The Delta State Government and Sarner have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a US$250 million tourism and leisure village in the Warri and Asaba axis of the state.

This Day reports managing director of Sarner Nigeria, Princess Abiodun Oyefusi said the tourist village will be a first in Africa.

The tourism village would consist of accommodation, a water park, a wildlife component and a transportation unit. Work on the project is expected to commence in November 2009 and should be finished by the end of 2011

According to Oyefusi, Nigeria's population is large enough to attract investment in tourism and recreation.

Delta State commissioner for culture and tourism, Barrister Richard Mofe Damijo said the two projects will change the face of tourism in Delta State and create many employment opportunities.

Sarner has over three decades of experience in the design and delivery of visitor attractions and leisure entertainment centres. The company has an international reputation in the heritage, leisure, entertainment and corporate markets with clients in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Sarner's headquarters is in the United Kingdom but it also has offices in Nigeria, Russia, Norway and Malaysia.