Kogi state hospitality sector is capable of bringing accelerated growth and development to the State and aid in generating more internal revenue with transformative regulations.
The General Manager of Kogi State Hotels and Tourism Board, Philip Orebiyi made the above statement when he was defending the 2026 budget before lawmakers of the State House of Assembly.
He affirmed that Hotels and Tourism are the major areas which aid the promotion of the State’s cultural heritage while attracting both local and international investors that will drive growth.
However, he lamented that the sector couldn’t function at its peak because of lack of funds, lack of regulations, policies and laws that will propel it
He reiterated that the hospitality industry was on the path of transformation if challenges are tackled and adequate regulations put in place.
“The government has one great interest to stabilise the economy and culture of the State, now we had to key into the federal policy, the State is waiting for the enactment of the Policy which will be in operation very soon. The cultural industry require a regulation because identity without culture is a dead entity, what do we transfer to the coming generation?” he asked.
Orebiyi explained further that the creative nature of tourism allows the use of story telling to project the positive nature of Kogi State. Which according to him would attract local and international investors into the State.
At the end, he urged the House of Assembly to amend necessary laws that would protect and make the tourism sector to thrive in 2026.