The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing digital technology, creativity, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the state's tourism sector. This move aims to create new economic opportunities for its people and promote the state's cultural heritage. The Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, made this statement in a broadcast on Wednesday to mark the 2026 World Tourism Day.
The theme of this year's World Tourism Day, "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism," is particularly relevant to Kwara. According to Olukoju, technology is increasingly changing how people discover destinations, plan journeys, access information, make bookings, and experience tourist destinations. The state government is committed to exploring technology and innovation to improve the visibility of its tourist attractions and enhance visitors' experiences.
The administration of His Excellency, Mall. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has laid important foundations for this transformation through investments in the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Sugar Film Factory, and the Visual Arts Centre. These initiatives aim to create an ecosystem where technology, creativity, entertainment, and enterprise can thrive. The Sugar Film Factory, for instance, is designed to position Kwara as a destination for film production and creative enterprise.
The Ilorin Innovation Hub is another crucial component of the state's digital transformation agenda, providing a platform for technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital skills development. The government has also exposed thousands of young people across the 16 Local Government Areas to coding and other digital skills through its digital literacy initiatives. This move is expected to empower young people to participate in the growing creative economy.
The state government is also paying attention to tourism and hospitality infrastructure, including the Ilorin International Conference Centre. This facility will provide a platform for conferences, exhibitions, business events, and other gatherings capable of attracting visitors from within and outside Nigeria. Additionally, the government is working on projects connected to the state's cultural heritage, such as the development of the Dada Pottery facility.
The Commissioner for Communications emphasized the importance of human capital development in the digital transformation of tourism. The administration has provided training and capacity-building opportunities for thousands of workers, entrepreneurs, and young people, particularly in Artificial Intelligence, digital skills, and smart working. Olukoju urged young people, tourism practitioners, and hospitality businesses to embrace digital technology and AI while working with the government to build an innovative and sustainable tourism ecosystem.
Olukoju congratulated tourism practitioners, hospitality operators, creatives, cultural custodians, investors, tour guides, artisans, young innovators, and other stakeholders on the celebration of World Tourism Day 2026. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Communications to promoting the state's cultural assets, creative talents, and tourism potential. The government aims to take Kwara to the world by harnessing technology and innovation to showcase its stories, culture, and people.
Key points
- The Kwara State Government is leveraging digital technology and AI to transform its tourism sector and create new economic opportunities.
- The state has invested in initiatives such as the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Sugar Film Factory, and Visual Arts Centre to promote technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
- The government has provided training and capacity-building opportunities for thousands of workers, entrepreneurs, and young people in Artificial Intelligence, digital skills, and smart working.
