MON, APRIL 16 2018-theG&BJournal-Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello at the weekend said government will give priority attention to tourism development in a bid to improve the economic base of the state.
He disclosed this in New Bussa, the headquarters of Borgu Emirate in Borgu Local Government Area of the state at the grand finale of the golden jubilee celebration of relocation of the people of the kingdom from the old Bussa to the present position.
The Governor who noted that the state can no longer continue to rely on the monthly allocation from the federation account said his administration has identified areas of comparative advantage such as tourism, agricultural value chain and mining.
According to the governor, “as a responsible government, we are vigorously investing into those areas of comparative advantage in tourism, agricultural value chain and mining for the overall upliftment of the socio-economic activities of the state”.
Describing the entire Borgu Kingdom as the talking point of tourism in the state, Gov. Sani-Bello identified the tourism potentials that are abound in the Emirate that can be harnessed for economic growth of not only the area but that of the state.
“Borgu is the talking point in terms of its abundant tourism potentials like the Kainji Lake National Park, the popular Borgu Durbar, and the Kainji Hydro-Electric Dam Complex among others”.
The governor said his administration was committed to full implementation of the report of a committee set up for the actualization of a world class tourist resort at Shagunu area of the kingdom.
He commended the sacrificial and accommodating spirit of the people of the Emirate and attributed the presence of over a dozen federal institutions in the area to the receptive nature of the people.
“New Bussa is today host to about 13 federal institutions; this is not unconnected to the receptive nature of its people. This can be conveniently said to be responsible for the harmonious existence of these people from different socio-political backgrounds over the years”.
The Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhamadu Sani Dantoro, Kitoro IV who recalled with mixed feelings the challenges and the successes recorded by the Emirate since its relocation from the old to the new Bussa, maintained that their sacrifice has tremendously helped in “supplying electricity to Nigeria and zealously promote national unity”.
The royal father who commended the vision of the nation’s founding fathers in constructing the Kanji Electricity dam in the area noted that his people have all the causes to be grateful to God, his people, state and federal government.
He also said plans are afoot to vigorously develop the tourism potentials of the area. A move he intend to pursue with the establishment of Borgu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and the launching of a 20 year development plan tagged, “Borgu Vision 2038 Project”.
The highlight of the ceremony include inter school debate, horse racing, boat regatta, durbar, trade fair and youth carnival.
