Wike urges investors to explore untapped FCT Tourism sites

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike has called on investors to invest and explore Abuja’s largely untapped tourism potentials, even as he declared readiness to private incentives to encourage such investments in the sector.
Wike said Nigeria’s tourism sector has remained largely untapped, hence, President Bola Tinubu is desirous to see that the tourism sector is properly harnessed with a view to creating more jobs for the citizenry.
He spoke yesterday while has commissioning a Nadeem group’s state of the art recreational facility, known as Sunrise Waterpark, located opposite Mogadishu barracks, Asokoro district, in Abuja.
He noted that having such a facility in FCT a testament that FCTA is committed to promoting ease of doing business for businesses to thrive, adding that such investments will help correct forex exchange capital flight.
He said: “I have never gone to commissioned any project that is private initiative. But this one, I decided to commission it because of the importance of this particular water park. It is important for us to know that commissioning of this Sunrise project is a testament to the vibrancy and potentials of our beloved city Abuja” Wike said.
“It is not secret that the tourism sector in Nigeria has the potential to become one of the highest foreign exchange earners for the country. But sadly, the sector remained largely untapped and underdeveloped.
“The Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda has made the development of the tourism sector a priority.”
Furthermore, the minister, who described the project as an epoch making event, commended the NADEEM Group for their foresight in establishing a gigantic world class water park, said to be the largest in West Africa.
He however, advised the Group to make it affordable to encourage high patronage, even as he called on residents to always take out time to recreate to get themselves refreshed.
Ealier, Chairperson of NADEEM Group, Nadia Nadeem explained that the landscaping philosophy of the Waterpark was designed to showcase the unique beauty of the Abuja city.
She noted that the waterpark promises to create hundreds of jobs for Nigerians in many sectors, including tourism, hospitality, entertainment, transport, media, trade and commerce, real estate and construction.
According to her, “In the coming months, the waterpark is set to attract many economic activities into Abuja. It will attract foreigners from within Africa and throughout the world. This makes all of us partners in progress of our lovely city Abuja.
“In fact, it is one of the rare water parks in the world that is built on a hill and that offers spectacular views of the city.The architectural design displayed in the many attractions and restaurants at the Waterpark creates an unforgettable experience of vibrant fun and recreation for family members of all ages.
“Indeed, the sunrise waterpark is a blend of construction and architectural masterclass under one hand thoughtful recreation and hospitality experiences on the other”, Nadia said.
Some of the notable past leaders and dignitaries that graced the occasion include: former vice president, Namadi Sambo, Former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Almakura, Former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, Former PDP Chairman, Banabas Gemade, and among others.