| Oguta Lake and Golf Resort was established about 40 years ago by the colonial rulers as their exclusive “get away” spot. During the Nigeria-Biafra civil war of 1967-1970, the Biafran’s built a bunker with a tunnel that runs under the lake connecting both banks of the lake, this is preserved today as it’s an important part of Oguta Lake’s history and still attracts a lot of visitors. On the second of September 1977 the then Military Administrator of Imo State commissioned the 60 room motel with a view to establishing the resort as a tourist destination of choice. Subsequently regular social and sporting events having been staged cumulating in the annual golf tourney. Oguta Lake and Golf resort sadly the full potentials of this resort has never been fully harnessed resulting its current under utilization and subsequent loss of revenue to Imo State and its people. With the inception of the vibrant and dynamic administration of Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Oguta Lake and Golf Resort has been rightly identified as a potential tourism hot spot with great potential of turning round the fortunes of Imo State and its partner investors. In pursuit of these goals the Imo State Government has decided to transform and reinvent the Oguta Lake and Golf Resort to reflect the goals and objectives of the “The New Face of Imo”, thus this resort shall be redesigned and developed into a World Class Edutainment Center to be known as the Imo Wonder Lake Resort and Conference Center, Oguta, or simply as Wonder Lake Resort, Nigeria (The Resort). An $80 Billion Tourism and Edutainment Investment Facility in Oguta, Imo State Nigeria. Present day Oguta settled during the 18TH Century as a nomadic tribe of Beni Stock who lived with the Obeagwa ,Amaozua and Obuta people. They were basically farmers but also engaged in the lucrative palm oil trade and eventually attracted the Royal Niger Company (RNC) in the area. Ogutas was the venue of fierce fighting during the Nigeria/Biafra Civil War, The Presence of one of the Ojukwu Bunkers and twisted remains of the UAC Kernel Store stand as memorials of the conflict. Oguta observes three traditional festivals: Agugu Achina, Owu Achina, Omerife festivals as well as Easter,Christmas and New Year. The societies are based on age group having its own dances and masquerades. Tradition says that “Mammy water” Exists in the Oguta Lake and most of the populace believes in the existence and effectiveness of such spirit. There are two cult shrines owned by t he Oguta People. One of the standing traditions of Oguta people is that old women of the town, over sixty years may ferry people across the Lake. Oguta is made up of Oguta 1, the traditional centre of the town, situated at the East Bank of the lake. Oguta II, on the South Bank of the lake, Housing the UAC, SCOA and other European Trading firms as well as Aro Quarters, Kalabari beach etc. Oguta III is on the North bank Of the Lake and is separated from Oguta1 by the Okposha Inlet. Oguta III offers a pleasing view of Oguta Blue Lake, as it is called or Ogbuide is the second largest fresh water in Nigeria, no brine, no smarting in the eyes and no harmful creatures. It is surrounded with ever –green environs of the poetic beauty. It is the Premiere Tourist Attraction of the state. In 1973, permission was granted by the East Central to Messer’s Ibru and Vaughan-Richard, Architect and planners for the Oguta Lake Resort Project of the entire Area was made conscious of its involvement with the Resort Industry. To ensure a smooth flow of development, The Oguta project was programmed for seven phases, only two of the phases were realized and they gave birth to: a.The ultra modern Oguta lake motel Limited. b.18 holes international golf course reputed as one of the most challenging golf courses in West Africa. Oguta motel originally had 62 Chalets which could easily converted to31 suites and was the venue for both National and international conferences, Meetings and Workshops .The golf course had in the past hosted many golf tournaments and if properly maintained and adequate facilities provided, would attract both national and international Golf tournaments. |