Nassarawa governor receives NATOP President, seeks association’s support for state’s cultural festival

The Executive Governor of Nassarawa Engr. Abdullahi Sule recently hosted the National President of Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Hajia Bilkisu Abdul. The Governor had invited the President of the association to Lafia to brief her on the plans of the state to host an annual cultural festival in the state.

He informed Bilkisu that he is impressed with the news he has been reading about her work as NATOP President, adding that the association is becoming a household name among many government agencies as the new president has reached out more to major Nigerian organisations and state government.

“I want to join NATOP so I can drive Tourism in my state,” declared the Governor.

The Governor, who invited the President to bring her Members to enjoy the tourism resources of the state, also urged her to bring her BOT members and Executives to meet with the Commissioner of Tourism to arrange a Tour of Nassarawa for NATOP members.

An elated Hajia Bilkisu Abdul thanked the Governor for a wonderful reception accorded her and promised to come back with a bigger team of the best Tourism experts in Nigeria.

“Engaging NATOP to help promote Nassarawa State will yield great result sir. We shall not disappoint you, my members are capable,” she said.

NATOP has been making waves recently with engagements with the National Park Services that recently hosted its monthly meeting at its Head office in Abuja. The Chairman House Committee on Tourism Senator Owelle Rochas Okorocha also hosted her at the National Assembly.

After the ground breaking AGM hosted by the Ooni of Ife, NATOP executive gave time for the memorial of its past President Mrs Fatima Garbati, who died after the Ife AGM. Her memorial was held in August. Many activities had been lined up for the end of year for NATOP members, including Carnival Calabar, Igue Festival in Benin and now the Nassarawa Cultural Festival.