AN ASSESSMENT OF TOURISM RESOURCES IN AJAOKUTA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE

                                                                       CHAPTER ONE

                                                             1.0. INTRODUCTION

 
1.1. BACKGROUND OF STUDY

The development of tourism in Nigeria has been very slow due to little importance attached to its growth by Federal government since independent little attention has been placed on tourism without considering the benefit the government is going to derive from it.

Nigeria is abundantly blessed with a lot of tourism resources varying from sunshine to a wide range flora (plant) and Fauna (Animal) and they diverse much racial cultural which offer the visitors the daylight of a holidays.

Most attraction unfolds as one discovers the beauty of under field land mark and wildlife parks inhabited by both friendly and wild animals and birds cheering the ivory of tropical sunshine even long side meandering rivers and lakes.

The development of tourism industry in Nigeria has been depressingly slow. It has many years for tourism to make any impact. It mainly the effort of private sectors in the travel trade with normal was support from government. Then 1977, the Federal government commissioned African Development Bank (ADB) to conduct a survey to determine if Nigeria had tourism potentials for development? The answer was not encouraging but the report concluded that one of the inability factors to tourism development in Nigeria was lack of effective tourism administration.

Hence, if tourism resources has been developed to the tourists needs it will encourage the socio-economic and improvement of the infrastructural facilities to the destination and also reduces the rate of unemployment to the host community and increases in multiplier effect in the local government (Ajaokuta).
1.2. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Tourism has been neglected for a long time despite the fact that Kogi State is blessed with natural features of recently and ancient traditions. Little attention has been paid to the tourism development in Kogi State.

The response of the state Government towards tourism development and promotion is not encouraging. Hence it affect the local government area like Ajaokuta Local Government Area.

The absence of tourism official to manage the affair of tourism in the local government (Ajaokuta). Because their not educated and kow what tourism is all about and they are not aware whether there are tourism potentials or not.

Infact few authors have attempted to write articles on the subject matters mostly in Kogi State journals but with not serious approach. This work focus on the assessment of tourism potentials in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State. It also tries to find out problems associated with the development of tourism in the local government (Ajaokuta.)
1.3. AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The study aim at taking stock of tourism resources in Ajaokuta Local Government Area and suggesting ways of development. Therefore, the following are the aim and objectives of the study:

i. To study the involvement of government and individual in tourism development in the local government area.

ii. To pointout the opportunity within the tourism industry as sources of socio-economic and transformation in Ajaokuta Local Government Area.

iii. To identify the problems associated for the development of tourism in Ajaokuta Local Government Area.

iv. To proffer solution to the development of tourism resources in the local government area.

v. Identification of some tourism potentials (attraction) and their impact towards the growth of the local government (Ajaokuta).
1.4. RESEARCH QUESTION

To every research work their silent issues that tend to bother the mind of the researcher(s) the silent issues are transmitted into questions which s the wrath outcome of the study, tend to find the answer to. In this regard, the following stand as research question to this study:

A) Does Ajaokuta local government have the enabling resources for the development of tourism?

B) What is the state of tourism potentials and infrastructure at present

C) What will be the socio-economic gains of tourism development to Ajaokuta local government area to develop such potentials.

D) Is the local government area (Ajaokuta) involve in tourism development?
1.5. SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study is limited to the assessment of tourism resources in Kogi State, with particular study in Ajaokuta local government area of Kogi state.

The research also cover the general problem facing the tourism resources, relevance and prospect and appropriate recommendation as policy option proffered.
1.6. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

In carrying out this research project the following limitation were considered:

(a) TIME CONSTRAINT: The research was limited by time due to few period available for the research and academic commitment

(b) IN-ADEQUATE INFORMATION: Books, journals, brochure and newspaper for this research work are not easily assessable.

(c) ILLITERACY: This is the most limitation that the researcher encountered in the course of this research project. Some core villagers who know more about the tourist attraction in their localities (environ) are biased in their responses due to their low levels of education and their novice ideas towards tourism.

(d) TRADITIONAL BELIEVES: This factor also limit the researcher from carrying out his research effectively. This is because the researchers are deprived of visiting some potential tourist attraction by the villagers who believe that the gods will be angry of stranger penetrate into the scene of the attraction area. A good example of such is Umago Spring Water at Eganyi.
1.7. SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

The essence of the study is to give the reader, the government and most especially the ministry of culture and tourism/Kogi state tourism board, most especially the Nigeria Tourism Development Co-operation (NTDC) the private investors in the field of tourism have the clear insight on the availability of tourism potentials in the local government area Ajaokuta.

Tourism has an importance significance on the economy, social and physical environment of the host destination. It also bring about contact between people of different areas, Nationalities and culture. All these taken place between people who travel (tourist) to this, there is demand for existing attraction which of course pave a way for employment of different categories of labour both skilled, semi-skilled and un-skilled.

It is the researchers candid opinion that this thesis will serve as a necessary guidelines for the government and those in the tourism trade at the management development.
1.8. DEFINITION OF TERMS

The researcher intend to define some of the words used in this project, so that the reader would have to know the meaning of these word to guide him through this project work.

Tourism : According to Banmali 1988 defined as the temporary short term movement of people from their normal place of domicile and work to destination attraction covering time not less than twenty four (24) hour and more than one calendar year.

Tourist: Is a person who travels for a period of twenty

four hour in a country or outside the country or other than His resident and spend not more than one calendar year.

Tourist Macerate: A network of dealing between buyer and

seller of tourist product i.e. between tourist and provider of tourist facilities and services.

Tourist product: Is what tourist buy at the destination or

amalgamation of attraction amenities and accessibly.

Tourist Industry: Is the sum of total of provider of tourist

facilities and services the part of economy which has a common function is supplying tourist need. Firms and establishment deriving income from tourist.

Leisure: Is a free time or spare time that is when one is

free from work not occupied.

Souvenir: object of events which served to renewed one of

a visit made of an events that take place.

Tourist facilities: Element in tourist product which does not

generate tourist flow but their absence may defer tourist from a destination.

Leakage: It’s the means by which a country pay for

imported goods and service.

Multiplier effect: The number of time in which money that

originate with tourist is spent within the economy of a tourist destination area.

Historical attraction: Place with remains of past civilization

Scenic: Place with natural feature the sensitized

people.

NTDC: Nigeria Tourism Development Co-operation.

Museum: Building in which object illustrating arts

history culture are exhibited.

STB: State Tourism Board.

LGTC: Local Government Tourism Committee.

CHAPTER TWO.
2.0. LITERATURE REVIEW

In this chapter the various literatures relating to the concept of tourism potential will be reviewed. The aim of the reviewed is to make a survey of the evidence already available in various forms, which will lead to a general idea about the topic under study.

WHY DEVELOP TOURISM IN NIGERIA?

Nigeria is generally but steadily moving in to the mainstream of the worldwide race to develop tourism as a result, the tourism industry is being integrated into the national development plan; its worth mentioning that tourism as a “strategy” in the plan would be used as a means of improving the economy, beatifying the environment as well as raising the social life of the people.

Undoubtedly, the modern day society is pledged with social, economical and political stress and the only alternative the world is left with in terms of continuous resources, is tourism this embedded in the fact that tourism is an imperishable product as it will exist for as long as man lives in Nigeria, the awareness of tourism was first brought lime light in 1963 when official tourism organization know as the Nigeria tourism association (NTA). The NTA later placed way for the Nigeria Tourism Board (NTB) courtesy of decree No. 54 of 1976. the NTB later paved way for the Nigeria Tourism Development Co-operation (NTDC) courtesy of decree No 81 section 4 of 1992 constitution.

It is a general consensus of opinion that the great tourism potential abound all over Nigeria critics also agree but say that, there is set to be serious involvement by government in improving serious objectives and realistic policy in the area of resourcing tourism potentials, evolving good plan providing adequate funding.

According to statistic from the World Tourism Organization (WTO) Morocco derived over N234m in foreign currency from tourism in 1977. The tourism industry in Nigeria exchanged during the period reviewed in (1977) this, however was due largely to the nation hosting of the festival of arts and culture (FESTAC).

Critical looking into the problem attended to the subject of collecting data or statistic on tourism the world over the figure quoted above could be seen as very conservative, as the strength at tourist in any Nations economy, social and cultural life should not be ignored. An adequate significant point to be raised in the interest of tourism administration is the impact of domestic tourism traffic in the total tourist movement.

While foreign exchange remain a major motivation for countries involvement in tourism, there should be a new approach in determining the need for tourism development apart from the foreign exchange value in an articles published guardian issues of 4th October 1984 authored by Matts Da’Silva, it was claimed that tourism if well pursue will help revitalize the economy, generate cultural preservation and national identity.

Nigeria however, should utilized her national asset for economics, social, cultural, education and political development of mankind, with the above statement by Mr. Da’ Silva has there is no gain saying that we have natural resources in abundance to furnish a thriving tourism industry but there is a lot of ground work of planning and development of tourism potentials public enlighten campaign in the form of marketing and promotion training of personnel. This writer sincerely believe that nothing less than to percentage of tourist in Nigeria can be attracted to visit Kogi State of only the necessary promotional mix are employed to create enough awareness of the existing potentials in Kogi State. With this in ward looking economy that the Nigeria government is committed to presently, the researcher feels that developing the tourism industry, is the best diversity an economic hitherto to solely dependent on the oil industry. As a matter of fact the bedrock of a industry of a successful tourist industry is the provision of good roads and sufficient hotel accommodation throughout the length and the breath of Nigeria in general and Kogi State in particular is very importance if tourist trade is to thrive well, but this is not enough. Meaning the hotel with courteous human being who posses good working spirit, eagerness to help, being prepared to mix with visitor in a friendly manner would make the whole thing to be perfect.

Oridota (1984): Need for a master plan on tourism must be instrumental to ensuring that adequate inputs are called from established practitioners of tourism business, in the country sharing the thought of Mr. Ondota it is very important if an objectives nationally throughout the place of tourism development is to emege expects in the field of Tourism all over the country should be brought together to get something worth while done for the benefit of tourism growth in Nigeria.

Banmah (1988), Developing over tourism industry published by the “Nigeria observer” if success is to be achieved by the development of tourism for international consumption effort should be directed to wards enhancing auxiliary infrastructure and other services that form part of or make tourism worthwhile. To this end, easily accessible resort centers should be given the need attention, Banmah (1988) general beautification of open spaces for improvement or renovation of historical sites, improved management of forest reserves and grading of hotels and motels for the sake of tourism potentials.
2.1. TOURISM CONCEPT

According to Banmah (1988) “Tourism as the temporary short term movement of people from their normal place of domicile and work to a destination, attraction covering a time not less than twenty four hour (24 hour) and not more than one calendar year, whoever involve in tourism (Tourist) must travel to know and unknown places of interest, this could be natural feature, movement or event and we does not engaged in money earning activities.

Burkart and Medlik (1988) defined tourism “as the sum of phenomena and relationship arising from the travel and stay of non resident in so far. As they do not lead to permanent resident and are not connected with money earning activity, the movement calls for the creation of facilities and amenities to satisfy their needs and desires”

Importance of the definition can be seen in the following perspectives.

i) That whoever embark on tourism must not stay less than twenty four hour at the destination and he or she must look for any form of accommodation and enough money they will spend (Bukart and Medlik 1988).

ii) He or she must have use some form of transportation to reached the destination (Burkat and A.J. 1988)

iii) There must be a standard attraction that attract him or her to the destination, the attraction could be sight seeing, (Bukart and Medlik, 1988)

iv) That the journey to and stay take place outside one’s normal place of residence and work (Burkat and Medlik 1988). That the money spend during such travel and stay is derive from home (place of origin) and not earned in the destination (Burkat and Medlik, 1988).

The following are the component of tourism:

i. Accommodation

ii. Transportation

iii. Attraction.

A. ACCOMMODATION: Provision of accommodation can not be over emphasis lodging, feeding and other services are so basic that tourist enjoy why away from home. Hotels or motels, guest house holiday camp as well as restaurant are all needed by the tourist. Some the hotel that provide tourist with sleeping accommodation, food and other services include Sharaton Hotel, Confluence beach hotel etc. Burkat, 1988.

B. TRANSPORTATION: According to Medlik 1988 defined transportation as the act that involve the movement of people goods and services and idea, or concept from one place to another using various mode or means. Transportation has been at one growth of tourism.

C. ATTRACTION: An attraction is a motivation factor, that make people (tourist) to move from their normal domicile to a place of interest. (Jonet Rodger 2000 – 2001).



TYPES OF TOURISM RESOURCES:

There are basically two type of tourism resources. These are; -

1. Natural resources

2. Manmade or artificial resources.

A. Natural resources: These are mainly, geographical features which include natural landscape (mountain and Valley), vegetation, oceans and beaches, rivers site climate and change in climate condition of all the above.

According to Kolawole (2010) “all these natural resources are useful for tourism development”.

B. Manmade or artificial resources: “These are artificial or man made tourism resources. They have their own peculiarities and they differ from natural resources. Okpoko et al., (2002) gave the following man made resources characteristic.

i. They are created by man.

ii. They are usually located in cities for site seeing by tourist.

iii. Visiting them does not usually depend on climate conditions.

iv. They are so susceptible to destruction

v. They educative or character as the information about their location. He further divide the manmade resources into:

a. Architectural and ethnographical sites.

b. Historical and archeological sites

c. Sport

d. Religion and cult.
2.2. NIGERIA TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CO-OPERATION (NTDC)

Via degree No. 11 of December 1992.

Brief history and legal back of the creation and function of NTDC the historical background of Nigeria tourism development co-operation (NTDC) could be traced back to the era of general Yakubu Gowon the head of state when he was commissioned the African Development Bank (ADB) in 1976 to conduct a survey to determined whether nigeria has adequate and attractive tourism marker and potential for development. The ADB report was positive hence, a provide the content for promulgation of degree 54 of 1976 could establish the Nigeria Tourism Board (NTB) as well as state tourism committee in the 19 state of the federation by General Olusegun Obasanjo in August 1976.

Due to the lack luster performances of the Nigeria tourist Board, a new tourism policy was initiated by the government of general Ibrahim Babaginda in policy of 1990 led to the promulgation of degree No. 18 of December 1992 which established the Nigeria tourism development co-operation (NTDC).

Section 7 subsection 1 of the degree established for each state in the federation of a state tourism board while section (10) ten subsection 1 of same law established for each local government of a state, a committee to be known as the local government tourism committee.

Other major highlight of the degree include section 4 sub-section 1 of the law stated the function of the co-operation which include:

1) To encourage people living in Nigeria to take their holidays there in and people from abroad to visit Nigeria.

2) To encourage the provision and improvement of tourism amenities and facilities in Nigeria including the development of hotels and auxiliary facilities.

3) To register classify and gradual hospitality and tourism enterprises, travel agencies and tour operator in such manner as may be prescribe.

4) To promote and undertake research in the field of tourism.

5) To render technical advice to the state and local government in the field tourism.

6) To assist in the development of museums and historical site, parks, game reserves, natural beauty, sport, holiday resort, souvenir industries.

7) To publicizes tourism (sources Kolawole G.T 2001).
2.3. GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION OF AJAOKUTA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA CLIMATE AND VEGETATION.

Ajaokuta local government is bounded to the North East by Lokoja Local Government Area, Bassa Local Government to the North West, Ofu dLocal Government to the East and South West by Okene and Adavi Local Government Areas respectively.





CLIMATE

Ajaokuta Local government local area is located in the tropical zone, influenced by two climate condition namely: rain and dry seasons. The raining season starts from April to October, while the dry season start from November to April the dominant.

VEGETATION

The vegetation of Ajaokuta Local Government Area by viture of lying on the fryers of the equator, is interspaced with erect and numerous trucks of trees.
2.4. IDENTIFYING TOURISM RESOURCES IN AJAOKUTA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

Ajaokuta is blessed with both natural and manmade/cultural tourism resources.

In Ajaokuta local government we have below tourism resources:

i. The Juju rock

ii. Okuta Iyabe (rock) festival

iii. Natural bridge at Adogu station

iv. The Umago spring water

v. The Mangu hill.

vi. Orisoko stone.
2.5. SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFIT OF TOURISM

The socio-economic benefit of tourism to the destination according to Cook et al; (2006: 337). The most importance socio-economic benefit of tourism to a destination is multiplier effects.

(1) The multiplier effect occur from three levels of impact created by tourism purchase. The effects are called DIRECT, INDIRECT and INDUCED EFFECTS. Together they create the total multiplier impact in the area.

a. Direct of effects, also called first around effects come directly from tourist spending, such as the increase in the number of employees and the amount of wages paid to restaurant employees due to tourist eating or drinking at the restaurant.

b. Indirect effects, also called secondary effect are created from the increase in purchase by tourism suppliers to serve tourism needs, such as the increase in food and beverage purchased from suppliers by a restaurant. Suppliers in turn will need to increase their purchases and so on. These “ripple effects” are all indirect effects from tourism expenditures.

c. Induced effects are other increases in economic activity employment, taxes, etc. generated within the area economy at large due to the existences of tourism. For example the community will see higher expenditure on health care because of the increased numbers of residents drawl to the area for employment in the tourism industry.

(2) Tourism provides stability in an economy. Although recessions effects virtually industries, tourism historically has seen relatively minor declines in revenue during recessionary times. Business travel remains relatively constant during changes in economic cycles. And, even though people may cut baits on the amount the spend in travel during harder economic times, citizen of most industrial nations have came to view vacating as a necessity of life.

(3) Tourism provides economic diversity. A stable economy is one the provides jobs and revenues from a variety of industries. Tourism can be added as another economic, engine to the industry mix. Obviously the addition of any industry to a community will increase, the employment opportunities of that community, however, unlike many other industries, tourism provides a wide variety of job possibilities such as:

(a) Entry level employment for relatively unstapled and semi-skilled workers.

(b) Positions for highly skilled craftspersons. Such as chefs and artist.

(c) Many professional level career opportunities for well educated decision mothers.

(d) It provides economic incentive to improve infrastructure that can be enjoy by resident as well as tourists.

(e) Tourism offers/provides plenty of changes for creative, motivated individual to start their own businesses.

(f) Tourism enhance interaction with local environment or resident in a culturally appropriate manner.
2.6. IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM TO A DESTINATION

Tourism as a widest industry in the world provides the following important to a destination:

1) Job Creation; Tourism create employments for the local who work as handcraft produces souvenir sellers and entertainers. Other from of employment for locals include work in the accommodation sector restaurant for local dishes and the multiplier effect of tourism within the community.

2) Promotion of cultural exchange: the host community and the tourist both benefits through cultural exchange mature respect of cultural and understanding with enabling ground for harmony and peace among people in multicultural societies.

3) Economic growth tourism stimulated economic development of host communities in the form of trade and exchange arts and craft souvenir stop etc.

4) Development of rural areas: Most of the tourism resources are located in the rural area, hence the development of cultural tourism well further enhance the provision of good road, electricity, pipe born water, communication and accommodation closer to the host community.

5) Conservation/preservation of cultural heritage: A well planned cultural tourism can bring about conservation of cultural heritage in the destination area sustainable tourism since tourism generate income is necessary that the income generates used to conserve the cultural resources to enable them to attract further tourist.

6) Encourage investment in agriculture: High demand of food will not only benefit the tourism industry but the entire economy as a agricultural export economy.
2.7. CLASSIFICATION OF TOURISM ATTRACTION

Tourist attraction’s subclasses are beach, world heritage site, museum, pier, national historical landmark, protected area, theater, provincial park, arts, entertainment or recreation venue, not – for – profit museum, historical building and famous department store.

(a) BEACH: (is an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake).

(b) MUSEUM: (a depository for collecting and displaying object having scientific or historical or artistic value).

(c) PIER (A raised walkway over water, supported by widely spread piles or pillars)

(d) NATIONAL HISTORICAL LANDMARK: (A building, district site, structure, or object that is officially recognized by the united states government for its historical significance).

(e) THEATER : (Or theatre is a building in which plays and other dramatic performances are held).

(f) WORLD HERITAGE SITE : (A site of outstanding cultural or natural importance, as defined by the world heritage committee of (UNESCO).

(g) PROTECTED AREA: (A region the has special legal conservation status within a nation).

(h) PROVINCIAL PARK: (A park under the management of province or territory in Canada).

(i) ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT OR RECREATION VENUE: (An arts, entertainment or recreation business operating at a single location that is open to the public).

(j) NOT – FOR – PROFIT MUSEUM: (a museum that is not run to make a profit).
2.8. TOURISM ATTRACTION IN KOGI STATE.

The tourist attraction in Kogi State include the colonial relics (such as lord Lugard House), the confluence of River Niger and Benue, Ogidi (African town with formation of igneous Rock mountains and a traditional art and craft industry) and natural land feature Ita-Okweta weaving, Ata Igala Palace, Inikpi Statue Idah, Kpata rock Bassa, Lord war cenotaph, Iron of liberty.
2.9. THE PROBLEMS OF TOURISM RESOURCES IN KOGI STATE

Despite these huge tourism attraction in the state with great potential for tremendous socio-economic, cultural and physical development impacts, only little efforts have made towards the development, of tourism resources in the state.

Therefore, the following are some of problem affecting the development of tourism resources in Kogi state.

i) Lack of insufficient fund

ii) Access road network

iii) Lack of publicity

iv) Problem of tourism personnel

v) Lack of private investment in tourism attraction

vi) Absence of State Tourism Board.

a) Insufficient fund: shortage of fund affect the development of identified tourism attraction in the state, both natured – based tourism attraction (scenery and wildlife) and cultural tourism attraction (festivals, historical sites, and arts and crafts). This can see inadequacy of existing infrastructure such as access roads, electricity, drinking water and accommodation for intending visitors to areas of these tourism attractions.

b) Access road network. Although, the rich in tourism resources but access to them is problem. The road leading to these tourism attractions hardly encouraged the visitors to visit. Thus, if road to this scenery and wildlife should opened, it will afford visitors the opportunity to visit the scenery and wildlife attraction. It will help to boost the image of the state and enhance business and investment.

c) Publicity: the lack of effective information system for publicizing the scenery, wildlife and cultural attraction to visitor is a problem in the state. Indeed, corrections to this socio – economic problem will enhance visitor inflow to the study area. The visitor inflow will increase the demand for goods and services and will stimulate investment, visitor demand for handicrafts will boost local craft industry and it will enable land to become productive in the location of identified attractions. Land which is only productive for agriculture may become highly valuable and capable of earning revenue for the state.

d) Lack of tourism personnel; one of the problem of developing tourism attraction in Kogi State is the in adequacy of competent and trained tourism personnel. The staff structure of the tourism department in the state ministry of commerce, industry and tourism department in the state ministry of commerce, industry and tourism reveals that there are only four (23%) competent and trained tourism personnel. The trained of tourism manpower will facilitate the development of these identified attractions in which will promote rural development. Thus, tourism attractions are usually located in the rural areas and by developing and promoting the tourism attraction; the rural areas will be also developed. This will hitherto, solve the problem of rural – urban migration of able youths to seek unavailable jobs in the urban centers.

e) Private investment in Tourism Attraction: private investors are not so willing to invest in tourism in Kogi state, therefore, lack of private the tourism attractions. Private investment in tourism attraction in Kogi State will bring about tourism expenditure which has a tourism will earn foreign exchange, if tourism attraction in the state are developed. People would be encouraged to spend their holiday in the state thereby saving the forign exchange that would have otherwise being spend by traveling abroad. On the other hand, investment in Kogi state is scenery, wildlife, festivals and arts and crafts will create employment opportunities. Therefore, it would keep thousands of people in productive employment in areas such as transportation, entertainment, travel agents, tour operators, accommodation, catering among others.

f) Lack of State Tourism Board: It was repeatedly mentions during the unstructured interviews with the tourism officers of the tourism department in the state ministry of commerce, industry and that absence of State Tourism Board is a problem impinged the development of tourism attraction in the state. The tourism officers succinctly stated that the absence of state tourism board is a misnomer. They also confirmed that without sate tourism board, planning and development of tourism attractions can not be effectively achieved.
2.10. THE FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM.

The function of local authorities/government to tourism development can not be over emphasized as specified by decree 54 of 1996 which was amended to produce policy strategies at national, State and local level.

Therefore, the following, are function of local authority/government area to tourism development, locate and identify potentials tourists in their guides, preserved and maintain monuments in jurisdiction. Apart from these, other areas at which local government area contributes to tourism development are open up to rural potential roads, this can be done through the dualization of feeder roads, creating water channels (covert) to control, erosion, monitoring the establishment of hotels ensuring security and safety of people within their localities, grading of hotel through collaborating with the state tourism boards, administration of land to tourism investors, craft production of local level (small scale business), sanitary inspection of food vendors and other catering outfit and preservation/promotion of culture.

Based, on the aforementioned functions of local authorities to tourism development, it is worthy to submit that local authorities/government area is the custodian of tourism development at the local level.





CHAPTER THREE
3.0. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1. STUDY AREA

Ajaokuta Local Government was created from Okene Local Area on 27th August 1991 and has its headquarters at Adogo. The government is in the central senatorial distinct of the state and covers a land mass of 1,088 square kilometers.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF AJAOKUTA LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The local government, Ajaokuta is situated in Kogi State of Nigeria and its geographical co-ordinates are 70o 28’’ O’’ North, 6 42 O’’ East, Ajaokuta Local government is bounded to the north East by Lokoja Local Government Area, the state headquarter, Bassa local government to the north West, Ofu Local government to the East and south west by Okene and Adavi Local Government Area respectively.



CLIMATE

Ajaokuta Local Government is located in the tropical zone, influence by two climatic condition namely. Rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season start from April to October while the dry season start from November to April. The dominant vegetation of Ajaokuta Local Government by virtue of lying in the fingers of the equators, is interspaced with erect and numerous truck of trees.

POPULATION

The 2006 projected population of the local government area is put at 97,904.

ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT AND SETTLEMENT

Ajaokuta local government area has three district namely: Ajaokuta, Eganyi and Ebiya.

Ajaokuta district has its headquarters at Ajaokuta native town, the traditional ruler in the area is called the Onu Ajaokuta and it is a thirst status. This district has four wards namely: Ajaokuta, Adogu, Ogodo, Geregu and Ukpake wards. Eganyi district has its headquarter at Adogo and has the Olu as the traditional ruler which is first class status. It has its headquarter at Adogo and has the Olu as the traditional ruler which is first class status. It has eight wards namely; Adogo, Achagana, Badoko and Ogiri wards, the rest are pates/Abodu, Uwosi/Owpho, Uchuwa/Upaja and Odonu/Ochuege wards.

Ebiya districts with its headquarters at Ebiya has the Idu as the traditional ruler and third class status. The district has two wards namely; Ebiya North and south respectively.

OCCUPATION

The major occupation of the peoples of Ajaokuta Local Government Area is the production of cash and food crops as well as fishing. The vegetation of the area further provide positive environment to the major occupation of the people, especially sahel savannah which favours trees like locus beans, palm trees, Iroko, Mahogany etc. all of which are economical viables.

INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT

The area has enjoyed the development of the town and village under several administration. The giant iron and steel company of the nation is located in Ajaokuta local government area of Kogi state.

Tested and solid financial institution are also located in the local government area, there are; Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc. Eco Bank Plc., etc. all are located in Ajaokuta township.

IDENTIFICATION OF TOURISM RESOURCES IN AJAOKUTA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE.

Ajaokuta is blessed with both Natural and Manmade/cultural resources.

In Ajaokuta Local Government their have the following tourism resources which include:

(i) The Juju Rock

(ii) Okuta Iyabe (Rock) Festival

(iii) Natural bridge at Adogu station

(iv) The Umago spring water

(v) The Mangu hill

(vi) Orisoko stone.
3.2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This is concerned with the methods and materials that will be use for the purpose of data collection in other to achieve the objective in the course of writing this seminar, the researcher will involve in a lot of research work to same parts of Ajaokuta local government area for the collection of important and accurate data or information to help in the proper execution of this their.

The method and material that will be use to approach this work during the search for information are as follow:

- Descriptive method

- Desk method
3.2.1. DESCRIPTIVE METHOD

This method will be use, which aimed at collecting data and description in a systematic manner and characteristic feature or fact about a population or event. It is going to be use in the course of this research work it also design to be applied for finding as made by the researcher which are likely to be use as part of the research to the assessment of tourism resources in Ajaokuta local government area of Kogi state.
3.3. RESEARCH DESIGN

Generally, the research design of the study reflect the nature of the subject or topic under study.

It is the plan structure and strategy of investigation which guide the collection and analysis of data in a research. Research design are guideline for investigating activities in any pieces of research.

The plan is the overall programme of the research it include an outline of research is the guideline model to be followed by investigators while the strategy include the techniques to be attained and how the problem encountered in this research will be solve.
3.4. STUDY POPULATION AND SAMPLE SIZE.

The 2006 national population census, which disputed by Ajaokuta people put the population figure of the present Ajaokuta. Ajaokuta local government are as 97, 904 using the standard and accepted population growth rate/indices of 4% per annum, the present study population of the study area by projection based on the figure is now about 250, 000 obtain from 2006 national population census as the statistical figure sample size means, the portion of the total population from which data were actually collected. Ajaokuta Local Government Area is comprises of fourteen (14) wards and eight (8) were sample from each word. A population of sixty (60) people were sample out and questionnaire will be distributed to the local government, the stakeholder in tourism, the tourism investors such as hotel owner for the purpose of this research work.
3.4.1. SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

This method is very necessary to be use because the population of the study is usually very big and for the purpose of this work, simple random sampling will be use to stud the entire population in other to avoid bias in the final result.
3.4.2. SIMPLE RANDOM SAMPLING

This sample will be use, because if will be selected in such away that every item in the population has equal chance of being included. This type of sampling is mostly, advantageous because, it is free from bias, it facilities generation, it provides move scientific and valid result etc for accuracy.
3.5. SOURCES OF DATA COLLECTION

In sourcing out for data the researcher will use both primary and secondary source of information to obtain accurate and current data by going into field, visiting communities and from relevant textbooks, journals newspapers, past project etc. to conduct the research.
3.5.1. PRIMARY SOURCES

These are first hand data observed, collected, or gathered directly from the respondents such as tourists, people living around the area or the general publics, primary data are mostly originated by the researcher and the data collected are more accurate and reliable.

Example are observation, interview, questionnaire etc which will be use for this study.
3.5.2. SECONDARY SOURCE

This refers to information’s gotten from relevant published books, journals, newspapers, textbook and past project. Acquisition of Ajaokuta population data from national population commission along with relevant map in other to extract a vivid understanding of the study area.
3.6. DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT

This technique will be employ in the collection of data in this study, combination of the instrument will be use to collect adequate data these instrument are as follows:

i) Observation

ii) Interview

iii) Questionnaire
3.6.1. OBSERVATION

This method will be apply because it is very important tool for research, it is a direct means of studying the overt (open) behaviours of people. It is an important tool of primary source of data collection which involved watching something as they happen and involved measuring of variable. It viewed as a personal own experience as evidence in writing reports as they unfold to enable the research make an information decision on the research work at the end.
3.6.2. INTERVIEW

This method will also be apply because it is a conversation carried out with the aim of obtaining certain information in this research, interviews are designed to gather valid and reliable information through the responses of the interview to a planned sequence of questionnaire.

Interviews is solely variable but differ from ordinary conversation in the sense that they seek to elicit specific answer to obtained question put across to the respondents.
3.6.3. QUESTIONNAIRE

This is perhaps the most widely used method of data collection in this research work. It is a prepared list of question by an investigator to be answered by members of a sample in order to get facts or information. In this work, the researcher printed and distributed sixty (60) questionnaire to be filled with adequate information to seek people view and opinion covering the topic under discussion, which will be use for successful compilation of the research work.

SAMPLE USE: SIMPLE PERCENTAGE ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES

Simple random sampling techniques will be use to present a given population, the essence of this, is to give every member of the population a chance of been selected so as avoid been biased.

The major advantages of this, is that it removes blast and facilities generalization.

The data gathered from the available source is to know the assessment of tourism resources will be present and analysed into tabular form, statistical and percentage with a view of making a meaningful analysis of the data obtained.

The questionnaire that will be administered will be sorted and analyzed in a tabular form so as to provide a clear interpretation and to arrived at logical conclusion.

The statiscal method to be use in analyzing the collected data is simple percentage (%) which is derived thus:

Percentage of responses = No. of respondent x 100

Total no. of questionnaire 1



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