From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The  commissioner for Tourism Development, Hon. Alla John, has hinted on plans by the prosperity administration to build a modern lakeside pavilion at Lake Efi in Sabageria community in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area of the state.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after visiting Lake Efi on during the week, Hon. Alla explained that the lakeside pavilion would provide a scenic view and good ambience to enhance the touristic appeal of the ancient Lake Efi.
According to him,  tourism would be a significant driver of the local economy, contributing to job creation, generating employment opportunities in industries like hospitality, transportation, and recreation, bringing in revenue from visitor spending on accommodations, food, entertainment and souvenirs.
“Tourism would definitely support our local businesses, such that restaurants, shops, and other services to boost the local economy, thereby leading to investments in infrastructures, such as hotels, resorts, and attractions, generating tax revenue for local governments, as well as funding public services and infrastructural projects.”
“The tourism sector also has the capacity to diversify the Bayelsa state’s economy, thereby reducing our sole dependence on a single industry and foster meaningful community engagements and cultural exchange between visitors and the locals.”
“It will promote the state image and reputation and by extension attract new businesses and investments opportunities,” the commissioner said.
Speaking  further said , the lakeside pavilion could be used as picnic shelter for relaxation to enable lake users to enjoy the scenic view of Lake Efi, as well as serve as an environmental education centre.
He said, amongst various other purposes, including hosting of the popular Lake Efi Fishing Festival, weddings, conferences, learning centre for conservation, wildlife, providing vital information and resources for visitors and lake enthusiasts.
The Tourism commissioner, while meeting with the Amananaowei of Sabageria, Sir, Dr. Bokumo Orukari FNIPR, (JP), Kala X and his council of chiefs at the Palace took time to brief the monarch about his mission to the community, informing him of the plan of the state government to construct a befitting modern pavilion at Lake Efi, even as he solicited the cooperation of the community to have a hitch free construction of the facility on record time.
Responding, HRH, Sir, Dr. Bokumo, FNIPR, JP, (Kala X) gave a brief history of Lake Efi, while expressing community’s gratitude to their son, Governor Douye Diri for showing such a genuine interest in developing the ancient fishing lake to an international tourist site, assuring that the community would be willing to cooperate with the contractors during construction to ensure a hitch free work at the project site.
The elated paramount ruler said the proposed lakeside pavilion would go a long in promoting the popular ancient Lake Efi Fishing Festival that had existed for centuries which had served as a hub of fishing activities, just as he described edifice as a tourism asset to the community, local government and the state government when completed, giving further assurance that the families that own the lake were equally happy that the state government was coming to construct a befitting modern pavilion lakeside there.
It will be recalled that lakes all over the world offer unique and relaxing ways to connect with nature for enjoyment of outdoor activities, creating memorable experiences for tourists and locals alike.
There is no doubt that the proposed pavilion at Lake Efi would serve as a place for wildlife observation, birdwatching, nature photography, and observation of wildlife, picnicking, barbecuing, grills, and outdoor cooking, in addition to being used as an open space for kids during visits to the lake.
Bayelsa is home to a remarkable collection of lakes that are as varied as they are gorgeous, ranging from man-made lakes to crater lakes surrounded by green forests. Along with incredible ecological diversity and natural features.