From Nahum Sule, Jalingo
The Taraba State government lead by governor Agbu Kefas has pledged to place premium priority on the development of tourism in the state and engage in massive tree planting to preserve the ecosystem.
In his speech commemorating the world Tourism Day in Gembu, Sardauna local government of state, he said tourism in Taraba state has not received the intention it needed through out the years, and his administration will create jobs, and boost the state internal generalize revenue.
The governor who was represented by his deputy Alhaji Aminu Alkali, government is taking the lead in creating enabling environment to attract critical funding in a sectors that offers more employment opportunities.
According to him he said “We will take advantage of the enormous tourist potential using the machinaries of public private partnerships and developing partners to drive the sector”.
“To sustain our tourist attraction, I implore the task force to put and end to illegal mining and deforestation. We’ve also made a move in a massive trees planting efforts , we’re waiting on the full delivery of seedlings to be planted and restored our wood’s plant” he said.
He further state that the government will promote and protect the unique cultural heritage that was handed over to us by our ancestors
Also speaking, the Taraba state commissioner for heritage and ecotourism Rev. Joseph Nagombe urged local and international tourists to visit the state known as “Nature’s gift to the world”, said Taraba is endowed with numerous natural tourist attractions.
Nagombe said that the state government would not hesitate to provide the enabling environment for investments to thrive within the state.
He further state that Taraba is endowed with historical and tourist sites and can boost the nation’s economy if fully harness.
Our correspondent observe that the state is blessed with fascinating tourism sites like the Mambilla Plateau with an average elevation of about 1,600 metres above sea level, making it the highest Plateau in Nigeria.
The Plateau covers an area of over 9,389 square kilometres, it is a tourist delight.
The Gashaka Gumti National Park is Nigeria’s largest national park with a total landmass of about 6,402 km, endowed with both fauna and floral.
The occasion which mark the 46th tourism day, saw in the attendance, UN, deligation, delegation from Trinidad and Tobago, the Taraba SGS, members Taraba assembly Commissioners, Traditional rulers and various stakeholders.
