Kangiwa appreciates dignitaries, safe hosting of world tourism day

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa (Turakin Kebbi) has expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all the dignitaries that found time to be at the activities that were held in Argungu and Birnin Kebbi to mark the observance of the 2021 World Tourism Day.

He said it is an indication that Nigerians are getting informed, enlightened and ready to identify with the goals and aspirations of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to grow the Nigerian tourism industry for the socio-economic benefits of the country.

Kangiwa who was highly elated by the large turnout of dignitaries from within and outside the country which included traditional rulers from neighbouring Niger Republic to witness socio-cultural programs that were held to celebrate the World Tourism Day that has ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’ as its theme.

According to Mr. Ahmed Sule, NIHOTOUR’s Director of Media and Public Relations, the DG noted that tourism is gradually taking its pride of place in the Nigerian socio-cultural life and economic paradigm of the country for the better.

As part of activities for the celebration, there were three long days of polo tournaments which saw six teams that slugged it out for a number of coveted trophies that were at stake.

The Polo Teams included; The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Polo, Weststream Ponies, NSK Farms and Mera Farms. Others were Pali Resort and Ayutan Farms.

In attendance to witness the three-day polo sport tournament and entertainment, were dignitaries that included the Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Governor of Kebbi State Senator Abubakar Aliyu Bagudu and Members of his Cabinet, along with his spouse, Hajiya Kudirat Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Alhaji AbdulRashid Bawa, the Emir of Argungu Alhaji Sama’ila Mohammed Mera with his Senior Councilors, some Chief Executive Officers of Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Two High Traditional Rulers from Doso State of Niger Republic to mention just a few.

At the end of the tournament, NSK Farms team won the Governor’s cup, Weststream ponies won the Sultan cup, while the Boss Mustapha, SGF’s Cup went to NFVCB. Others were the Emir of Argungu Cup, lifted by Ayutan Farms and the Appolos Chu Cup went to Pali Resort Polo team. Dangiwa Umar Cup for the Most Valuable Players was lifted by Sarki Waziri and the Shehu Kangiwa cup for the Most Improved Player was won by Umar Yusuf Usman.

The 2021 World Tourism Day Celebration hosted by Kebbi State also witnessed the turbanning of Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture as the Kakakin Kebbi at an elaborate and colourful ceremony by the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Mohammed Mera.

The Emir said the investiture of Alhaji Lai Mohammed as the Kakakin Kebbi was in recognition of his enormous contributions in projecting the socio-cultural virtues of the Kabi Emirate to the global community. To raise the capacity of personnel of the state tourism industry, NIHOTOUR organized skill Acquisition Training for youths and women on Tour Guiding Operations as part of the World Tourism Day Celebration with 60 participants in attendance who, at the end of the training, were issued with Certificates of participation by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

The climax of the celebration came on the D-day, September 27th, 2021 when dignitaries, stakeholders and guests converged at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital to brainstorm on the theme of the celebration, Tourism for Inclusive Growth via lectures, keynote address, goodwill messages, cultural displays and documentaries on tourism matters.

It was indicative of the fact that tourism has come to stay as a viable economic venture requiring all to be involved and engaged in tourism trades for job creation, poverty alleviation and a veritable revenue earner for the country.