ASABA/Nigeria: The Director General of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has hailed the transformative strides in the tourism sector under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration. According to Oghenesivbe, Delta State is witnessing a surge in tourism activities, with new resorts and luxury hotels springing up across the state, attracting visitors from around the world.
Oghenesivbe made these remarks in Asaba during a courtesy visit by Ambassador Huxley Adiniebo Unumadu, Senior Special Assistant on Culture and Tourism Development to the Governor. He noted that the state is becoming a prime destination for tourists seeking relaxation and investment opportunities, thanks to the peace and security maintained across the three senatorial districts and the state’s robust infrastructure development.
Highlighting some of Delta’s major tourist attractions, Oghenesivbe mentioned the Araya Bible Site in Isoko South Local Government Area, which features the Pool of Bethesda and a prayer altar, as a significant pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide. He also pointed out the Mount Ned Nwoko Resorts, situated 1,000 feet above sea level, as the highest point in the state, offering breathtaking views and luxury accommodations. The Ibru International Ecumenical Centre in Agbarha-Otor, a retreat center known for spiritual solace and pilgrimages, was also highlighted as a key destination.
Other notable sites include the historic Mungo Park House in Asaba, the Mandela Garden, and the Nanna Living History Museum in Koko. Oghenesivbe emphasized that these attractions, alongside the serene beaches of Abraka and the Delta Film Village, are drawing increasing numbers of holidaymakers to the state.
He attributed the growing interest in Delta’s tourism sector to the proactive measures taken by Governor Oborevwori to ensure security and foster economic growth. He assured that the State Orientation and Communications Bureau would continue to promote these tourist sites locally and internationally, positioning Delta State as a major hub for both leisure and spiritual tourism.
“The Araya Bible Site, with its ‘Prayer Altar’ and the miraculous ‘Pool of Bathsheba,’ has become a significant spiritual reference point in Nigeria’s Christian community. We will do everything possible to elevate this site and others, making Delta State a preferred destination for holy pilgrimages and other tourist activities,” he said.
He also reiterated the Bureau’s commitment to supporting the “Delta is Beautiful” campaign, which aims to showcase the state’s tourism potential. The campaign, spearheaded by Ambassador Unumadu, is designed to highlight Delta’s rich cultural heritage and attract investment to the tourism sector.
The DG underscored that tourism is a lucrative business that can significantly boost the state’s internally generated revenue and create thousands of jobs for Deltans across various sectors.
“Tourism is an integral part of socioeconomic development, offering spiritual, physical, and mental relaxation for both residents and visitors. Governor Oborevwori’s MORE agenda is deliberately advancing Delta beyond 2027, and tourism development is a key component of this vision,” Oghenesivbe added.
In his remarks, Ambassador Unumadu praised Oghenesivbe’s leadership and assured him of continued collaboration to ensure the success of the “Delta is Beautiful” campaign. He called on local government councils and stakeholders to actively participate in promoting the state’s tourism assets, suggesting the establishment of Tourism Committees at the local government level to serve as guides for visitors.
Unumadu also congratulated Oghenesivbe on his appointment as the Director General of the Bureau, noting that his extensive experience in strategic communications and media management would be invaluable in promoting Delta’s tourism sector.
The visit concluded with the decoration of Dr. Oghenesivbe as one of the key partners of the “Delta is Beautiful” campaign, with copies of “Discover Delta” and “Christmas in Delta” presented to him as part of the Bureau’s ongoing efforts to promote the state’s tourism potential.
