The President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Susan Akporiaye, has said the intention of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State to build the first African thematic village in the confluence state, is credible and noble.
Reacting to the eight points agenda unveiled by Otunba Segun Runsewe-led Kogi State Cultural Tourism Advisory Committee inaugurated by Governor Yahaya Bello to reposition and rebrand Kogi tourism, Mrs Akporiaye, who is at the forefront of inter-African Tourism collaboration among select African airlines, noted that such great effort conceived by the governor, will internationalize Kogi State Cultural Tourism Endowments and at same time boost local opportunities to the advantage of the various rural empowerment intervention schemes in Kogi state.
The NANTA President also commended the very untiring initiative of Otunba Segun Runsewe, who is also the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) for leading the Kogi tourism project, adding that Runsewe’s leadership and organizational pedigree is equal to none.
“We believe Governor Bello got the right man for the job, and we are convinced that the eighth point cultural tourism revival agenda for culture and colonial history rich kogi state as proposed by Segun Runsewe Advisory committee, will move kogi cultural tourism offerings into African top destination list and also have local industry players buy in and support.” She further explained.
On Kogi’s rising profile as one of the most secured frontiers in Nigeria, NANTA President called for Governor Bello’s recognition and honour for taking Kogi State out of the black spot of insecurity and banditry, a feat deserving a national replication.
“It is amazing how he has put to flight banditry and secured his people. No wonder Kogi has become attractive to businesses and investors. It is an added advantage to his efforts to rebuild tourism infrastructure in the state and with what his advisory committee led by Otunba Runsewe has rolled out, Kogi no doubt, will rebound economically, provide potential rural tourism jobs and a safe haven for holidays in Nigeria.
