SPECIAL REPORT: HOW ROTARIANS MADE HISTORICAL LANDMARK DURING AN UNFORGETTABLE TRIP TO OGUTA LAKE [UPDATED]

RI President Representative, Dr. Rekha Shetty (L), DG Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, Governor Rotary International, District  9140 (Centre) and Jai Rheka, Spouse to Dr Shetty.

The annual district conference of the Rotary International District 9140 opened in Owerri with representatives of the 11 states of South south and south east, as well as the representative of President, Rotary Worldwide, Dr. Rekha Shetty in attendance.

The conference started with a trip to the historical Oguta lake in Oguta Imo state. 

At about 2.30pm, members boarded the cruise which took those on board on a tour around Oguta lake.

The cruise started with the breaking of kolanuts as the hostesses shared drinks, while the Otu-Adimure age grade and the Aku bu Ikenga age grade both of Oguta, Imo state provided traditional dance and music from smaller boats to the delight of members.

Speaking about the rich history of the river to KARIFEST, Agbasoga Nnamdi A.K.A. Mazi Onuigbo said the Oguta lake was prominent for its fresh fish which was one of the delicacies served on the cruise, he said "during the early 1970s and 1980s, Oguta was filled with white men, but not anymore, there is no development from government."

Oguta Lake

He complained about the infrastructural decay in the area, pointing facilities like Osemoto Waterways, Calabari beach, and Oguta lake golf course which were all decaying as a result of abandonment from the government.

The tourists enjoyed the beautiful scenery, as well as seeing the Ogbuile shrine designed in red, white and black cloths which brought chills to the spine of members.

The group also witnessed where Ogbuide River and the Urashi river meet but do not mix, with Agbasoga claiming both rivers do not touch.

Looking at the Urashi river, it looked brownish, flowing towards the river Niger, while the Ogbuide river was greenish, flowing towards Port Harcourt.

Dr. Mike Omotosho, Governor Rotary International, District 9125.

The DG, Rotary International district 9125, Chief Dr. Mike Omotosho, who was impressed by the huge potential of the lake said, "I believe this is huge opportunity for Nigeria, as you can see there is a golf resort somewhere around there, if only the government can take this place more serious, put a hotel around the place and this place will start getting visitors from even the international community. I enjoyed the cruise very well."

Meanwhile, the DG Owerri zone Mrs. Ijeoma Pearl Okoro commended the organizers of a trip she termed "wonderful, beautiful, exquisite, in fact world class". She opined that the government had a role to play.

Shetty and DG,  Ijeoma Okoro

Asked if the government can do more to better the Oguta experience, she said "of course, the government needs to do plenty to improve this place, we have it here in Nigeria, why not develop it so that others can start coming here".

See more pictures below:

Definitely, the cruise will go down as one of the most adventurous outing in the history of Rotary International District 9140.

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