Bilkisu Ogueyi revitalises Kogi tourism, focusing on attractions like Agbaja Plateau and River Niger to boost the state’s global appeal.

Kogi State is undergoing a remarkable transformation in its tourism sector under the leadership of Bilkisu Abdulsalam Ogueyi, the general manager of the Kogi State Hotels and Tourism Board.

With her wealth of experience as a former president of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and over 20 years in the industry, Ogueyi is leveraging her expertise to reposition Kogi’s numerous attractions as major tourist destinations.

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Since assuming her role, Ogueyi has undertaken extensive engagements with stakeholders across the state, forging collaborations with private sector players and external organisations to stimulate growth in the sector.

A notable milestone was her meeting with Wanle Akinboboye, founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Lagos.

This collaboration aims to inspire the development of similar world-class resorts in Kogi, particularly leveraging the River Niger’s scenic potential.

Following the Lagos meeting, Ogueyi led her team and investors from Abuja on a field trip from 20–21 November 2024, to explore prominent attractions in Lokoja.

The sites visited included Agbaja Plateau, the Confluence River, Mount Patti, and Jimbe Beach.

The Agbaja Plateau is a sprawling 50-kilometre expanse known for its striking ironstone formations and rich ecological significance.

Rising between 300 and 600 metres above sea level, the plateau features rugged terrains, natural caves, and flat-topped hills, making it a haven for geologists and nature enthusiasts.

It is also home to local communities with vibrant traditions and historical landmarks such as a colonial-era rest house linked to Lord Lugard.

Lokoja’s iconic Confluence River is where the Niger and Benue Rivers meet, creating a y-shaped spectacle. Best experienced at sunrise or sunset, this geographical wonder offers scenic views, boating opportunities, and cultural immersion at nearby riverside markets.

Historically, Lokoja served as Nigeria’s first administrative capital under British rule, further enhancing the site’s allure.

Mount Patti, standing 458 metres above sea level, offers panoramic views of Lokoja and the Niger-Benue confluence. It is also steeped in history, hosting a colonial rest house associated with Lord Lugard.

The mountain caters to adventurers with hiking trails and recreational spots, making it a popular choice for both tourists and locals.

Situated along Kogi’s riverbanks, Jimbe Beach provides a tranquil environment for picnics, fishing, and leisure activities. Surrounded by lush vegetation, the beach also facilitates cultural exchange with nearby fishing communities.

The team identified infrastructural deficits across all sites, including poor road networks, limited tourist amenities, and inadequate promotional efforts.

Specific issues include lack of signage at Mount Patti, poor accessibility to the Agbaja Plateau, and minimal facilities at Jimbe Beach.

To address these issues, Ogueyi proposed:

• Infrastructure upgrades and eco-tourism initiatives.
• Development of guided tours and annual cultural festivals.
• Restoration of historical structures and the introduction of recreational amenities.
• Enhanced marketing to position Kogi as a leading destination in Nigeria.

In her concluding remarks, Ogueyi emphasised the unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance that Kogi’s attractions offer.

“By improving infrastructure, promoting eco-tourism, and preserving natural and cultural resources, we can unlock their full potential as prime tourist attractions in Nigeria,” she said.

As the revitalisation journey continues, the Kogi State Hotels and Tourism Board plans to explore more sites, fostering partnerships and investments to transform the state into a premier tourist hub.

The Plateau Government revives Jos Wildlife Park, boosting tourism with upgrades like solar lights, boreholes, and perimeter fencing.

The Plateau Patriotic Front (PPF), a socio-political group, has praised the Plateau State Government for its efforts in reviving the Jos Wildlife Park, describing it as a transformative move for the state’s tourism industry.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the PPF Chairman, Mr Mani Imman, commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for prioritising the park’s rehabilitation, which aligns with the administration’s vision to enhance tourism and stimulate the state’s economy.

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“The revitalisation of the Jos Wildlife Park is a significant step toward preserving its sanctity while boosting Plateau’s economy.

These efforts reflect the administration’s commitment to making tourism a key economic driver for the state,” Imman stated.

The park, which spans 12 square kilometres, has seen substantial improvements, including the construction of a perimeter fence to secure its boundaries. Governor Mutfwang’s administration has also overseen:

• Renovation and rehabilitation of existing structures.
• Installation of 20 solar-powered lights to enhance safety and visibility.
• Drilling of a borehole with an overhead tank to address water supply issues.
• Laying pipes to ensure adequate water distribution to the park’s ponds.

“The morale of staff has been significantly boosted, and the infrastructure upgrades signal a new era for the park,” Imman added.

As the festive season approaches, Imman urged residents and visitors to explore the revitalised Jos Wildlife Park, noting that its restoration presents an excellent opportunity for recreation and cultural engagement.

The Jos Wildlife Park has long been a symbol of Plateau State’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and showcasing Nigeria’s natural heritage.

With these recent enhancements, the park is poised to reclaim its status as a premier tourist attraction in the region.

Lagos State partners with Wikimedia Nigeria for the Wiki Imagine Lagos initiative to preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism.

Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Wikimedia User Group Nigeria, has unveiled the Wiki Imagine Lagos initiative, a transformative project aimed at digitally preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and tourist attractions.

This collaboration seeks to promote sustainable tourism development while enhancing Lagos’ global visibility through Wikipedia, the world’s most-referenced online encyclopedia.

Also read: Lagos State launches Wiki-Imagine Lagos writing contest to spotlight cultural heritage

Dr. Isaac Olatunde, Secretary to the Wikimedia Nigeria Board of Trustees, officially launched the project during a webinar.

In his address, he reiterated Wikimedia Nigeria’s dedication to documenting Lagos’ vibrant history and cultural assets.

The Wiki Imagine Lagos initiative incorporates:

• Content and Photo Submission Contests: Encouraging contributions that highlight Lagos’ overlooked heritage and attractions.
• Thematic Edit-a-Thons: Events to update and expand Wikipedia articles on Lagos.
• Customised Plaques with Wikipedia URLs: Strategically placed at heritage sites to direct visitors to detailed online information.

A groundbreaking element of the initiative is the appointment of a Wikipedia-In-Residence at the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, a first in Nigeria and Africa.

Following a Needs Assessment, it was discovered that over 70% of Lagos’ 163 documented heritage resources are absent from Wikipedia. The project aims to address this gap, leveraging Wikipedia’s vast reach to improve awareness.

To kickstart the project, the organisers hosted a webinar featuring a panel discussion moderated by Airat Abdul Rahmon of Voice of Nigeria. Key panellists included:

• Mrs Adetoke Benson Awosika, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture
• Olusola Olaniyan, Chairperson of Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation Inc.
• Pelu Awofeso, Award-winning Journalist
• Okorie Uguru, Publisher of Africa Travel Herald
• Mevin Iteghete, Information Technologist

The discussion highlighted the initiative’s potential to position Lagos as a hub for cultural tourism and digital innovation.

In tandem, a writing contest for Nigerian journalists was announced, challenging participants to spotlight underrepresented Lagos heritage sites.

Top entries will win prizes of ₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200, with selected stories incorporated into Wikipedia during edit-a-thons.

This partnership aligns with SDG 11, which advocates for inclusive and sustainable urban settlements. By showcasing Lagos’ unique history and culture, the Wiki Imagine Lagos initiative underscores the economic and cultural vibrancy of the state to a global audience.

Chairman of Wikimedia Nigeria, Ambassador Olusola Olaniyan, praised the collaboration as a historic step in bridging culture and technology.

“This project is a milestone in preserving Lagos’ heritage and amplifying its international appeal,” he stated.

Through innovative efforts like Wiki Imagine Lagos, Lagos State is setting a precedent in blending cultural preservation with digital technology to secure its legacy for generations to come.