As part of promotion and marketing of the vast tourism products of the nation, the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo explained that the Green City Project is all about conversion of waste to wealth for revenue generation and job creation during a One-Day Sensitization Workshop for Stakeholders on tourism in Anambra State, held at the State capital, Awka,

She further explained that the project when fully developed, according to Sally Mbanefo, would create 20,000 jobs in two years and boost Nigeria as a preferred destination for the growing eco-tourism market.

She also said that the Green City Project is designed to deliver the green city initiative as a differentiating platform for Nigeria’s eco-tourism credentials with bio-fuel refinery for conversion of waste to wealth with other attractions like demonstration farms; botanical gardens; hotels; housing estates; sport facilities; industrial parks; solar farms; water parks, health malls, display of tourism artifacts that portray our cultural heritage.

“The Corporation has already found an international investor to sponsor the project for garbage to be converted into bio-fuels and bio-diesel that will be in stations manned by the youth and women in every state that can boast of huge garbage content. Dense population is a key success factor, Abuja, Onitsha, Ibadan, Kano and Lagos are excellent project models”, she said

In response, the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, lauded the foresight of the NTDC boss, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, said his administration is ready to give the project the needed push to ensure its success in the state.

Governor Obiano who said tourism development and promotion is prioritised  by his administration described the Green City project as a viable catalyst to creating employment in the state and the country at large, and also ensure a clean environment, “which my administration has been committed to since its inception.”

Obiano who said Anambra State government was looking forward to having a good and progressive relationship with NTDC assured tourism stakeholders that his administration will open up one of the unique tourist attractions in the state, Ogbunike Caves, located in Ogbunike town in the Oyi local government area of the state. He added that the government would advertise the cave to enable the people of the state benefit from the tourist attraction.

“Ogbunike Caves has 11 entrances, but only one has been explored. We shall open up other entrances to the unique tourist site, build a 5-star hotel and a game centre, among other world standard facilities around the site; then advertise it, and our people will maximally benefit from it,” Obiano assured.

 The NTDC Boss commended the governor’s “Operation Clean Up Anambra” as the best foundation for waste to wealth to thrive since all the garbage in each State must be centralised and cleaned off the streets, which she hopes will inspire other state governors to launch A Waste to wealth green city project.

Mbanefo who described Governor Obiano as a passionate administrator, willing and expended all his energy to ensure high quality of life for the people of the state, urged the Anambras to support the governor.

Mbanefo urged the people of Anambra to embrace domestic tourism, this she said, will create more jobs and wealth in the society. She added that the people should endeavour to relax and recreate, as these ensure longevity and good quality of life, whilst appealing to other state governors to explore a waste to wealth opportunity for their states.

Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, shaking hand with the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo, while the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr (Mrs) Uju Nwogu, looks on during the One-Day Sensitisation Workshop for Stakeholders on Tourism in Anambra State, recently.

R-L: Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano; Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo and Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr (Mrs) Uju Nwogu, at the Governor’s Lodge in Awka, during the NTDC boss’ courtesy call on the governor on the partnership arrangement between the NTDC and Anambra State government for the Green City Project in Awka, Anambra State, recently.