Emmanuel OchayiIn a resounding declaration on the occasion of World Tourism Day, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has laid out an ambitious plan to reinvigorate the state’s tourism sector by channeling investments into the arts and culture industry.
This bold move is set to not only boost tourism revenue but also reposition Edo State as a global hub for creativity and artistic expression.
Governor Obaseki made this announcement in commemoration of the 2023 World Tourism Day, an event recognized and celebrated worldwide by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on September 27th.
Underpinning this new vision are investments aimed at transforming Edo State’s cultural landscape, which includes the development of state-of-the-art museums and a groundbreaking archaeological project situated in the city center.
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These endeavors are poised to amplify the state’s allure for international tourists while simultaneously providing a platform for young people to learn and revive the region’s rich cultural heritage.
In his own words, Governor Obaseki explained, “While we are tirelessly working to cultivate the Benin Cultural District into a thriving nucleus for arts and culture, we have successfully attracted investments for the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) and an archaeological initiative dedicated to unearthing artifacts that will deepen our understanding and appreciation of our cultural legacy.”
“The construction of the MOWAA Institute is well underway, and we have more elements of the Benin Cultural District on the horizon. These developments underscore our unwavering commitment to transforming the state into a space that nurtures and showcases its tourism assets,” he added.
To mark this year’s World Tourism Day, the state government has arranged a series of activities, including a stakeholder engagement session focused on validating the Edo State Heritage Protection and Promotion Policy.
Additionally, various programs aligned with this year’s theme, “Tourism and Green Investments,” will be rolled out. Guided tours and workshops, organized in collaboration with experts, will also be conducted as part of the festivities.
Governor Obaseki emphasized the significance of this year’s World Tourism Day celebration, stating, “For us, preserving and building upon the revered cultural heritage left by our ancestors is paramount.
We are not only committed to promoting these treasures but we are also dedicated to fostering a new awareness that will rekindle the ideas and concepts that influenced the exquisite artifacts celebrated worldwide today.
Achieving this goal necessitates increased investment in tourism and the preservation of our cultural heritage.”
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