As part of efforts to implement its new direction blueprint for rapid economic recovery and progress,, Kogi State Government says it has concluded arrangements to partner with the private sector for the growth of its vast tourism potentials. This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Alh. Mohammed Awwal Imam during an interview with TheNews in Lokoja the State capital. Imam said the ministry has sent representatives to other states including Cross River to understudy their tourism industries. The data gathered from the exercise is expected to come in handy in its transformation policies for the sector. According to him, “tourism is capital intensive. For instance, we will need about 3billion to develop the facilities in the Confluence Beach Hotel and entire Confluence area into an international tourism masterpiece. Unfortunately, our country is going through a recession. Our approach is to invite capable players in the private sector and collaborate with them. We are already providing the enabling environment for it to work. The state governor is determined to make the necessary gains from tourism and has given us the needed support.”

The commissioner disclosed that the hospitality industry magnate, Build Rise Group is being considered for partnership to rebuild, remodel and operate the Confluence Beach Hotel, Lokoja. He revealed further that his ministry is also holding discussions with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC on how best to harness the tourism potentials in the State for optimal economic benefit.

Other items on the ministry”a agenda include introducing the teaching and learning of tourism in Primary and Secondary schools in the State, registration of hotels operating in the State and establishing a comprehensive data bank on tourism potentials of the State.

TheNews reports that the State Executive Council recently approved the establishment of a modern Hotel and Tourism Board. The board is to be responsible for the registration, classification and monitoring of hotels and tourist attractions in the state and matters connected therewith. It is gathered that the state is considering engaging a consultant as a partner to the board in the discharge of its functions.

Credits: Richard Elesho | TheNews