BREAKING: Gov. Bello Grants Approval To Kogi Cultural Troupe To Participate in the 35th Surajkund Int’l Crafts Mela in India
…..Makes Fund Available
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello has approved the participation of the State Cultural Troupe to represent Nigeria and perform at the 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela in India.
Reports reaching the Intelligence News from the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Salifu Isah Idachaba, explained that Governor Bello also granted approval for funds to be released to enable the State contingent take care of other expenses expected of them.
The highly elated Commissioner appreciated Governor Bello for his pragmatic and timely response, pointing out that the contingent will live up to expectations at the festival.
Hon. Idachaba said Governor Bello who is an Awardee of the Nigerian National Museum and Monument as African Cultural Ambassador, has supported the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism to win many laurels and has set his eyes on making Kogi State the Dubai of Africa within the life span of his tenure in Office.
Governor Bello, a man who has promised not to rest on his oars till the Culture and Tourism sector of the State become a force to be reckoned with in Nigeria, Africa and the World at large, recently set up the Kogi State Advisory Intervention Committee on Culture and Tourism with the aim of revitalizing the sector.
Hon. Idachaba said the efforts of the Governor so far will no doubt, place Kogi State on a high pedestal, describing Kogi as a Tourism hub.
While commending the efforts of those who contributed to the feat, the Commissioner enjoined the Troupe to stay focused and remain dedicated to winning laurels at the Cultural showpiece in India.
Recall that Kogi State Cultural Troupe was picked to represent Nigeria at the event based on merit, following her previous outstanding performances at both national and international cultural scene.
Out of the five States nominated for the trip including Anambra, Edo, Jigawa and Nasarawa, only Kogi was picked following her track records as Defending Champion of Abuja National Carnival – 2016, Nigeria’s Representative at Congo Brazzaville in 2017.
The Troupe also represented Nigeria in a Cultural festival in Tunisia in 2018, emerged Most Enterprising State in Nigeria at NAFEST 2020, crowned Best Costumed Cultural Troupe of the Federation at NAFEST 2021, among others.
The troupe, comprising 12 contingent from Kogi State with 3 national officials from the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, is expected to depart from Abuja on 17th March 2022 by Quatar flight QR 1434 by 20:05am and arrive at Delhi airport on 18th March 2022 by 20:15 hours.
The Troupe is expected to represent Nigeria and perform at the 35th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela at Surajkund Faridabad (Haryana) scheduled to begin from 20th March to 4th April 2022 in India.
