By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
A former Nasarawa State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Comrade Dogo Shammah, has called on the Nasarawa State Government and other North Central states to prioritize investment in tourism and cultural development as a viable strategy for economic growth and cultural preservation.
Comrade Shammah, a seasoned journalist and former chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state, made the appeal during an interview in Lafia.
He emphasized the need to develop the numerous untapped tourism sites and cultural heritage locations spread across communities in the region, noting that such investments could generate substantial revenue while promoting the people's identity.
“Nasarawa State boasts several nationally and internationally recognized tourism and cultural sites, such as the Farin Ruwa Waterfalls in Wamba LGA, the perennial spring water in Awe LGA, Feferuwa Lake in Lafia, Captain Melony Hill in Keffi, and Ara Rock in Nasarawa LGA,” he stated.
He urged Governor Abdullahi Sule to champion the development of these sites, stressing that doing so would have a transformative impact on the local economy and improve the livelihoods of citizens.
Shammah commended Governor Sule’s commitment to transforming Nasarawa into a regional economic hub, especially through initiatives aimed at attracting investors.
He cited the recent move to host investors interested in generating hydro power from the Farin Ruwa Dam in Wamba as a forward-thinking step that could boost power supply and open up the state for development.
The former commissioner further called on state and local governments to partner with the media in promoting their cultural assets.
“A synergy with the media is essential for effectively showcasing the rich heritage of our people,” he added.
He concluded by expressing satisfaction with Governor Sule’s leadership, urging stakeholders and residents to support the administration’s vision for unity, peace, and sustainable development across Nasarawa State.
