The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area of the State, Barr. Erastus Awortu, said his administration is laising with local and international conservationists to make Andoni Local Government Area a tourism destination.
Awortu stated this at Asarama Community, in Andoni during the maiden edition of the Andoni Unity Carnival, organised by the Local Government Council.
According to him, the event which was part of the yuletide programmers across communities in the area was initiated to foster development and consolidate on the peace process of his administration.
“My administration will continue to ensure that our forest/sea lives are preserved seeing we have an uncommon topography where the rain forest is bordered by such an aesthetic large stretch of sprawling and advantageous sand beach,” he said.
Expressing satisfaction on the turnout during the boat regatta, the Chairman noted that the display of passion by the people showed a total acceptance of peace and desire for development.
”This is one event the council has attached so much importance, we are happy it’s successful in terms of attendance and display of our latent culture. I call it Latent because inasmuch as we understand our rich cultural heritage and natural endowments, the world is yet to know about them and we are happy to showcase them to the world,” he said.
Narrating the overall motive for the carnival, the Chairman noted that the exercise was expected to attract investors to the area, create employment for the youths, as well as promote peace and development.
“The cynic environment is quite obvious, the winding creeks, the large stretch of sand beaches, forest/ocean reserves, human capacity and rich natural vegetation are of course a tourist delight and an investors’ heaven.
“Our rain forest haboures some of the rare wild animals like the elephants, wild cats, hippos and even the dolphins, which are a lovely sight to behold around the Atlantic Beach. The world is evolving and Andoni is not an exception, we know we are endowed with rich oil and gas resources which are currently being tapped by the oil industry. No doubt, oil exploration activities have proven to have grevious effects on the environment and the people, a more reason we should make tourism a biggest economic catch point for Andoni Local Government Area,” he added.
Similarly, Mr Dagomie Inombek Abiante, Lawmaker representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency also commended the Chairman, on his achievements especially in the area of peace/security and overall rural infrastructural development in area .
“Not too long ago, I made a promise to work with you as you pilot development in Andoni because I recall, a few years back at festive moments such as this, travelling to my hometown Ngo, the Council’s Headquarters was usually an expensive venture with fully cladded police escort! What a shame, I belong here and should freely co-exist with my people, it is in doing so that I can feel their pulse, appreciate who we are and understand our genuine pains to enable me effectively table them before relevant authorities,” the lawmaker said.
The event also featured boat regatta/display by the 11 wards of the area council.
Dignitaries that graced the occasion included King Iraron Ede Obolo, Paramount Ruler of Egwede Community and other traditional rulers, Obolo entertainment body, political class, technocrats and tourists.