As preparations for this year’s Grand Durbar Festival slated for June in Ilorin, Kwara State hits top gear, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority has promised massive support amongst other offerings.
The Director Overseeing the Office of Director General, Richard Ovie Esewhaye made this known while receiving a delegation from the Ilorin Durbar Emirate promising to make an impressive NTDA representation within the limits of available resources.
He noted that the Authority has always supported tourism related programs with a view to boosting Nigeria’s economy by showcasing her rich cultural endowments in fulfilment of its traditional mandate of promoting tourism across Nigeria.
Esewhaye assured that the NTDA will ensure that this year’s edition enjoys the promotional input it accords other tourism-related projects including destinations and festivals in the country.
The leader of the delegation from the Ilorin Durbar Emirate led by Engr. Suleiman Yahaya [Danmasanin Ilorin] thanked the Authority for its huge support during past Durbars extolling its track record in promoting and developing tourism and culture in Nigeria.
He stressed that by sustaining mutual cooperation between both NTDA and the Emirate, the forthcoming Grand Durbar promises to be a five-star showing given its rich cultural profile in horse riding and other attractive components.
Addressing Esewhaye and his management team, the representative of the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambari [CFR] reiterated the essence of the visit saying that UNESCO recognises the international status of the festival which has been in place since 1830 and was rebranded in 2018 by Dr. Gambari.
The group requested that the Authority involve members of the diplomatic community as it plans to help make this year’s Durbar colourful and sophisticated both for local visitors and international guests.
Source: NTDA Press/Public Relations Unit
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