AbdulAhad Otuoze
THE Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has promised to use culture and tourism as a vehicle to drive development and foster unity among the various ethnic groups in the state.
The Governor who stated this during the launch of Ebira Album tittled ‘Ohuro huro and Ogomigomi, produced by Habibat Onoku Sanni, said his administration is already working on all the tourists sites in the state to make it attractive to investors from within and outside the country.
The Governor who was represented by his works Commissioner, Engr. Abubakar Ohere, noted that his administration since inception has taken the issue of security of lives and property very seriously, saying that without a secured environment, no meaningful development can take place.
While commending the organizers for putting the programme together, Governor Bello assured that his government would continue to support any initiative which is geared towards bringing development and progress to the state and the people.
He called on other parts of the state to come up with similar idea that would promote the culture of the various ethnic groups in the state, saying that Kogi state is blessed with rich cultural heritage which he said can be marketed both within and outside Nigeria.
In her opening remarks, the organizers of the cultural event, Hon. Avoyi Nwogu, thanked the Governor for always willing to contribute to the promotion of culture in the state.
She noted that the launch of Onovave Okumatete last year was a huge success because of the active involvement of the the Governor, saying that the governor fully recognized that the entertainment industry is very relevant to the growth and development of the state and the nation at large.
She however appealed to the Governor to create a bond between producers and artistes through annual and biannual get together under the creation of an entertaining awards night where achievers would be recognized and honoured.
In addition she called for the establishment of a film village which would help to develop Kogi state’s movie industry and generate revenue for the state.
Other request includes the development of a holiday resort centers and as well the creation of quarterly competitions between music artists from across the three Senatorial districts of the state.
The Producer of the Album, Habibat Onoku Sanni, said that the idea behind the culture display is to entertain, educate and foster unity among the people.
She commended the Governor for showing interest in the over development and revitalization of the cultural heritage of the people of Kogi state, assuring that they will not disappoint him.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion includes; the Chief of staff to the Governor, Phar. Abdulkareem Jamiu Asuku, the Accountant General of the state, Mall Jibril Momoh, the personal Assistant to the Governor Mall Kabiru Onyeneye, the Commissioner for Culture and tourism, Salifu Idachaba amongst others.
