By Mike Adeyemi
The Kwara State Government penultimate Wednesday called on the people of Kwara to invest in hospitality industry toward making the state a source of tourism.
The Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Communications, Hajia Rabiat Mopelola AbdulRahaman made the appeal during a familiarization visits to Monarchs Luxury Hotels, Ilorin.
According to her, “the present government in the state has provided an enabling environment for investors in the industry to create more jobs in the state.’
“Much efforts have been made by the Governor AbduRahman AbdulRazaq-led Administration towards encouraging hospitality industry all in a bid to add values to the state’s tourist attractions.
“Kwara State Government will complement the efforts of the hoteliers, especially in the areas of job creation for the teeming youths as this will reduce high rates of unemployment in Kwara State,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary added that it is incumbent hotel owners in the state to be security conscious so as not to harbour criminals in their domains as government would frown at any hospitality industry that indulges in such act.
“I want to charge you to always be law abiding and desist from harbouring criminals, drug addicts any form of immoral activities such as nude parties in your hotel.
“Any business organisation found guilty of accommodating criminals in their hotel will face the full wrath of law. Am also appealing to hotel owners to strictly adhere to the Covid-19 protocols.
“I equally want to implore you to be diligent toward payment of your taxes and dues to the Kwara State Government as part of efforts to compliment government’s plight in making the state a tourist center” AbdulRahman stressed.
Speaking with our reporter, the Managing Director Monarchs Luxury Hotel, Engr. Yusuf Aliyu appreciated the state government for providing enabling environment for hospitality outfits to operate fully in the state.
He said the desire to contribute to the economic development of Kwara State spurred him to invest in hospitality industry hence creating jobs in the state.
“Hospitality industry, has evolved in Kwara State and the state can compete favourably with other States in Nigeria. Kwara is at the heart centre of Nigeria and the state is blessed with tourist attractions.
“Having travelled across the globe, I considered it appropriate to put up this edifice as part of efforts to support what government is doing toward creating jobs for our teeming youths.
Aliyu however, pledged to continue to cooperate with the Kwara State Government in turning the state to a tourist destination at the same time ensure prompt payment of taxes, assuring that Kwarans would be enjoying a money value services from his outfits.
