Mount of delta,a tourist centre to be hold.

Mount of delta is a tourist centre for relaxation called Idumuje Ugboko which sits on top of the highest peak in Delta State,which is about 1000 feet above sea level with a fantastic view of its environs.Its climate and relaxing ambiance make it one of the prime locations for a tourist haven.Add Ned Nwoko’s villa aptly named “Mount of Delta” and you have the perfect spot for relaxation,hospitality,cultural renaissance and a mini wildlife safari.Little wonder it ranks high amongst the 21 accredited tourism destination in the state.Visiting “Mount of Delta”,one will feel delightful. Idumuje Ugboko which is a 20-minute drive away to pick the Director General of NTDC.A well enchanting and sprawling edifice.Built into a ranch which is set in the undulating plains of Idumuje Ugboko,it reveals an assortment of well-manicured trees and well- tended lawns.The ranch cajoles a sense of serenity from visitors. That feeling will be reinforced with the sight of a huge mansion built in a mix of traditional African,Western and Eastern architectural style.

It offers red earth walls,intricate Eastern decorations and open-plan courtyards, the likes which were the setting of many bedtime stories in days gone by,in Anioma land.The driveway boasts of a lush landscape,the size of a golf field which is incidentally a golf course.But the vast size of this landscape was the least of its endowments.It has a100 feet Tower, the tropical jungle,the Orchard,a tunnel,a shooting range and zoo respectively,all on hectares of land that make up “Mount Delta”.It also has modern amenities such as swimming pool,tennis court and a soccer pitch.There are about 36 tastefully furnished rooms with state of the art decorations,artefacts,artworks,and pictures of African Western and Eastern origin;but with a typical African palace setting.The manager is a British-born lady with years of experience in hospitality business.That day,all the 36 rooms were fully occupied.Attention to the smallest details in all aspects of art work and artefacts adorning different areas of the house was very obvious.From the floor to the ceilings,the Arab/Oriental inspired art is evident.

This Arab/Oriental art and accessories were to a large extent inspired by Prince Ned Nwoko (owner) former Moroccan wife says the art  work was done by artisans from Morocco and it took nine years to complete.Arabic tiles and rugs with beautiful sculptures of African pots of various sizes were placed in very strategic locations in the sitting rooms,walkways,staircases and rooms. More so,gold plated 16 century tunic boxes,standing gold coated standing globe of western origin and gold plated side tables,tea tray and cups,native guitars all of eastern origin royally placed around the floors.While the wall is gloriously adorned with artworks and artefacts of western,eastern and African origin,assorted paintings,ancient pistols, dagger,swords and other unique aesthetics of arts. Even a gold-plated Koran stylishly placed on a table added more panache to the decor.Exotic,classy and regal are the words to describe the interior decorations in the villa.Innovatively displayed in the bedrooms,sitting rooms and dining rooms
History has it that the ancient people of Idumuje ugboko migrated from the ancient Benin Kingdom of Edo State, travelled through time till they settled at their present day location in Delta State. Historically,the ancient people of Idumuje Ugboko were skilled farmers,weavers, hunters and blacksmiths. Little wonder,  art work here is professionally and intricately done.The tour took through all the interesting features in the ranch.It started with the tunnel went on to the zoo, stopped briefly at the tower under construction and the golf course.

The Tunnel
It has an Egyptian pyramid-like structure on the surface. But a fair ground amusement passage constructed underground;a passage that leads to rooms where tourists are thrilled to good music,stocked bar and relaxation rooms. The tunnel is about 14ft deep and quite spacious.Time out in the tunnel is truly a life time experience.

The Tower…
The tower is the highest point in Delta State.It is a 100ft structure built on a 1000ft location,which makes it a 1100ft high. At a glance,you might think it’s a kind of security post but it’s not.It was being refurbished whilst we were there but we found out that it was actually residential,consisting of five floors of studio flats deliberately finished as part of the castle structure for tourists who can see as far as Ubiaja,Ewohimi,Iseluku and Umunede. From the tower,you can see as far as 35 miles because this is the highest building in Delta State.The last floor is a unique sit out, with a well-stocked bar and music.

The Zoo…
The zoo is managed by a professional zoologist and veterinary doctors.The centre houses assorted monkeys,guinea pigs,antelopes,Billy goat,tortoises, baboon,cheetah,crocodiles,snakes, porcupines,emus and exotic birds such as cranes,flamingoes,ostriches, peacocks,eagles,hawks,geese,pigeons and foreign ducks.

The Fountain…
This is a spectacular water fountain, uniquely different from any fountain in the world.Engineering speaking,it took a long time to construct due to the challenging design and form.This unique ornamental feature adorns a strategic location in the mansion;consist of a jet of water that is forced up in various directions into the air forming a harmonious sequence. You can see the different water nozzles, pipes and colorful lights that give a unique water splash better experienced at night.

The Orchard…
An organized large collection of tropical fruit trees spread in a vast golf course welcomes you to the estate.The orchard is made up of assorted mangoes, oranges,banana,tangerine,coconut trees, guava trees, grape trees,cashew trees, kola nut trees,Avocado trees,lime trees, lemon trees,pawpaw trees and numerous native African plants such as Ogbono tree, Ichiku tree, Arigba tree etc.

Valleys and Streams…
The geographical location of Idumuje Ugboko makes it a natural home of unique valleys that are covered with rich green vegetation.They are too beautiful to behold,especially with the clean stream running in between.The valley of Idumuje is a good setting for expedition.Idumuje is renowned for her seven streams that flow constantly through time.These streams are usually very clean,which was the main attraction that made the missionaries to settle in Idumuje.All the streams have their source from the village except one that has its source from a nearby village.The streams are flanked on both sides by beautiful vegetation,rocks and two by hills. Idumuje’s seven streams are a delight to behold.Nwoko,a tourism enthusiast is an ardent promoter of domestic tourism and he puts his money where his mouth is. “We have a lot of artefacts to showcase, but what we are doing right now is to preserve them,because we know that one day Ugboko will become a tourism heaven.Currently Ghana,Mali and Senegal are enjoying that.All we need in Nigeria is to put things in place,take care of issues of security,transportation,good medical system and the government has to play a great part in this.The government must promote and encourage tourism.We do have many opportunities as a country. However,it must be an integrated programme by the government whereby tourist attraction is integrated.Tourism is good earner of income; it’s the biggest fiscal earner for Britain,US,France.It’s more than oil or the sale of arms.Its tourism when you go to such places like London,they have hotels,shops,on every street for tourists.When people come to Ugboko for instance,the likelihood is that they would want to buy things made locally.This would encourage the local people to go into productions and it would also create jobs and income.This is what Nigeria must do not just for Idumuje Ugboko; we cannot achieve this in isolation.“I have tried to do something unique that will add to the historical importance of this village;something that will be a source of attraction,delight and pleasure within the interior and exterior of the villa,"ned nwoko said.With facilities like this run by the private sector,Nigeria’s vision of becoming a tourist haven is on the way.

By Omolola Itayemi.