From Audu Joe, Lokoja
Kogi State Government has restated its commitment to harness and develop the tourism potentials for the benefits of the people of the state, the nation and the world at large.
The Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism to the Governor, Hon. Femi Bolaji, gave the assurance in Statement yesterday in Lokoja, to mark the 2021 World Tourism Day (WTD).
Bolaji noted that the theme for this years’ celebration is “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”, was a reminder that we are all tourist and through tourism every person and every aspect of our economy as a state and country could grow.
According to him, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive social and economic impacts on all countries around the world, while marginalized groups and the most vulnerable have been hit hardest of all.
”The restart of tourism post COVID will help kick start recovery and growth. It is essential that the benefits this will bring are enjoyed widely and fairly by all and sundry.
”The human desire to travel and explore is universal, which is why tourism is opened for everyone to enjoy, irrespective of class, tribe, gender or race, and many social and economic benefits that tourism brings be available to everybody”, he said.
He added that His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has approved the setting up of a high powered Kogi State Advisory Intervention-Committee on Culture and Tourism, so that Kogi State could in shortest possible time becomes an international tourists destination.
He said that Mr Segun Runsewe, Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture is the Chairman of the Committee, populated with industry giants such as Chief Nike Okundaiye of Nike Art Gallery.
Others include: Mr Wanle Akinboboye of La Campaign Tropicana Resort, and Dr Ronke Bello, the Investment Policy and Communication Strategist to Kogi State Government, among others.
”I want to urge every Kogites both home and abroad to take time to visit, tour and explore the numerous tourist sites God has blessed us with in our dear state even as we celebrate 2021 WTD, which had reminded us that tourism is for all.
End.