The federal government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Katsina State to harness its cultural monuments, including the iconic Gobarau Minaret and Kusugu Well, to promote domestic tourism.

During the signing ceremony in Katsina on Tuesday, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Hannatu Musawa, emphasised that the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to her, the partnership aims to build proper structures to add value to Nigeria’s rich cultural identity in a move to revitalise Nigeria’s cultural heritage and boost domestic tourism.

She stressed the need to prioritise the cultural identities of the people, values, and heritage.

Ms Musawa said, “Katsina is blessed with unique monuments and cultural assets that can serve not only as tourist attractions but also as tools to empower our youth and foster economic growth.”

Highlighting Katsina’s historical significance, the minister said the state plays a critical role in telling Nigeria’s story.

She pointed to historical landmarks, such as the Gobarau Minaret and Kusugu Well, as key assets in the government’s plan to promote domestic tourism and create a global hub for creativity and innovation.

”We are putting in place strong policies and infrastructure to help every state in Nigeria showcase its heritage.

“The project aims to create platforms for youth engagement, particularly for content creators and cultural entrepreneurs, allowing them to explore and showcase their talents while contributing to national development,” she said.

Ms Musawa said the inspection of the historical monuments in Daura and Katsina is targeted at renovating them and considering them for recommendation as a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Responding on behalf of the Katsina State government, the Commissioner for Rural and Social Development, Abdulhamid Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the federal government’s commitment.

“This initiative is timely, and we are fully committed to supporting it. It has the potential to transform Katsina into a key destination for domestic tourism,” he stated.

(NAN)