When Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa, retired justice of the Supreme Court, was asked sometime ago why he chose to relocate to the village after being exposed to sophisticated cities, he replied rhetorically, “Do you call this a village? I don’t think so. Life is most serene and peaceful here.”
The people around him then laughed over it. Yet a visit to Oguta, hometown of the chairman of the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission (Oputa Panel), is worth the time and stress.
Just about 45 minutes drive from Owerri, the Imo State capital, and 27km on the ever-busy Owerri-Onitsha Expressway from Mgbidi junction, one gets far into the heart of Oguta.
The town is full of history, prominence and nature. The first impression that strikes first-time visitors is the sprawling mansions along the major roads that tell of the wealth in the land.
But beyond the beautiful mansions, ‘Ogbuide’, the Oguta Wonder Lake, is a reason to visit. Spanning over 18km of shoreline, the lake is the second largest fresh water lake in the country after Lake Chad.
Void of brine, smarting in the eyes and harmful creatures, the lake caresses visitors’ eyes with its pleasing view, while its evergreen surroundings ooze out fresh breeze that continuously purifies the atmosphere within. There is some sort of Lokoja-effect to explore at the lake. A boat cruise to the natural confluence of Oguta Lake and Urashi River offers a mini River Niger/River Benue experience at the lake. The locals and commercial boat services are always on hand to offer you a ride to the confluence point. But when you get to the link point, the lake still maintains its distinct nature and colouration.
No doubt, the huge size, distinct nature, the serenity of the environment and the tropics within stand the lake out as the premier tourist attraction in Imo State.
However, the lake is more alive with visitors during weekends when a whole lot of people from Owerri and Onitsha come around for outing. From swimming, cruise boat ride, fishing to many other water sport activities, visitors always find fun to indulge and enjoy.
Sadly, the 3-star Oguta Lake Motel established in 1977 by the Imo State government and the 18-golf holes that would have long explored the tourism potential of the town are still not working. The worse is that past governors of the state have all paid lip service to the resuscitation of the lake complex that would have been yielding enormous revenue from tourists. “It has been promises without action,” Okemiri Ugboma, an indigene, said, while doubting the sincerity of the present administration to deliver on the Film Village and hospitality facilities it promised the town.
Besides the lake itself, history left relics that visitors also throng to behold. In the 1900s the town was a commercial centre and home to the Royal Niger Company, G.B. Ollivant, SCOA Group, John Holt, the Miller Brothers, among others. Then the lake was a port for the evacuation of palm produce.
Though the commercial success now belongs to history, the relics of the jetties used by some of the colonial companies still exist today.But one part of history that is alive at the lake is a bunker with a tunnel that runs under the lake connecting both banks of the lake. It was built during the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War of 1967-1970 by the Biafran Navy who used the lake as a marine base.Despite dividing the town into two along the natural boundary of the water, the lake actually defines the essence of the people as many pay respects to it. It is quite peculiar in nature. It is still the source of livelihood, transportation and fun for many residents of the town.
But before you leave Oguta, there is still one breathtaking sight to see. It is the very imposing iconic mansion or rather empire of Arthur Nzeribe, located atop a hilly landscape and far away from the prying eyes in the layout. It reminds one of the heydays of the maverick politician who is hardly heard of these days.
Why not keep a date with the town and its attractions? You will definitely see Oguta from a bird’s eye view.
Article accredited to: businessday
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