By Elizabeth Ladi Samuel
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Acharu Okpanachi has assured Tourism Volunteers Network (TVN) of the unwavering support of the Administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Hon Okpanachi gave the assurance while receiving the Director and top members of TVN in her Office.
The Executive Director of the organization Ambassador Roberts Phil congratulated the Hon. Commissioner on her inauguration and prayed God to direct her aright in her new office.
According to him, the network was founded upon the core tenets of volunteerism and patriotism driven by enthusiastic individuals who share a vision for the advancement of the tourism sector in Nigeria. He noted that the network has been in existence for over three years now and added that the network was officially registered and certified by the Federal Government on the 25th of February 2024 explaining that It is a network of professionals from different walks of life, such as Engineers, Entertainers, Politicians, Businessmen, retired Public and Civil Servants to mention but a few and are presently in 17 states, in about 4 countries, with about 7000 members.
He continued that the primary goals of the organization, include promoting tourism, fostering patriotism by supporting sustainable development through diverse tourism initiatives, advocating for good governance, inspiring citizens to embrace a sense of patriotism,encouraging, promoting and developing tourism as a major socio-economic activity to generate direct local and foreign investment, to spread the dividends of tourism to both the public and private individuals and thus make it a major tool for employment and requested the Hon. Commissioner’s permission to visit the tourist sites in Kogi before proceeding to other states.
The Hon. Commissioner in her response appreciated TVN for the visit and appealed to His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, as a hospitality and Tourism friendly Governor, to harness the potentials embedded in culture and tourism which are capable of enhancing revenue generation in the state as well as attracting tourists at the national and international levels.
Hon. Acharu Okpanachi encouraged the organization to be steadfast in their pursuit to promote Tourism in Kogi State and the nation advising them to keep the hope alive.
The Permanent Secretary Dr. Zainab Obadaki pointed out that Kogi State is endowed with rich tourism attractions and cultural heritage appealing to His Excellency,Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo to give the Hon. Commissioner the much needed support so that Kogi State can become a tourists hub.
The Director Tourism Alhaji Tanko Inuwa, Heads of parastatals, other Directors and the tourist guard, Mr. Yinka Adeoye led the group to the following tourists sites:Mounti Patti, European Cemeteries, Royal Niger Company (RCN) First Primary School in the Northern Nigeria and other tourists sites.
The Director Tourism in his remark, expressed his appreciation to the Hon Commissioner and the organization for their effort to promote Tourism in Kogi State stressing that promoting Tourism can optimally transform the State.
Highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the Tourism Flag to the Hon Commissioner as a symbol of Authority.
