A group, Royal Ambassadors Family Enlightenment Foundation, has sought collaboration with Abia State Government to enhance performance of tourism and entertainment sector in the state.

The group’s Director-General, Mr Jonathan Okwudiri, made the request, during a courtesy visit on Mr Justice Martin, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism and Entertainment in Umuahia on Wednesday.

He said that the request was in line with Gov. Alex Otti’s vision for economic growth.

Okwudiri said that the group was eager to explore avenues for collaboration to develop some of the moribund tourism sites, for business opportunities.

He listed the sites of interest to include: Ojukwu Bunker, National War Museum, Azumini, Blue River, Arochukwu Caves and Long Juju Slave Route.

Okwudiri also said that the foundation wished to organise and host the Miss Abia Tourism Beauty Pageant 2024, where models in the 17 local government areas would participate.

“Also, we propose Talent Hunts as well as Dancing Competition for women and youths from the 17 LGAs of Abia.

“These events will not only celebrate beauty pageants and talents hunts, but also attract visitors, fostering tourism and cultural exchange,” he said.

Responding, Martins said that the government would be willing to collaborate with the foundation and any other group that had the interest of humanity.

He told the group that the state government did not have control over Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum, saying that they were Federal Government-owned monuments.

On the state-owned tourism sites, Martins asked for time to put things in order, saying that the state was going through some recovery process.

He said that the present administration decided to ban beauty pageantry in the state because some organisers decided to exploit participants.

“Rest assured that we will collaborate with you, but we ask that you give us some time,” the governor’s aide said.