FTAN and Katsina State Government Launch Strategic Partnership to Drive Tourism Development
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has formally pledged a strategic collaboration with the Katsina State government, aiming to harness, develop, and promote the state's rich cultural tourism assets. This partnership is anchored on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, designed to unlock the economic potential of tourism in Katsina by attracting significant investment and strengthening cultural promotion initiatives.
High-Level Engagement and Cultural Immersion
In a statement released yesterday, FTAN President, Dr. Aliyu Badaki, revealed that this commitment followed a recent tour of Katsina State by the association's officials, who were invited by Governor Dikko Radda. The governor hosted the delegation during the historic Hauwan Bariki and Sallah Durbar celebrations, which were held across the Katsina and Daura emirates, providing a firsthand experience of the state's vibrant cultural heritage.
The visiting team included key figures such as the association's First Deputy President, Susan Akporiaye; Vice President for the North West region, El-Kabir Danfulani; and the Executive Director of the Katsina State History and Cultural Bureau, Kabir Masanawa. They were accompanied by over 16 tourism ambassadors who actively participated in the cultural festivities, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the visit.
On-the-Ground Assessments and Strategic Proposals
During their stay, Dr. Badaki reported that the team conducted on-the-spot assessments of key tourism sites and ongoing projects in the state capital. These evaluations focused on identifying opportunities for private sector participation in areas such as marketing, infrastructure development, and investment, aligning with FTAN's broader push to deepen tourism development nationwide.
In a formal presentation to the state government, Dr. Badaki outlined a set of strategic proposals that detail practical pathways for collaboration. These proposals aim to promote Katsina's cultural heritage and position it as a viable and attractive tourism destination, leveraging both public and private resources for sustainable growth.
Governor's Commitment and Recognition
In his remarks, Governor Dikko Radda reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to fostering tourism growth in Katsina State. He also requested a formal re-presentation of the Tourism Icon Award 2025, which was earlier conferred on him at the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition in Abuja. This annual forum, organized by FTAN, serves as a veritable platform for showcasing Nigeria's tourism potential and attracting investors from both the public and private sectors.
The upcoming edition of the forum, scheduled for July alongside FTAN's Annual General Meeting (AGM), is set to feature a revamped format. This new approach is geared towards boosting participation and expanding the event's impact on the tourism sector, further supporting initiatives like the Katsina partnership.
This collaboration between FTAN and Katsina State represents a significant step towards realizing the economic benefits of tourism through innovative PPP models, with the potential to serve as a blueprint for other regions in Nigeria.
