Sadly, my city, Aba, cannot boast of beautiful natural scenery where people can enjoy nature and recreation, just as we have in some other cities in my country. Funny or unbelievable as it may seem, there's not a single public or private amusement or garden park, beaches, wild park etc., whether small or simple.
For the record, Aba is a commercial city, a hub for business activities, hence, the business men and investors focus more on building and constructing business premises such as offices, shops, warehouses, shopping malls, and entertainment venues like lounges, clubs and drinking parlors.
However, these spaces, including fast food areas, offer little to no opportunities for relaxation, nor do they provide the natural fulfillment that people often seek.
The city's focus on commerce and industry has resulted in a lack of green spaces and natural scenery, leaving residents with few options for relaxation beyond these commercial establishments.
The closest to a natural space are Tiger Bar located along Aba Owerri Road, La Femme Village Gate, at New Umuahia Road, and CS Park, at Market Road. But unfortunately, these areas are primarily drinking joints, and cannot quite offer the same experience as a natural setting. There's also Graceland Park, located at Park Road by Georges' Street, but the target market is mainly children, since it's an amusement and fun arena specially designed for kids.
This lack of natural attractions in my city have often left me wondering why the government and /or private investors haven't explored developing areas like these. Could their hesitation stem from concerns about viability or potential returns on investment? Or maybe a lack of vision for what such spaces could bring to the community.
But these shouldn't be a thing of concern considering that Aba residents love to the good things of life. They like to enjoy and have fun, and wouldn't look back while spending on such, hehehe.
Aba man really knows how to chop (spend) money. 😅
It might interest you to know that some residents often travel to neighboring cities like the Ibom Tropicana Resort and Ibeno Beach in Eket, all in Akwa Ibom State including Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River State, Port Harcourt Pleasure Park in Rivers State, which offer these amenities. Some even travel across the shores of this country seeking these amenities.
Already, Aba, Enyimba city is blessed with a natural gem - the Aba Waterside River, an offshoot of the Imo, located at the heart of Ogbor Hill, with a bridge built over it. Aba River is a captivating site that features a gradual flow of water where people visit for various activities. Canoes often ferry people across to the other side - People's Road to Ehi Road and the other side of River layout. I've enjoyed one these ferries while in high school and it was a memorable experience. A drive or walk through the Waterside bridge would leave you captivated by the beauty of this untapped gem.
There's a lot of potentials for developing the Aba Waterside River. All that is required is creativity and investment, and this natural wonder could be transformed into a thriving tourist destination. Now, imagine a beautifully landscaped waterfront, complete with amenities and recreational activities, where residents and visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery. This would definitely be a game changer for the city's image.
Therefore, by leveraging on the existing natural assets and investing in the development of areas such as Aba Waterside River, Aba city could become a more attractive and desirable place to live, work, and visit. More so, it would significantly reduce the financial outflow to other cities, which would in turn help improve the economy of the city.
I hope to see this happen in the nearest future.
Author's Photos
