Kogi State Government has inaugurated the State Culture and Tourism Committee to promote the state’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential for economic growth and increased internally generated revenue.
The inauguration of the Committee was held at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State (SGS) in Lokoja.
Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade charged members of the Committee to develope practical proposals that would be presented to the State Executive Council for consideration.
She emphasised the need for the Committee to project Kogi State’s rich cultural identity and tourism potential, including the development of a unique indigenous fabric to be known as the “Kogi Fabric.”
“We should be proud of our identity and encourage our children to speak our native languages because that is one of the ways to preserve our rich culture and heritage,” she said.
Ayoade commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, for approving the constitution of the Committee.
She urged members to justify the confidence reposed in them by working diligently to promote Kogi to the global community and enhance revenue generation through culture and tourism.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hajia Fatima Momoh, said the Committee would provide a platform for collaboration among stakeholders towards developing competitive tourism products and improving visitors’ experience across the state.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for approving the constitution of the Committee, assuring that the members would work towards making Kogi a premier destination where culture thrives and tourism flourishes.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Kogi State Hotels and Tourism Board, Prince Philip Orebiyi, said, the Board is already taking steps to strengthen hospitality standards and promote tourism development across the state.
He expressed confidence that the efforts of the Committee and relevant stakeholders would soon yield visible results in the state’s culture and tourism sector.
The Committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, while the General Manager of the Hotels and Tourism Board will serve as Vice Chairman.
Members were drawn from relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and security institutions, including the Ministries of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, Works, Commerce and Industry, Environment and Ecological Management, Justice, the Office of the SGS, National Inland Waterways Authority, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others.
