Benin: The Edo Tourism Agency has issued a warning to residents in the state capital against the practice of dumping refuse in the historical moats scattered across the city. Mrs. Vivian Elabor, the Director-General of the agency, emphasized this concern during a news conference held in Benin.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Elabor highlighted that certain residents have been using the moats as dumping sites, which undermines their historical and cultural significance. She stated that the agency is committed to educating the public on the importance of preserving these moats, originally constructed by ancestors to protect communities. Elabor stressed the need for the local population to recognize the value that the rest of the world attributes to such tourist sites and assured that efforts are in place to restore the moats’ legacy.
Elabor further mentioned that the agency is actively working to inform the public about the strict penalties that will be enforced against those caught disposing of waste in the moats. She emphasized the importance of these heritage sites and noted that the state currently has 72 tourist centers, with the moats being recognized as a UNESCO-listed heritage.
The Director-General also conveyed the agency’s plans to use tourism as a tool for job creation and to boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). She asserted that for Edo State to achieve growth, it needs to reduce its dependency on central resources and leverage its cultural and heritage assets. Elabor announced the agency’s goal to position Edo as a prime tourism destination with the upcoming summit, exhibition, and fashion show titled ‘Edo Tourism, the New Frontier.’
In addition to the moats, Elabor named other significant tourism sites within the state, such as Igun Street and the Amar waterfalls in Esan lands, and mentioned festivals like the Igue, Ososo, and Ubiaja festivals as key attractions.
Mrs. Kushe Ojekhoa, the Director of Administration and Supplies, also addressed the conference, revealing that the agency’s 2026 summit, exhibition, and fashion show are scheduled for June 29 and 30. She announced that cash prizes will be awarded to winners of the fashion show, and participants will receive a participation fee to encourage creative talents.