July 26, (THEWILL) – The First Lady Of Kwara State, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrasaq, has urged tour operators to further promote economic potential embedded across the state.
Prof. Abdulrasaq, who doubles as the Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum, made the appeal during the 8th Annual General Meeting and Tourism Conference organised by the Nigeria Association Of Tour Operators (NATOP) held at the Kwara State Banquet Hall, Ilorin.
Speaking at the AGM with the theme: “Tourism as Catalyst for Progress, Peace and Partnership”, said Kwara’s rich historical background, wonders of nature and exquisite cultural events were sights to behold.
She noted that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq was leaving no stone unturned to ensure that opportunities in the tourism sector in the state were maximised.
“Kwara, with its vantage in the North-Central region, is endowed with immense and captivating tourist destinations, widely referred to as ‘a wonder in the wilderness’.
“The Owu Falls is the highest and most spectacular natural waterfall in West Africa. Founded in 1945 and widely referenced as the mother of all museums in Nigeria, the Esie Museum is located in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara state.
“We have Imoleboja Rock Shelter, we also have the Sobi Hills, the University of Ilorin Zoological Garden, the Dada Pottery, and the Aso-oke Weaving Centres among other very interesting sites.
“In celebrating our culture and traditions, we equally have the annual Ilorin Durbar, the Gani Festival, the Shao Mass Wedding and the Patigi Boat Regatta to mention a few,” she said.
Abdulrazaq, who commended the tour operators for bringing their annual conference to the state, urged them to explore the spots mentioned and further promote the economic potential that abounds in the state.
According to her, this is evident in the government’s engagements in partnerships, evolving investment-friendly policies and putting in place infrastructure to drive all sectors of the state’s economy.
“In complementing this drive of government, my office and the Ajike People Support Centre are actively involved in promoting tourism and celebrating the cultural heritage of our people.
“It may interest you to know that during our host of the Commonwealth Quiz Competition, top functionaries of the British government were conducted round some of these beautiful sites.
“Also, I have sponsored some of our traditional aso-oke weavers to participate in fashion shows of international repute with a view to showcasing Kwara State and enhancing their capacities,” she said.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
