From Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin
Nigeria’s permanent delegate to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Hajo Sanni, and the Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Folorunsho Coker, yesterday, said the Ilorin Emirate annual durbar can be used as a springboard to attract foreign investments to Nigeria.
They spoke in Ilorin, Kwara State during the 2022 Ilorin Emirate Durbar at the forecourt of the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
The UNESCO ambassador, who was represented by Uche Ibe, said the durbar is good enough to attract foreign tourists to Kwara, who may in turn invest in the state because of its serene environment.
She said UNESCO “is convinced that no development can be sustainable without a strong culture component.
“It is my wish to advocate that the solutions we seek to major global challenges lie in our taking full advantage of our cultural heritage. On this, I challenge our cultural sentinels to do all they can to promote cultural revival.”
NTDC Director General, who was represented by Nana Yakubu, thanked the emir, the organisers and the people of Ilorin Emirate for a beautiful display of culture.
Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, congratulated the emir, the organisers and the entire people of Ilorin Emirate on the successful holding of the durbar.
Chairman of Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee, Yahaya Alapasanpa, called on Governor AbdulRazaq to use his influence to attract foreign tourists to the state to witness the durbar programme.
This, he said, will encourage the tourists to invest in the state, thereby improving its internally generated revenue.