive entertainment center and facilitate total exploration of the Cave and make it attractivefor tourism.” In a statement, State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Tony Onyimaexplained that following governor Obiano's passion and directive to transform the Cave that had been ignored over the years, the Ministry and Anambra State Investment Protection and Promotion Agency (ANSIPPA) accelerated work in attracting an investor and concluded modalities for the partnership to harness the potentials of the Cave.
Chief Onyima said aspects of the project would be commissioned within the next one year a promise confirmed by the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Joachim Nwagbo who indicated that in addition to the Ogbunike Cave project, his company was ready to finance an airport project,modern transportation scheme including a rail system.