By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has inaugurated a Taskforce on Hospitality Reform aimed at repositioning the state’s hospitality and tourism industry to meet global best standards.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Chairman of the Taskforce and State Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said the reforms form part of the administration’s ongoing rural and urban renewal programmes.
She added that the initiative is designed to restore order in the sector and create an enabling environment for investors, operators, and visitors.
“This administration, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is committed to raising the bar in the hospitality and tourism sector. With this Taskforce, we are determined to ensure that Kwara’s hospitality industry is modern, well-regulated, and competitive with global standards,” Olukoju stated.
She explained that the Taskforce is made up of seasoned professionals and representatives from relevant regulatory agencies with a mandate to sanitise, regulate, and reform the industry.
According to her, “The Taskforce comprises representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency, Kwara State Hospitality Management and Tourism Board, State Geographic Information Service, State Signage and Advertising Agency, State Internal Revenue Service, and State Fire Service.”
Olukoju further noted that the committee would also collaborate with national regulatory bodies such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) to achieve its mandate.
Speaking on behalf of the Taskforce members, the Secretary of the Kwara State Hospitality Management Board, Mrs. Akanni Ramat Adenike, commended the Governor for the bold step to reform the industry. She pledged the full support of members to the Chairman, assuring that the Taskforce would deliver on its responsibilities.