The Kogi State government has inaugurated committees to promote tourism development and cultural preservation across the state.

The secretary to the state government (SSG), Folashade Ayoade, inaugurated 17-member committees on behalf of Governor Ahmed Ododo on Thursday in Lokoja.

Speaking at the inauguration, the commissioner for culture and tourism, Fatimah Momoh, commended the governor for his commitment to revitalising the state’s tourism sector.

Mrs Momoh described the inauguration of the committees as a strategic step toward repositioning Kogi as a destination for cultural heritage and economic growth.

According to her, the committees are expected to strengthen collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies, local government councils, traditional institutions and security agencies to promote tourism activities in the state.

She said the initiative would also support the development of tourism products and preserve the state’s cultural identity.

Speaking at the inauguration, Philip Orebiyi, the general manager (GM) of the Kogi Hotels and Tourism Board, commended the commissioner for her leadership and commitment to tourism development in the state.

He also appreciated the governor’s support in promoting the state’s tourism potential.

The governor charged the committee members to serve with patriotism and dedication.

He noted that Kogi is worthy of being a tourist attraction, citing a few tourist sites, such as the European cemetery, the confluence of the River Niger and the River Benue, and Lord Lugard’s residence.

He said, “It is important to be conscious of our roots; however, the tourism sector remained critical to the administration’s economic diversification agenda, vital for job creation and investment opportunities.”

The governor urged members to showcase Kogi’s rich cultural and tourism potential to the world, saying, “Let us announce Kogi to the world.”

 (NAN)