According to a news report from Radio Nigeria, the First Lady of Kwara State, Professor Olufolake Abdurazaq, has appealed to tour operators to explore the vast tourism potential within the state to further promote its economic opportunities.

She made this appeal at the 8th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), held in Ilorin, Kwara State, with the theme “Tourism as a Catalyst for Progress, Peace, and Partnerships.”

The First Lady highlighted that the theme of the conference underscores the vital role that harnessing Nigeria’s tourism potential can play in fostering significant partnerships, addressing key security concerns, creating job opportunities, and promoting entrepreneurship in the sector. She added that Kwara, with its strategic location in the North Central region, is endowed with numerous and captivating tourist destinations.

Widely referred to as ‘ a wonder in the wilderness’ the Owu falls Professor Olufolake explained is the highest and most spectacular natural water fall in West Africa, founded in 1945 and widely referenced to as the mother of all museums in Nigeria the Esie Museum is located in Irepodun local government area of Kwara State, the imole boja rock shelter, the state also have the sobi hills, the University of Ilorin Zoo, the dada pottery, the aso oke weaving centers among other very interesting sites.

She added that in celebrating the rich culture and traditions the state equally have the annual Ilorin durbar, the gani festival, the shao mass wedding and the patigi boat regatta to mention a few.

“‘With rich historical background these wonders of nature and exquisite cultural events are a sight to behold and with the convocation of this conference in Kwara it is my sincere believe that your organization will explore the tourism sites in the state”

Professor Olufolake pointed out that a history dating back to 1993, the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators is revered for being at the fore front of driving the growth and development of tourism in the country.

Dedicated to evolving initiatives to create remarkable experience for tourists and promoting the cultural and natural treasures of Nigeria, NATOP has forged strategic partnerships to promote the Nigerian brand in the course of their existence.

Professor Olufolake said that the government of Kwara State under the leadership of her husband Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that opportunities in the tourism sector in the state is maximized and this is evident in the government’s engagements in partnerships, evolving investment friendly policies and engaging in putting in place infrastructures to drive all sectors of the state’s economy.

She noted that in complementing the drive of government her office and the Ajike People Support Center have been actively involved in promoting tourism and celebrating the cultural heritage of the people of Kwara state pointing out that during the host of the state’s Commonwealth quiz competition, top functionaries of the British government were conducted round some of the beautiful sites.

The first lady disclosed that she has sponsored some traditional aso oke weavers to participate in fashion shows of international repute with a view to showcasing Kwara State and enhancing their capacities.