Date: 2019-12-30

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed at the weekend emphasised the promotion of cultural festival.

The duo said this in Offa, Offa local government of the state at this year's Ijakadi Festival.

Alhaji Mohammed, who was represented by the state Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Segun Adeyemi said that "promotion of cultural will attract investors to the county from across the globe."

Governor AbdulRazaq restated his administration's commitment to grow culture and tourism in the state.

He acknowledged the self-driven development initiatives and resilience of the Offa people and how their support in the run up to the election had been very decisive in the Kwara's political struggle.

Said he: "The Ijakadi Offa Festival typifies your resilience and ingenuity as a people and this has continued to make you critical stakeholders in the socioeconomic and political space of Kwara State.

I urge you to never relent in this regard because healthy competition - devoid of destructive jealousy - is key to development.

"The 2020 budget contains provisions to promote our cultural heritage as Kwarans as well as project our festivals to the world as part of our efforts to making tourism a major revenue earner for the state.

"The Kwara we used to know was renowned for the entrepreneurial spirit of its people. Our people were not always dependent on handouts from any government but things changed along the way following a deliberate effort to impoverish the people.

Even then, many people and communities resisted such tendency. I am proud to say that the people of Offa stood tall during those dark years. I must thank you for that.

"Going forward, this administration will promote qualitative and inclusive education, enterprise, and sustainable development with all seriousness. The 2020 budget has pointed in that direction and your own son is at the centre of our developmental initiatives as the commissioner for enterprise.

"One of our upcoming projects is the renovation of the Offa Grammar School. We have completed the tender process to rehabilitate the Offa water works to strengthen sanitation and public health.

"We have recently fixed the Popo Road, while we have also awarded the construction of Tipper Garage-Amuyo-to-Adesoye College road."

The Olofa of Offa Oba Mohammed Muftau Gbadamosi at the occasion bestowed on the governor a chieftaincy title of Soludero of Offa Land.

The monarch said AbdulRazaq has made history as the first Governor to attend the event since it began eight years ago and gave him the traditional title (roughly the comforter of Offa Land) because his attendance shows his love for culture and community development

"This is the eight edition of Ijakadi festival and His Excellency is the first Governor to attend this programme. I'm giving him the title of Soludero of Offa Land. That's a mark of our appreciation for your coming. This event is about our love for equity, justice and fairness. We have always shown the way not only in Kwara but in Northern Nigeria. We are always helping our community," the Olofa said.