I’ll make Kwara tourism hub, says AbdulRazaq

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, at the weekend, said his administration would double down in its efforts to make Kwara a tourism hub through the rich cultures of its peoples.

Speaking in Lafiagi in Edu Local Government Area of the state during the Emirate’s Sallah Nko_ festival, the governor said the state was endowed with beautiful cultures that can attract tourists and boost local economy.

Sallah Nko festival is a yearly socio-cultural gathering where all sons and daughters of Lafiagi Emirate, including village heads, pay homage to the Emir as part of the Eid celebration.

This year’s edition involved the turbaning of some of its prominent persons as title holders in appreciation of their contributions to the community.

“We will continue to promote our culture. Next year again, this will be more elaborate. We want all Nigerians to come to Lafiagi, as they are coming for the Ilorin Durbar. There is an airport here. So, you can fly in and fly out,” he told reporters on the sideline of the programme held in the forecourt of the Emir’s palace.

The governor congratulated the Emir Alhaji Mohammed Kudu Kawu and the people of Lafiagi on the successful event.

“Our message is always about peace and development. Many people have been honoured here because of their efforts in building the society, their community, and the state in general,” he added.

AbdulRazaq again sympathised with the people of Lafiagi on the recent floods that ravaged farmlands and some parts of the Emirate, restating government’s commitment to always support the victims amid other intergovernmental efforts to curb the perennial flood.

His message came a few days after Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi led a government’s delegation to Lafiagi to commiserate with the people.

On his part, Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Mohammed Kudu Kawu, said the Emirate chose to honour its eminent children with chieftaincy titles because they have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields.

He pledged that he and his people would continue to support the administration and prayed God to continue to uplift the governor.

“Today, His Excellency paid us a surprise visit. We are deeply honoured, and we appreciate him. We will continue to pray for his success. He has shown love for the people of Lafiagi, and indeed we are grateful and honoured today. We wish him long life, prosperity, and more success,” the Emir said.

“We are happy with what the governor has done for us, and we will continue to reach out to him in order to seek for more interventions where necessary.

“On the fuel subsidy issue, it is biting so hard, we are also aware that your government and the Federal Government are working out modalities that will make it easier for us. May Allah guide you and make it easy.”