Enugu Unveils Ambitious Plans for Transportation, Tourism, Sports Development
The Enugu State Government has announced plans to launch several major projects, including the Enugu Air, CNG Mass Transit Programme, and ultramodern transport terminals, all of which are expected to be operational before the second anniversary of the Governor Peter Mbah administration.
According to the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor, the Enugu Air project will commence commercial operations with an initial fleet of three aircraft, two of which are already on ground.
The third aircraft is expected to arrive by the end of the month. Additionally, 50 buses for the mass transit programme are already parked at Okpara Square, with an additional 50 expected to join the fleet in the next few weeks.
The bus terminals at Holy Ghost, Gariki, Abakpa, and Nsukka will also be commissioned and commence commercial operations before May 29th.
The government also plans to bring in an electric and CNG automotive manufacturing plant to Enugu, as well as launch the Enugu Smart Transport Programme, which will introduce over 2,000 electric vehicles into the state’s transportation system within the next 150 days.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, announced that the government will invest in the tourism industry in phases.
The first phase will focus on developing several tourist sites, including:
1. *Awhum Waterfall*: A canopy walkway and boardwalk will be constructed to preserve the ecosystem.
2. *Nsude Pyramid*: A 600-meter canopy walkway, the longest in Nigeria, will be built.
3. *Ngwo Pine Forest*: A zipline, measuring 300 meters, will be constructed, along with a big rotunda and a smaller rotunda.
4. *Cross of Hope*: A 50-meter cross will be built at Okpatu, with 15 floors and a lift.
5. *Akwuke/Atakkwu Waterpark*: A waterpark will be developed, along with an Ovu Lake Golf and Resort at Akpawfu.
All tourist sites will have experience centers, food courts, and renewable energy, with tour buses expected to arrive soon to facilitate easy movement of tourists.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, announced that the State Executive Council has directed the commencement of work on the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and Awgu Games Village, which will be ready for the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival, Enugu 2026.
The council also approved the establishment of a lab for animation for young people in Enugu State, which will be commissioned soon.
Ekweremadu also announced that the government will empower over 2,100 young people across the state, who were trained in December last year. The empowerment program will take place on August 12th, International Youth Day.
These ambitious plans demonstrate the Enugu State Government’s commitment to transforming the state’s transportation, tourism, and sports sectors, and providing opportunities for young people to develop their skills and contribute to the state’s development.
