Enugu Is Safe, Ready for Domestic, International Tourists - SSA, Odo

Our Reporter 

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Enugu State on Tourism, Hon. Chief Steve Odo, has called on domestic and international tourists to visit Enugu State, describing it as a safe, hospitable and increasingly attractive destination for tourism, leisure, business and investment.

Odo said the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah had made significant progress towards its vision of making Enugu the number one destination for tourism, living, business and investment within three years in office.

He said the state was fast emerging as a preferred destination for tourism and leisure east of the Niger, while positioning itself as a leading conferencing hub in Africa.

According to him, the transformation of the state's tourism and hospitality infrastructure reflects the Mbah administration's commitment to opening up Enugu to greater domestic and international patronage.

Odo highlighted the completion of the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu, as one of the landmark achievements of the administration, noting that the facility had enhanced the state's capacity to host major conferences, business meetings, exhibitions and other international events.

He added that the revitalisation of the Hotel Presidential and Nike Lake Resort had further strengthened Enugu's hospitality sector, providing improved facilities for visitors, tourists, business executives and conference participants.

The tourism aide said the government's investments in modern infrastructure and hospitality services were helping to reposition Enugu as a competitive destination for leisure, business tourism and international engagements.

Odo also pointed to the administration's efforts to strengthen the state's healthcare infrastructure, particularly through the nearly completed 300-bed Enugu International Hospital.

He said the project was part of the government's broader strategy to reverse medical tourism by expanding access to advanced medical care within the state and attracting patients who might otherwise seek treatment outside the country.

The SSA noted that Enugu's tourism potential extended beyond its modern infrastructure and hospitality facilities to its rich historical heritage, natural attractions and cultural landmarks.

Among the destinations he identified as attractive to visitors were the Lejja Smelting Site, Awhum Waterfall, Ngwo Pine Forest, Nsude Pyramids and Ezimo Waterfall.

He said these sites offered opportunities for historical exploration, nature tourism, recreation and cultural experiences, adding that greater patronage would help stimulate economic activities, create jobs and support local businesses and host communities.

Odo emphasised that the warmth, friendliness and hospitality of the people of Enugu remained important assets in the state's efforts to attract tourists and investors.

He urged Nigerians and international visitors to explore the state's attractions, enjoy its hospitality and take advantage of the opportunities emerging from its ongoing development.

The tourism aide attributed the state's progress to what he described as the era of quantum disruptive innovation under Governor Mbah, saying the administration's investments and policy direction were helping to build a safer, more modern and investment-friendly Enugu.

He expressed confidence that sustained improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, hospitality and tourism promotion would further strengthen the state's appeal as a destination of choice.

Odo reiterated the government's commitment to realising its development vision, encapsulated in the slogan, “Tomorrow Is Here,” and called on stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industries to partner with the state in promoting Enugu to domestic and international audiences.