The Special; Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Tourism, Alhaji Luqman Owolewa has stressed the need for effective collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) to promote major tourist centres in the state.

Owolewa made the call recently in Abuja after a delegation from the state led by the state Head of Service, Alhaji Dabarako Mohammed visited the Director General of NTDC, Chief Segun Runsewe at the Tourism Village.

He emphasized the need for tourism to be given due consideration, noting that the economics of countries like South Africa and United Arab Emirate now thrive on tourism.

The governor's aide expressed satisfaction over a fruitful deliberation the team had with the helsman of NTDC, even has he restated the commitment of Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed-led administration to place the state on the world map of tourism.

Also speaking, the Head of Service, Alhaji Dabarako Mohammed said the motive of the visit was to solicit the support of the tourism corporation towards exploring the tourism potentials of the state as this was in line with the present administration's objective.

However, amongst the tourist centres to enjoy the NTDC support, according is the state Head of Service, is the Patigi Boat Regatta, which the entourage said, would be coming up at the end of April, adding that the festival committees have been constituted to ensure a successtVJ events.

In addition, the magnificent Owu Water falls, acclaimed to be the highest in West Africa, is another wonder, that project the natural essence orthe rich tourist potential of the state, white a durbar fiesta will be given due consideration in the renewed partnership between Federal Government and the Kwara State government.

Mohammed therefore, identified paucity of fund as a major set back in the actualization of the lofty goals, pointing out the pavilion which is used for the Patigi Regatta, is at the moment partially submerged in water and would require about N60 million to bring it to standard to avert tears, especially during the raining season.

Responding, the NTDC boss, Chief Segun Runsewe congratulated the Kwara State government for its untiring effort in promoting tourism while assuring that his office would do everything possible to assist the state to develop tourism sector in the state.

By Ahmed Lateef (The Herald)