The Kwara Government has expressed the desire to transform the state into a major tourism hub of Nigeria by packaging its cultural activities.

Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed said this in Ilorin on Wednesday while receiving members of the 2012 Ijakadi Offa Festival Working Committee at the Government House.

According to the governor, the various cultural activities in the state will be harnessed as major potential for cultural integration that will place the state on the world tourism map.

Ahmed said that cultural activities and tourism would also be harnessed to enhance improved revenue generation, job creation and youth empowerment.

The governor said that the state's ministry of culture and tourism had been directed to harmonise the various festivals in the state to drive tourism beyond cultural festivities.

"By the time we harmonise the cultural diversity of the state into a major yearly festival, it will be more attractive and innovative," the governor said.

According to him, all cultural activities will be promoted to international standard to transform Kwara State into the tourism hub of Nigeria.

He added that his administration would continue to encourage cultural activities and support communities in showcasing their cultures on cultural and tourism map of the world.

"You can witness Patigi regatta, Gam festival in Kaiama axis, Owu falls and others at the same time in different locations", he said.

Ahmed commended the initiatives of the Offa community, adding that "as the state hosts the next National Cultural Festival, the Ijakadi Offa festival will serve as a litmus test for the state."

He assured the committee that his administration would look at ways of assisting them toward showcasing the festival to the outside world.

Prof. Soladoye Adegboye, the Chairman of the Ijakadi Offa Festival Working Committee, said the festival was initiated in 1935 and managed by the Offa Descendants Union (ODU).

Adegboye said that Offa communities were grateful to the governor for his love on all matters relating to Offa Kingdom heritage and for his love for the royal institution.

According to him, the Ijakadi Offa is a form of lively recreation to promote entertainment, physical fitness and a spirit of healthy rivalry among men.

He said that the festival would hold in December this year. (NAN)