Events

Mbah moves to make Enugu hub for gaming tourism

Published

2 years ago

June 25, 2024

Mbah moves to make Enugu hub for gaming tourism

Governor Peter Mbah’s Administration in Enugu state is set to boost the state’s revenue by tapping into the opportunities in the nation’s gaming industry.

Consequently, it has concluded arrangements to host stakeholders in the nation’s gaming industry to a Gaming Conference, with the theme, “Exploring the future of Gaming: Innovations and Collaborations,” on Thursday, June 27, in Enugu.

Disclosing this on Monday, the Executive Secretary of Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission, Prince Arinze Arum, noted that the state was a land of opportunities, hence Mbah’s administration’s determination to expand the opportunities further by positioning it as a hub for gaming tourism.

He said, “Enugu State is a land of opportunities, and the Governor Peter Mbah Administration is committed to growing the state’s economy exponentially from $4.4bn to $30bn. This growth will not come from one sector. Therefore, we are committed to expanding these opportunities to make Enugu State the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and for living.”

Arum, said the gaming conference, which would be declared open by Governor Mbah, reflects the state government’s commitment to fostering growth and development within the gaming industry in the country.

He said, “The Conference, which will hold at the Amadeo Event Centre is poised to bring together industry stakeholders from both private and public sectors across the country and beyond to explore new opportunities and collaborations within the gaming sector. This reflects our commitment to fostering growth and development within the industry.

“We firmly believe that this industry has the potential to transform our state into a gaming tourism destination and with its economic benefits in mind, we are keen to explore the vast opportunities that abound within the sector.

“By leveraging its regulatory powers and creating fertile ground for partnership opportunities, ESGC is paving for a better regulated and viable gaming industry.

“Indeed, Enugu State had long recognised the potential of this industry, and we believe that by harnessing its prospects, we can create a unique gaming tourism destination that rivals the best in the world.

“So, the forthcoming conference will not only showcase the immense potential of the gaming industry in our state, provide a platform for meaningful discussions and collaborations, but also help to unlock the economic benefits and pave the way for Enugu State to become a gaming tourism destination.”

The Executive Secretary expressed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent gaming environment, stressing that “Through innovative ideas and flexible but firm regulations, we aim to strike a balance between creating opportunities for growth and protecting the interests of our citizens.”

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

2 days ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.