Bayelsa State Charts Course For Sustainable Tourism Growth

By Eunice Nnachi

Bayelsa State, known for its vibrant culture and breathtaking natural landscapes, is quickly emerging as a major player in Nigeria’s tourism industry. Recent collaborations between the state’s Ministry of Tourism Development and academic institutions, particularly the University of Port Harcourt, have resulted in significant improvements to infrastructure, accessibility, and overall visitor experience.

Awards and Recognition: The Bayelsa State Ministry of Tourism Development recently received an award from the University of Port Harcourt’s Department of Religious and Cultural Development for its efforts in developing tourism resorts and transport infrastructure. Numoupedei Dennis emphasised the transformative power of tourism, citing a University of Port Harcourt graduate who was able to secure government employment and complete her master’s degree as a result of tourism-related job creation. Dennis emphasised the value of global partnerships in increasing Bayelsa’s international profile and attracting investment.

Mrs. Helen Frank Oputu, a member of the World Tourism Day planning committee, emphasised the importance of environmentally friendly tourism practices that benefit local communities while protecting Bayelsa’s abundant natural resources and cultural heritage. She emphasised key attractions such as Oxbow Lake in Yenagoa, King Koko’s Monument in Akassa (a poignant reminder of the slave trade), and historical graves in Twon Brass and Akassa, which highlight the state’s historical significance.

Bridging Academia and Practice: Professor Onu of the University of Port Harcourt described how final-year students take field trips to Bayelsa to promote cultural appreciation.

This immersive experience allows students to interact with the local cuisine, attractions, and traditions. He proposed collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism to provide hospitality management training to sector employees, thereby increasing its competitiveness. Miss Bafamodie Hopeful echoed the call for increased collaboration between academia and local communities to improve student learning and promote Bayelsa’s cultural heritage.

Nembe Kingdom is a cultural tourism hotspot. A recent field trip to the Nembe Kingdom, led by Professor Onu, demonstrated the region’s potential as a cultural tourism hub. Students visited sacred sites such as King Mengi’s Tomb and the Sacred Tree, the War Canoe Boat (Omungaru), and the Sacred Well, which reflect the community’s rich maritime heritage and ancestral ties. Hon. David Alagoa, Chairman of the Nembe Local Government Area, praised the collaboration, emphasising tourism’s importance in preserving cultural identities.

Tourism as an Economic Engine: The Bayelsa State government recognises tourism’s ability to stimulate economic growth.

Governor Douye Diri has announced plans to collaborate with the National Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) to attract investment for projects such as the Agge Deep Seaport and the Nembe-Brass Road, thereby improving access to remote areas and supporting eco-tourism initiatives along the extensive coastline.

The completion of a five-star hotel, initiated by former President Goodluck Jonathan, is also expected to significantly improve hospitality services.

Challenges and Opportunities: While Bayelsa has tremendous potential, challenges remain, particularly in terms of infrastructure in remote areas such as Brass Local Government Area.

Current road construction projects are addressing this. The state is also using social media to promote its attractions, providing tourists with up-to-date information on accommodations and activities.

A Vision for the Future: The Bayelsa State Tourism Development Agency is committed to responsible tourism practices, with the goal of making Bayelsa a premier destination for both domestic and international tourists. This includes promoting cultural events like boat races, traditional wrestling, and masquerades.

Successful events, such as the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and the Bayelsa International Jazz Festival, which are organised in collaboration with private sector partners, have already garnered international attention.

Conclusion: Bayelsa’s journey to becoming a leading tourist destination has been marked by strategic partnerships and a commitment to long-term growth.

Bayelsa is poised to offer visitors unforgettable experiences while empowering its people economically and culturally, as aptly summarised by Hon. John Alla: “Tourism is not just about attractions; it is about telling our story to the world.”