‘Potential tourism sites abound in Niger state’
About one hundred (100) potential tourism sites across the 25 local government areas of the Niger state has been identified to be harness for the development and revenue generation as part of its diversification planning efforts.
State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Daniel Sunday Kolo made this known yesterday in Minna during an organized press briefing by the Ministry of Information and Strategy to showcase the scorecard of the current government titled ‘Stewardship’.
He stated that the state has numerous potentials for tourism development sites mapped out that when harness will go a long way in adding to its Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state noted that talks were on top gear to ensure proper harnessing of the opportunities.
Kolo informed that the festivals in the state has been commercialized for revenue generation, added that the state had identified a new tourism site ‘Shagunu Beach’ which is closed to National Park in Borgu local government noting that resource centres would be created there to attract visitors and Investments.
He lamented over the non functional status of Shiroro Hotel were the Niger government has the largest share assured to salvage it but decried that despite the payment of N96 million by government the Arewa Hotels who is responsible for managing Shiroro hotel failed in its mandate and the funds released to them cannot be accounted for, just as for 22 years did not remitted funds generated.
He further revealed that in the last four years the ministry has embarked on some projects that include rehabilitation of damaged Lord Lugard Empire Hill Baro where some relax and military graves, reconstruction of road between Baro and the Hill and erected fence around the graves.Kolo said that it has engaged staff to ensure the protection of Baro Empire Hill while the casual staff engaged in Gurara Water Falls site in case of accident (divers) has been absolved in to the civil service for effective and efficient service delivery.
He explained that although the current government of Abubakar Sani Bello has to revoke the initial outright sale of the site to an individual by the past administration of Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu hence the need to take over the site for Nigerlites.Kolo was optimistic about the development of tourism in Niger state hence the need to produced cultural calendar for distribution across the globe with its contact addresses inclusive while the ministry has participated in 2016 World Tourism Day where they showcase the state tradition to the world.
Also participated in the NAFEST, FIESTA, RATAFEST where Niger state came first and other events organized in the country was well attended by the state with good impact, noted that efforts is on going on the abandoned Five Star Hotel in Suleja near Zuma Rock by resolving disagreement with the investor (Babalaki) before any meaningful thing can take place there
