Tourism as a Rallying Point for Peace

The nation is again griped by sorrow as news of fresh killings in Benue State. The nation has been engulfed in violence and is hard to contend with incessant killings almost on daily basis since the outbreak of herdsmen-farmers clashes. It is quite unfortunate that despite efforts to stop the menace, the violent trend has continued to ravage the people and the beautiful land of Nigeria.

Incidentally, some of the state that were affected by the herdsmen – farmers clashes are Plateau and Benue State, used to be the tourist site and the pride of the nation. Plateau as a matter of fact was carved out from the old Benue-Plateau in 1976. The state surrounded by fascinating hills and wildlife safari parks is described as the home of peace and tourism.

Shere Hill at Jos, Plateau State

Jos Wildlife Park

Moreover, the African drums festival was celebrated at Abeokuta, Ogun State. It attracted people of diverse cultures and religions within and outside the country. It provided a meeting point for Nigerians to appreciate the nation’s cultural heritage and put behind those nasty factors that divide us. Apart from promoting the cultural heritage, the drum festival also succeeded in raking-in some cool revenue for Ogun State.

2018 African Drum Festival at Abeokuta

Likewise, the Lagos State Government has been showcasing it’s heritage with the hosting of several festivals.

Eyo Festival in Lagos

Similarly, the east african countries and south african region’s countless tourism sites have the potentials to awake love, peace and unity in the continent. It might also interest you to know that in next ten years tourism has been projected to rake-in ten trillion dollars revenue globally. In the same vein, the sector should account for three hundred and twenty eight million jobs.

Tsavo National Park in Kenya, East Africa

Excogitates:

CHANNELS IN EXPLORING THE BEAUTY OF THE LAND TO PROMOTE PEACE AND UNITY

R: Chief Dayo Adeneye spotted at the drums festival at Abeokuta, Ogun State

He said, “Eventhough nobody wants to go anywhere there is no peace, we must not continue to look at all the negatives; we must be forward thinking and forward looking.

“Dubai is a desert, nothing grows there, nothing to look at there but it’s people have forward thinking. They believed, “if we build this, tourists will come.”

“The last drum festival at Abeokuta  in Ogun State, was a great example. While looking at the economic impact, our hotel were booked, shopping was done, interaction with the host involving exchange of culture and languages. Thus, the tourists took better image of Nigeria back to their destinations.”

A tourist at the drums festival

Also speaking on the program is the Plateau State’s Commissioner for information and Strategy, Honorable Yakubu Dati, stressed that the Plateau State Government launched the strategic road map for peace.

Plateau State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Honorable Yakubu Dati

He said, “That is a strategic document containing steps to derive peace systematically. The Plateau State Government has introduced the Jos Carnival, first of its kind in the north. We are moving towards the second edition and also in partnership with Calabar carnival to be able to gradually learn from their success and grow the tourism industry in Jos.

Jos Carnival 2017

“Tourism takes people off the street. Because, when a tourist center is developed it creates employment and business opportunities involving whole lot of economic activities.” He added.