The Kwara State Government has announced plans to unlock the hidden potential in the tourism and hospitality sector for the state's economic growth.

Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, the State Commissioner for Communications, who disclosed this, expressed the readiness of the state government to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to promote the hospitality and tourism sector in the state, thereby further enhancing economic growth and development.

Olukoju stated this at the Hospitality Impact and Innovation Conference 2025 in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Represented by the Secretary of the Hospitality and Tourism Development Board, Mrs Adenike Akanni, the Commissioner called for continued support from relevant stakeholders to create, build, innovate, and transform the state's cultural assets into sustainable opportunities for the populace.

She noted with satisfaction that the conference, themed "Tourism Transformed: From Vision to Action", truly captured the progress the state government had made in the sector.

She stated that the government's significant strides in the sector have continued to yield positive results by redefining the state's cultural identity, economic strength, and global relevance.

Olukoju applauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his vision and commitments to turning the state tourism assets such as Owu Falls, Esie Museum, Sobi Hills into engines of economic growth.

In his remarks, the Oloro of Oro, Oba Joel Oyatoye Titiloye, thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for safeguarding and promoting the rich heritage of the state.

Earlier, the Convener of the conference, Mrs Folashade Folayan, had thanked the governor for providing an enabling environment for hospitality and tourism to thrive in the state.

She urged the people of the state to key into the opportunities already provided by the government and take advantage of the exciting world of tourism and hospitality.