World Tourism Day: Kebbi Governor Restates Commitment To Development Of Sector

 

The Kebbi State Governor has restated the commitment of his administration to the growth and development of tourism and cultural potentials of the state.

Senator Atiku Bagudu, spoke at the celebration of the 2021 World Tourism Day in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State Capital.

“Kebbi State is the Land of Equity, the melting pot for culture and tourism.”

“Kebbi state has unequivocally occupied a pride of place in the former Shongai empire and a significant part of the jihads of Usman Danfodio and his younger brother Abdullahi Fodio.”

“Today, the state is divided into four distinct emirates with distinct culture and traditions but live harmoniously with one another devoid of traditional and religious clashes,” Bagudu said.

In a statement by Bagudu’s Special Adviser on Media, Yahaya Sarki, the governor also assured the federal government that the choice of Kebbi State as the host of this year’s World Tourism Day Celebration is not taken for granted.

 

Raise tourism to the highest pedestal

“Tourism for Inclusive Growth,” speaks volumes about the zeal and preparedness of President Muhammadu Buhari to raise tourism to the highest pedestal and make it a major revenue earner and catalyst for economic growth and development.

Rich and abundant mineral resources
“We are all aware of the urgent need to explore and diversify other sources of revenue that will support or even surpass oil. Already, apart from tourism, Kebbi State has been identified as one of the states with rich and abundant mineral resources,” he stated.

Governor Bagudu was represented by his Deputy, Retired Colonel Samaila Yombe.

The Minister of Information and Cuture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who was turbaned as the “Kakakin Kabi” lauded Governor Bagudu for accepting to host this year’s World Tourism Day celebration.

“Not only is the organisation and management excellent, but I am also happy that it provided the opportunity for us to experience the goodwill and hospitality of the good people of Kebbi State,” said Lai Mohammed.

“Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation has observed World Tourism Day on September 27 of every year. “

“This date was chosen to coincide with an important milestone in world tourism, which is the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on 27 september 1970,” he explained.

Global awareness

He said the essence of the annual celebration was to foster global awareness of the social, cultural, political and economic value of tourism and the contributions of the sector towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The event is also considered as a powerful advocacy tool and occasion to mobilise political will and resources, address global problems, celebrate and reinforce achievements at all levels and educate the public on issues of concern,” the Minister explained.

He noted that the theme of the World Tourism Day 2021 ‘Tourism for Inclusive  growth’ is an opportunity to look beyond tourism statistics and acknowledge that, behind every number, there is a person.

The Kebbi State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Barrister Rakiya Ayuba-Haruna stated that the day marks another landmark achievement for the State as it had been chosen over other States to host and celebrate the 2021 World Tourism Day.

According to her, “This is second in a line of successes accorded to Kebbi State after its successful hosting of the Argungu International Fishing Festival in 2020.

“This year’s theme ‘’Tourism for Inclusive Growth’ has a wide meaning which includes growth from the aspect of tourism in harnessing revenue generation from tourism from the vast potentials of Nigeria.

Travel and explore

The UNWTO Secretary General, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Dr Ifeoma Anyanwutaku, said that the human desire to travel and explore is universal, “which is why tourism must be opened for everyone to enjoy. There are many social and economic benefits that tourism brings to everybody.”

“World Tourism Day 2021 highlights the power of ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth.“

“By celebrating this day, we state our commitment that, as tourism grows, the benefits that come will be felt at every level of our broad and diverse sector, from the biggest airline to the smallest family business, ” Dr Anyanwutaku stated.

Highlights of the event include Press Conference, marking World Toursm Day, presentation of certificates and cultural performance by Kebbi state cultural group.

 

Lateefah Ibrahim