According to a news report from News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the wife of the Kwara State Governor, on Thursday encouraged both local and international tourists to explore the state's tourism potential.

Mrs Abdulrazaq made this appeal in Ilorin during the ongoing annual general meeting and conference of the National Association of Nigeria Tour Operators (NATOP).

The AGM has its theme as “Tourism as Catalyst for Progress, Peace and Partnership”.

“Kwara, with its vantage in the North-central region, is endowed with immense and captivating tourist destinations, widely referred to as 'a wonder in the wilderness'.

“The Owu Falls is the highest and most spectacular natural waterfall in West Africa.

“Founded in 1945 and widely referenced as the mother of all museums in Nigeria, the Esie Museum is located in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

“We have Imole Boja Rock Shelter; we also have the Sobi Hills, the University of Ilorin Zoological Garden, the Dada Pottery, and the Aso-oke weaving centres, among other very interesting sites.

“In celebrating our culture and traditions, we equally have the annual Ilorin Durbar, the Gani Festival, the Shao Mass Wedding and the Patigi Boat Regatta, to mention a few,” she said.

Mrs Abdulrazaq, who commended the tour operators for bringing their annual conference to the state, urged them to explore the spots mentioned and further promote the economic potential of the state.

She said Kwara's rich historical background, wonders of nature and exquisite cultural events are sights to behold.

She said Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrasaq was leaving no stone unturned to ensure that opportunities in the tourism sector in the state were maximised.

According to her, this is evident in the government's engagements in partnerships, evolving investment-friendly policies and putting in place infrastructure to drive all sectors of the state's economy.

“In complementing this drive of government, my office and the Ajike People Support Centre are actively involved in promoting tourism and celebrating the cultural heritage of our people.

“It may interest you to know that during our host of the Commonwealth quiz competition, top functionaries of the British government were conducted around some of these beautiful sites.

“Also, I have sponsored some of our traditional aso-oke weavers to participate in fashion shows of international repute to showcaseenhanceate and enhancing their capacities,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference began on 17 July and will end on 20 July.