By Ahmed Rahma
The Governor of Delta State, Mr Ifeanyi Okowa, has appealed to residents of the state, especially those in Agbor, to patronise the newly commissioned Park Vega Waterpark.
On Friday, December 4, 2020, several dignitaries from all walks of life converged to witness the opening of the park, which is regarded as the largest in West Africa.
The commissioning was done by Mr Okowa, who was represented by the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, a veteran journalist.
In his speech, the Governor said Park Vega Waterpark will boost tourism not only in Delta State but in Nigeria because of the facilities in the place.
He further said, “Park Vega Waterpark is in line with the Delta State development agenda that includes strategic wealth creation and transforming our environment by developing facilities.
“Those who will work here will no longer be classified as unemployed because they have created jobs for our unemployed children.
“I commended the Dein of Agbor for upholding our culture and thank the initiators of the Park Vega Waterpark vision for sighting it in Delta State as they could have taken it anywhere.
“I want to encourage others to start setting up complementary businesses near the Park to make Ewuru, Agbor to become a major town and urban centre.”
He added that, “The success of the park can only be guaranteed if we all patronise [it] by bringing our family, children, and encourage friends to also visit the park even if they live in Asaba.
“The good thing is that there is no place you will find a park as well built as Park Vega Waterpark that we are looking at in the country.”
Also speaking at the event, the Dein of Agbor, Mr Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi, thanked the initiators of the park for locating it in Agbor.
The traditional ruler prayed that “the project will grow from strength to strength,” appealing to residents of Agbor to “support the park.”
In her speech, the Managing Director of Park Vega waterpark, Mrs Nancy Orji, noted that the unveiling marks the beginning of a shift in the economy of Agbor and the state from an agrarian, oil, and government-funded economy to a private sector-driven economy.
“Park Vega Waterpark is a world-class waterpark, a member of IAAPA (International Association of Amusements Parks & Attractions) and WWA (World Waterparks Association), is set to be Nigeria’s and indeed, West Africa’s first International Standard Waterpark.
“We have already begun to receive commendations from these International associations for our dedication to pioneering the attraction industry in western Africa,” Mrs Orji said.
She added that “this waterpark is a tourist attraction and is, therefore, a core element of the tourism value chain because it’s a great motivator for tourism trips and expenditures and by extension, is capable of revitalizing local economies by pulling tourists across west Africa and Nigeria.
“Thus, increasing revenue for the government, local businesses and residents, in addition to providing direct and indirect jobs as professionals now come to Agbor look for work.”
