The Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to the growth and development of the Entertainment and Tourism sectors in the State.
The State Commissioner for Communications, Mrs Abosede Olaitan Buraimoh, who gave this assurance on a radio programme in Ilorin, stated that the administration will rebrand the state-owned Cultural Art Centres to further promote cultural arts and tourism.
She added that the decision by the government to revamp the facilities is part of its effort to reinstate Kwara as the centre of rich tourist attractions.
“In this regard, His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has swung into action by approving the construction of Ilorin Museum and Garden, where all the rich cultural heritage in the state can be showcased,” she stated.
The Commissioner explained further that the Visual Arts Centre, which is also part of a grand plan by this administration to turn the State into a critical tourist hub, will comprise the State’s heritage Centre for talent showcase as well as a veritable centre for creativities and talent discoveries, thereby stimulating the economic growth and employment generation for its teeming youths.
She noted that this will further encourage indigenous talents to come back home to contribute to the promotion and development of the State’s cultural values.
Speaking on the state of the Council for Arts and Culture, the Commissioner disclosed that the State Government has embarked on phased renovation of the council in a bid to return it to the centre of recreation, tourism and entertainment it was known for.
Buraimoh stated that establishment of the F.M Radio station in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area in Kwara North, is proof of the administration’s dedication to creating a sense of belonging for all, adding that it is the right of every individual in the society to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
She also said that adequate steps have been put in place to ensure that other parastatals such as Kwara State Printing and Publishing Corporation, Publishers of the Harald, Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation, Radio Kwara and Kwara State Television Authority are not left out of the repositioning.
The Commissioner furthered that the revamping of these Parastatals is a statement of Governor AbdulRazaq’s intention to take the tourism and Information sectors to higher levels and expand opportunities to showcase the cultural heritage and other potentials of the people.