The Adamawa government says it is committed to leveraging the state’s rich cultural diversity to promote investment and expand business opportunities.

Aloysius Babadoke, commissioner for culture and tourism, stated this on Saturday in Yola, during a colourful cultural display and durbar procession to mark the 2025 World Tourism Day.

Mr Babadoke said Adamawa’s deep-rooted cultural heritage would serve as a catalyst for economic revival, adding that the celebration reflected the state’s unity in diversity.

“The theme of this year’s World Tourism Day is Sustainable Transformation. It aligns perfectly with Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri’s transformation agenda.

“The decision to host the event in Yola this year was deliberate, to showcase the remarkable transformation the state capital and Adamawa at large have witnessed under the governor’s administration.

“From the Sukur Cultural Landscape in Madagali, Nigeria’s only United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, to Kiri Dam in Shelleng and the serene landscapes of Numan, Adamawa tells a story of beauty and resilience,” he said.

The commissioner commended Mr Fintiri for consistently supporting the annual cultural event in the last three years, noting that previous celebrations were held in Sukur and Shelleng before being brought to the state capital.

He added that the event was not only about cultural entertainment but also a platform to strengthen peace, unity and investment opportunities.

“The peaceful coexistence among the Bachama, Fulani, Igbo, Tiv, Marghi, Laka and many other groups is the harmony that defines Adamawa.

“This celebration has shown the world that Adamawa truly stands tall as the land of beauty,” he said.

Also speaking, Emmanuel Aneke, president, Igbo Cultural Association in Adamawa, urged other states to promote their heritage through cultural festivals, citing Osu in Osun and Durbar in Kano state as examples.

He encouraged Nigerians, especially broadcasters, to use their native names to preserve and project Nigerian culture.

“We, the Igbos in Adamawa, are celebrating our culture with our masquerade and traditional attire on display.

“We appreciate our governor for making Adamawa a conducive place for other cultures like ours to live and prosper in business,” Mr Aneke said.

The event featured colourful performances from Hausa, Igbo, Fulani, Tiv and other ethnic groups.

 (NAN)