Key government appointees in the culture and tourism sector of the economy have kicked off plans to host an international tourism carnival in the state.

The State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Acharu Okpanachi, made this known when she played host to key stakeholders in Lokoja on Monday.

The meeting had in attendance, Chairman Hogi Hotels and Tourism Board, Prince Philip Orebiyi; Special Adviser on Arts and Culture, Hon Juwon Olorunnipa; Special Adviser on Hospitality and Tourism, Hon Shuaibu Audu and the Senior Special Assistant on Hotels and Tourism, Hon Yakubu Yusuf.

The meeting was an initiative of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Zainab Obadaki.

The Commissioner said the meeting became necessary for the parties involved to fashion a formidable front of hosting a world class international carnival and to understand individual responsibilities in making the planned carnival a huge success.

She called for cooperation and support in the bid for them to achieve the set goals and objectives.

She urged the team to jointly make Governor Usman Ododo proud of their proposed achievements in a short time possible.

In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of Culture and Tourism Ministry, Dr Zainab Obadaki harped on the need for an international carnival as it is long over due, stressing the need to showcase the hidden treasures, cultural heritage and customs prevalent in a historic state like Kogi, not undermining the multiplier effect of the economic returns and values accruable to the state at large.

“We are likeminds and the goal is to see Kogi State soar on the global space,” she said.

The permanent secretary who reiterated the need for harmonious working relationship for the attainment of the overall objectives of moving the sector to a greater height used the opportunity to highlight each roles and responsibilities of all the member of the office management team and that of the political appointees for the collective efforts of achieving a common goal.

She stressed the need to collaboratively attract investors to the sector for upward generation of revenue for the state.

The political appointees, in their separate remarks, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the ministry and state at large, and most profoundly expressed gratitude to the Governor for giving them the privilege to serve in their individual capacity.

They promised to leave no stone unturned in their individual and collective efforts to rewrite the story of Kogi State.