The Kwara State Government has expressed its readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to promote Hospitality and Tourism sector in the state to enhance economic growth and development.
The state Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, who made the assertion while delivering her keynote address at the Hospitality Impact and Innovation Conference 2025 hosted by the Phoenix Crest Hospitality Services held at .House 12, Police road, G. R. A Ilorin, spoke of the government’s intention to unlock hidden potentials in the Tourism and Hospitality sector.
Represented by the Secretary, Hospitality and Tourism Development Board, Mrs Adenike Akanni, the Commissioner called for support from relevant stakeholders in order to continue to create, build, innovate and transform state’s cultural assets into sustainable opportunities for the people of the state.
The Commissioner noted with satisfaction that the Conference with its theme “Tourism Transformed- From Vision to Action”, truly captures the progress the state government had made in the sector.
She added that the government’s giant’s stride in the sector had continued to yield positive results by redefining state:s cultural Identity, economic strength and global relevance.
Hon. Olukoju also applauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his vision and commitments in turning the state tourism assets such as Owu Falls, Esie Museum, Sobi hills into engines of economic growth.
According to her, ” Government alone cannot unlock the full value of the sector. Investors, digital creators, hospitality operators, traditional institutions, and local communities are essential partners in achieving the vision because real transformation is every stakeholder’s responsibility”.
The Commissioner therefore, assured that Kwara State Government would continue to refine, package and project its richness in ways that would attract both national and International interest.
Also speaking,the Oloro of Oro, Oba Joel Oyatoye Titiloye, appreciated the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his safeguarding and promoting the rich heritage of the State.
The monarch pledged his support to further uplift the already preserved heritage of the state and make it a better and suitable space in terms of Hospitality.
The Convener, Hospitality Impact and Innovation Conference 2025, Phoenix Crest Hospitality Services, Mrs Folashade Folayan had in her remarks thanked the Governor for providing an enabling environment to thrive in the area of Hospitality and Tourism.
She also urged the people of the state to key into the opportunities already provided by the Government and explore the exciting world of Tourism and Hospitality to succeed.
The highlight of the event include; the presentation of an honorary award to the state Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, In recognition of her exceptional, policy support and continued advancement of Tourism and Hospitality in Kwara State.
Also, an honourary Patron Award was presented to the Kwara State Hospitality and Tourism Development Board in recognition of its advocacy, goodwill, partnership and influence in advancing hospitality, tourism and community development in Kwara State.
The Kwara State Art Council troupe was also awarded a cultural preservation award in recognition of its exceptional contribution towards protecting, promoting and sustaining the cultural heritage of the State.
