Member representing Igalamela-Odolu Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Cosmas Ilemona Atabor was, on Friday, honoured by Department of Leisure and Tourism, Federal Polytechnic Idah at the occasion of World Tourism Day, held at the institution’s Old Convocation Square.
Also honoured at the colourful event was the Administrator of Idah local government, Hon. Hilary Amodu as well as renowned scholar and business mogul, Chief Dr. Abel Amodu.
The event was also attended by the member representing Idah Constituency, Hon. Suleiman Atajachi Musa and the Administrator of Igalamela-Odolu local government area, Hon. Patrick Onogu whom were also accorded special recognition.
Speaking at the event, the Head of the Department of Leisure and Tourism, Dr. Mejabi Ekundayo stated that he was “delighted to have so many eminent personalities available to celebrate the 27th of September, a day set aside by the United Nations to celebrate tourism.
“The purpose of the event is to foster awareness among the international community on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic values”.
Dr Mejabi also described tourism and travel as a high growth industry that has the potential to create millions of jobs and boost employment prospects.
Similarly, the President of the National Association of Tourism Students, FPI Chapter, Com. Ilemuda Ibe described the theme of this year’s occasion, “Tourism and Jobs: a better future for all’, as “crucial to the development of the tourism sector in Nigeria”.
He thanked the invited guests, members of the Department and students of the polytechnic for turning out massively for the occasion. He also called on the government and the private sector to see tourism development in Nigeria as a collective responsibility.
In his reaction, Hon. Cosmas Atabor expressed his appreciation to the staff and students of the department of Leisure and Tourism for the honour bestowed on him and assured the department of his unending collaboration in all future endeavours.He also assured them of the readiness of the House Committee on Tourism’s support in all their programmes.
Similarly, the Administrator of Igalamela-Odolu local government area, Hon Patrick Onogu pledged his readiness and that of his administration to partner with the Department of Leisure and Tourism, Federal Polytechnic, Idah in order to maximise the tourism potentials of the local government.
The event featured lots of exciting and colourful cultural displays that left the audience really thrilled.
