Tourism: Kwara Speaker makes case for improved welfare package for troupes

September 10th, 2020

Speaker, Kwara state House of Assembly has canvassed for better motivation of human capital assets in the tourism sector to enhance sustainability of our culture and tradition, and exploit the economic benefit therefrom.

Danladi-Salihu made this call while delivering keynote address at 'Batonu Day', an event organized by the Kwara state Ministry of Communication and Council for Arts and Culture to showcase the tourist attractions in Baruten local government of the State, according to a statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Ibrahim Sheriff.

While commending the Hon. Commissioner for Communication - Harriet Afolabi Oshatimehin for the novel initiative, the lawmaker emphasized the need to promote our culture to global admiration, to a level where we can significantly drive our revenue through it.

"This is the time to motivate cultural troupes and other actors in the culture and tourism industry to make it attractive for the upcoming generation and consequently enhance sustainability.

"Aside the regional cultural display, I encourage the Ministry to organize a synchronized exposition of all cultures and tourism attractions in Kwara state. Aside the Teke dance in Baruten, we have Sesenu, Jeddah, we have Pategi Rhegatta among others across the State.

"It is our heritage, and we respect them a lot. As lawmakers, I am reassuring you all that the culture and tourism sector will enjoy favourable appropriation in the 2021 budget.

In her reaction, the Commissioner for Communication - Harriet Afolabi Oshatimehin reaffirmed the AbdulRazaq-led administration's commitment to leaving no sector behind in its efforts to take Kwara state to an enviable height.

She appealed for stakeholders support for the development of culture and tourism in the State, stressing the economic significance of our untapped tourism potentials, which her ministry is committed to explore.

The event featured musical performance, cultural display, Baruten local attires and costume exhibition, 'Sokoru' luncheon among others.

Other dignitaries present at the event are Hons. Mohammed Baba Salihu representing Okuta/Yashikira, Halidu Danbaba representing Kaiama/Kemanji/Wajibe, Ganiyu Folabi Salahudeen representing Omupo constituencies at the Kwara state House of Assembly.