Kwara to package cultural festivals as tourist attraction

The Kwara State Government has expressed its desire to package the various cultural activities in the state into a major tourist attraction that will place the state on the world tourism map.Speaking in Ilorin recently when he granted audience to the 2012 Ijakadi Offa Festival Working Committee at the Government House, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said the various cultural activities in the state would be harnessed not only as major potential for cultural integration but to enhance improved revenue generation, job creation and youth empowerment.The governor also said that the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism had been directed to harmonise the various festivals in the state to drive tourism beyond cultural festivities.'By the time we harmonise the cultural diversity of the state into a major yearly festival, it will be more attractive and innovative", he said.He said all cultural activities would be promoted to international standard to transform Kwara State into the tourism hub of Nigeria, adding that his administration would continue to encourage cultural activities and support communities in showcasing their culture on cultural and tourism map of the world."You can witness Patigi regatta, Gam festival in Kaiama axis, Owu falls and others at the same time in different locations", he said.Governor Ahmed, who commended the initiatives of Offa community, said as the state prepares to host the next National Cultural Festival, the Ijakadi Offa festival would serve as a litmus test for the state and assured the Offa community that his administration would look at ways of assisting them towards showcasing Ijajadi to the outside world. Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ijakadi Offa Festival working Committee, Professor Soladoye Adegboye, said the Ijakadi Offa Festival was initiated in 1935 and managed by the Offa Descendants union.Professor Adegboye said Offa communities were grateful to Governor Ahmed for his love for all matters relating to Offa Kingdom and for his love for the royal institution.Professor Adegboye said the Ijakadi Offa was a form of lively recreation to promote entertainment, physical fitness and a spirit of healthy rivalry among men, adding that the festival will hold in December this year.
Click here to read full news..