His Royal Highness (HRH) Apa Peter Osigbemeh, Onwueweko of Okpekpe kingdom yesterday called on investors to take advantage of the thriving 10 kilometres road race in the community to invest in guesthouse accommodations and tourism in the clan.
Since the maiden edition of the Okpekpe 10 kilometres Road Race brought the community into the limelight in 2013, it has not ceased being in the news.
Stories about the community have become legendary that tourists from far and near come there for site seeing . Some come on a mission to confirm whether Okpekpe is a myth or a living legendary home to people.
But in a telephone conversation with our correspondent, Osigbemeh noted although all investors have the opportunity to invest in hotel accommodations in Okpekpe, the pioneer investors will make a fortune from the retinue of visitors.
His words: “I am very grateful to the Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Mr. Mike Itemuagbor, who have lifted Okpekpe to prominence with the this annual road race.
“However, from the previous tournaments, it is obvious that travelers that come during and after the event would have loved to spend longer time in my kingdom leave in a hurry due to lack of hotel accommodations. I want to assure investors that if they invest in hotel accommodations and tourism in Okpekpe they will make appreciable profit from the risk.”
In a text message to our correspondent yesterday, the monarch said: “Expectedly it is boosting tourism in the community. Okpekpe 10 kilometres race is yet to give my community the much awaited commercial advantage owing to the absence of hotels in Okpekpe. By and large, Okpekpe 10 kilometres race has enriched hoteliers in Auchi and its environs.”
Osigbemeh also said that since the institution of the road race, it has been attracting national and international competitors.
According to him, it has place the kingdom on the international map.
Continuing, the monarch said that “Okpekpe 10km race has also exposed the community hitherto unheard of to tremendous publicity.”