Governor Mutfwang Lauds for Setting Up Committee To Promote & Address Rural Tourism

Yakubu Busari

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality ,has kick start the process of setting up of Tourism/Cultural Committee across the 17  LGAs in the State  to promote rural tourism and support the development of rural tourism enterprises across the state.

The Commissioner, Hajiya ,Jamila Tukur, said , Mutfwang is focusing on rural areas with an aim to showcase the unique cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and local experiences that rural communities have to offer.

She said this strategy not only to contribute to economic empowerment in rural areas but also enriches the overall tourism experience for visitors.

In the area of revenue, Hajiya Jamila Tukur disclosed that the Ministry from the inception of the current administration have generated the total sum of 22,130,510.00 (Twenty-two million, one hundred and thirty thousand Naira Only) Future Plans Development of a comprehensive Tourism Master Plan.

She emphasized on the development of the Tourism Master Plan which is ongoing, this will provide a focused base and all-inclusive strategy in the promotion, growth, development and sustainability of tourism in the State.

Tukur Continued that government support through monthly allocations and fund approvals.The Governor has helped to boost the activities of the Ministry through the release of one million naira (N1,000,000) monthly over-head to the Ministry and also approvals and release of funds.

Hajiya Jamila expresses gratitude to the Executive Governor for unwavering support in promoting tourism in Plateau State.

“Plateau State Festival of Arts and Culture (PLAFEST) Jos Carnival World Tourism Day, World Wildlife Day and more events are to be featured at the course of this administration as these are markable events in the State.

” Infrastructural investments to address setbacks and enhance visitor experiences, including renovations, equipment purchases, and wildlife park improvements.

“The Governor approved the sum of ten million, six hundred thousand naira (N10,600,00) for renovation, purchase of furniture, stationeries and 3 computers   for   of the Ministry ,”she explained.

Jamila Tukur disclosed that the Ongoing facelift of the Plateau State Tourism Corporation office complex. The Governor have given a green flag for investigation into the completion of the Prof. Luka Bentu Indoor Theatre.

 He also promised to visit the site to see for himself.The Governor has granted two million naira (N2,000,000)   in March 2024 to fix the official Nissan Bus of the Ministry to aid smooth and hitch free movement of staff members and contingents in and out of the state.

She stated that the Jos Wildlife Park received interventions from some NGOs within the period under review.

” The park is also one of the project areas currently receiving attention from the World Bank funded ACReSAL project, which has provided interventions that include: -1 motorized borehole 20 pairs of uniforms and boots Solar street lights 2 motorcycles and other essential items.

” The Governor has increased the monthly allocation for feeding and medication of animals from 2.5 million naira to 7.5 million naira.

“The Governor sponsored the Honorable commissioner to attend a stakeholder meeting in October,2023 with the national park Abuja for the possible takeover of Pandam game reserve , Jamila Tukur disclosed.

Hajiya Jamila said the  Governor has graciously approved the release of funds for the Ministry to collaborate with Nollywood to train youths from the 17 local governments on Film Production Adoption of E-Tourism concept to digitize industry processes and enhance efficiency.

Ministry hosted an E-Tourism conference by Hall of Fame at the Lamonde Hotel in Jos – April, 2024.

This is part of efforts in achieving current global trends and meeting technology. E-Tourism concept is a current and global trend used internationally in tourism, this introduce digitalization of tourism industry which all the processes of value chains in tourism, travel, hospitality and catering industries can be seen at a glance.

It establishes commercial links via the internet to supply tourism related items/products and services such as flight bookings, hotel reservations, vehicle rentals, etc. Such is to boost overall efficiency and effectiveness.

 Current intervention is in place to provide the Ministry with a standard website in which the Governor has accepted in good faith.

 Diversified tourism initiatives impacting sectors like health, sports, transportation, education etc.Achievements from other sectors have impacts on Tourism which can be termed as indirect impacts or diversified tourism initiatives, such interventions from other tourism related sectors helps in promoting Tourism in the State, E.g. Revamping of Plateau Express and the Introduction of the Metro Busses, Reintroduction of the Operation Rainbow to boost Security, the Green Growth Project, Railway Services, these and many more have gone a long way to have positive impact on Tourism.  Ongoing Initiatives Needs assessment visits to benchmark states to inform development strategies.

The Establishment of Tourism Project advisory team In December 2023, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality.

The team have embarked on needs assessment visits to Delta and Lagos States to serve as benchmarks with an aim to understand and gain first-hand knowledge of the scale and scope of their operations.

These are to provide more knowledge on how to grow and develop tourism in the State.

Collaboration with stakeholders to showcase heritage and natural resources.Stakeholder Engagement with critical stakeholders to pool resources and expertise for planning and organizing events that showcase the rich heritage and unique natural resources of Plateau State.

These collaborative efforts are crucial in promoting tourism, fostering community involvement and boosting the local economy through tourism-related activities.

 Subsequently the Governor gave his consent and approval for visits to all tourism sites in the state to encourage and boost morale of staff members in discharging their duties and promote tourism in Plateau as the States slogan implies Asset Redevelopment Plan to revitalize tourism infrastructure.

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Plateau State Tourism Corporation, Plateau Investment and Property Company (PIPC), and the Project Management and Results Delivery Office are working on Asset Redevelopment Plan it is a strategic plan within the state’s PPP framework to revitalize tourism infrastructure and enhance visitor experiences.

Assessment of all facilities under its care to take stock and subsequently, A team was set up, comprising architects, Quantity Surveyors, Surveyors, and Builders.

 This team have gone round assessing existing tourism facilities in the state, recommending improvements, and providing realistic cost estimates to guide negotiations with investors.

 These efforts are aimed at ensuring that the state is properly guided when engaging investors to ensure sustainability and mutual benefits for all parties involved. The Corporation’s efforts in assessing tourism facilities have reached an advanced stage and the state is on track towards the revitalization and redevelopment of some tourism and hospitality facilities.

 These initiatives will not only enhance visitor experiences but also attract investments that will contribute to the economic growth of the state.Establishment of Tourism/Cultural Committees in LGAs to promote rural tourism.