Dankwambo urges investment in culture, tourism

GOMBE State Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo has urged communities and individuals to invest in culture and tourism in the state.

Dankwambo, who made the call at the 10th Pissi Tangale yearly cultural festival in Billiri Local Council of the state at the weekend represented by his deputy, Mr. Charles Iliya, said the development of culture and tourism is a collective responsibility for the development and promotion of cultural activities in the state.

He said: “Our administration recognises and places high premium on the positive role culture plays in our development and is making concerted efforts to promote cultural activities in the state.

“I want to assure you of our determination and commitment to support organisations and communities in that regard.

The governor, who also called on other communities in the state to emulate the Tangale community by organising such cultural festival to showcase their rich cultural heritage, said: “Let me reiterate that the laudable vision of the Tangale community is in line with the state government determination to harness our culture and tourism potentials for the development of the state.

“Gombe State has enormous tourism potentials that can be utilised to meet its socio-economic needs.”

According to him, state government has continuously provided financial support to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to enable it organise cultural activities and participate at the National Culture and Tourism programmes.

In another development, Mr. Esai Dangabas, who was Guest Speaker at the occasion, advised the state government to introduce the customary court system like other state to enhance security and stability of Tangale nation.

He said the court would also help toward implementation of Tangale inheritance system “to serve as a stabilising force for the Tangale nation.”

Dangabas commended the Mai (Chief) of Tangale Chiefdom for constituting committee on dispute over lands, marriage, among others, as it would tremendously help for the progress of the community.

Also, Chairman of the occasion, Senator Ajuji Waziri, commended the Mai Chiefdom of Tangale for maintaining and promoting the chiefdom cultural festival.

He, therefore, called on the people of the community to respect their culture and be attending the programme where-ever they are as its their identity.

In his remarks, Caretaker Chairman, Mr. Faruk Dankuka, said the yearly festival would help the Tangale people to develop the cultural consciousness and educate the young and old on their culture and tradition worldwide.

He appealed to the state government for more projects in the state, especially in the council.