In a bid to preserve the tourism potential of the various moats in Edo State, the Director-General of the Edo State Tourism Agency, Mrs. Vivian Elabor, on Wednesday warned that stiff penalties would be meted out to anyone found dumping refuse in the moats.
Elabor, who issued the warning while addressing journalists in Benin City, the state capital, expressed concern that many of the moats had become refuse dumps, thus disparaging their historical and cultural values.
The agency, she added, would embark on public enlightenment programmes aimed at educating members of the public on the importance of preserving the moats, which were originally constructed by the ancestors to protect communities.
According to her, “Today, many people do not appreciate the value of the moats. The outside world understands the importance of preserving tourist sites, and we want our people to have the same understanding.”
Elabor, who emphasised that the agency was working tirelessly to restore and preserve the moats as part of Edo State’s rich cultural heritage, warned: “There will be stiff penalties for anyone caught disposing of waste in the moats. We must preserve our heritage and restore the legacy of the moats.”
The Edo tourism boss noted that Edo State is blessed with numerous tourist attractions, with about 72 tourism sites spread across the state. She, however, lamented that despite their great potential for economic growth, the sites remained largely underutilised.
Elabor further stated that the agency intended to use tourism as a tool for job creation and to boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
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“Edo State must reduce its dependence on allocations from the centre. Tourism has a critical role to play in driving economic development, and we are determined to make Edo a leading tourism destination,” she said.
She disclosed that the agency’s upcoming summit, themed “Edo Tourism: The New Frontier Exhibition and Fashion Show,” is aimed at promoting the state’s rich culture and heritage.
Among the notable tourist attractions and cultural festivals highlighted were Igun Street, the Igue Festival, the Ososo Festival, the Ubiaja Festival, and the Amar Waterfall in Esanland.
Also speaking, the agency’s Director of Administration and Supplies, Mrs. Kushe Ojekhoa, announced that the 2026 Tourism Summit, Exhibition, and Fashion Show would be held from June 29 to June 30.
Ojekhoa added that winners of the fashion show would receive cash prizes, while all participants would be rewarded with participation fees to encourage creativity and support emerging talents.
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