Fed Ministry of Tourism advances collaboration with Taraba Govt to woo investors
Jethro Yerga, Jalingo,
The Federal Ministry of Tourism has taken pragmatic moves to work to collaborate with the Taraba State Government towards enhancing operations at the Mambilla Plateau to encourage foreign investors in Taraba State.
Following the moves, the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade- John had paid a courtesy call on Taraba State Governor, where she took an official tour to the Mambila Plateau to assess the tourist potentials and true state of the area.
The Minister was during the visit, accompanied by prominent tourist investors including Mr Sobowale Junior, a prominent tourism investor and representative of tourism conglomerates from the United Kingdom.
Addressing journalists in Jalingo, the state capital, shortly after the tour, the Minister applauded the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty at the Mambila Plateau, saying that Taraba State stands as a profound symbol of historic relevance in the development of tourism industry in the country.
She disclosed that the Federal Government was already considering building an airstrip on the Mambilla Plateau to encourage investors and enhance tourism development in the area.
Stressing the need to work together to develop a tourism sector that the state could be proud of, Lola Ade-John, revealed that, Mr. Sobowale Junior, the proprietor of Seal Holdings Ltd, has expressed his keen interest in collaborating with the Taraba State government to explore opportunities for enhancing tourism development in the region.
“The UK-based investor is currently interested in establishing collaborative ventures and forming partnerships with Gashaka Gumti National Park and the esteemed Mambilla Plateau beverage company. This company is well-known for producing the renowned High Land Tea, a premium beverage that has gained a strong following.
“This collaboration presents an exciting opportunity for both parties to leverage their strengths and expertise for mutual benefit and sustainable growth.” she stressed.
The Minister further urged the Taraba State Government to create a tourism strategy for the state that would promotes the use of local products which would in turn, be used to produce tourism materials, noting that the materials should be made from raw materials that are locally sourced and available within the state.
Earlier on his arrival in the state, the Governor of Taraba State Dr Agbu Kefas who was represented by the Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Alkali, appreciated the minister for the visit and urged her to be encouraged by the natural endowments of the state and work out measures that would put the state on the roadmap of tourism development.
The Governor stressed the significant potentials of Taraba State Tourism Industry, noting that it would have huge contributions to National Economic Development.
He appealed to the Federal government, relevant stakeholders and potential investors to collaborate with the state on enhancing the infrastructure, services and overall visitor experience at the Gashaka Gumti National Park.
Meanwhile, the Minister had during the tour, visited the Palace of the Chief of Gembu, Dr Shehu Audu Bajju, who expressed the willingness of the people of the area to protect all tourism investments on the Mambilla Plateau.
Dr Bajju emphasized that the region enjoys a peaceful environment and stable hydroelectric power, which are essential for tourism development.
According to the Chief, the Mambilla Plateau has the Potentials to become a tourist paradise comparable to the Obudu Highlands.
