The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Bauchi state has said it was removed from Information and Culture for effective and efficient performance.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism as you all know is a government agency responsible for the preservation, promotion development of Bauchi State rich and Cultural heritage and Tourism industry. The Ministry is committed to this administration’s resolve in showcasing the state diverse cultural expressions, natural beauty and historical landmarks to the nation and to the whole world, while fostering indigenous identity and economic growth.
The Ministry’s Mandates include:-
a. Preservation and promotion of cultural heritage sites and monuments.
b. Development of tourism and cultural programme
.c. Identification and Encouragement of tourism and cultural programme d. Organization and presentation of cultural festivals and events
e. Development of Tourism infrastructure and facilities. f.
Promotion of domestic, national festivals and events
The Ministry’s vision under this administration is to make Bauchi State a leading Cultural and Tourism destination, contributing to state development and national understanding. Its mission is to enrich the lives of citizenry and visitors by preserving, promoting and developing the state Cultural heritage and Tourism industry.
The Ministry is headed by a honorable commissioner, supported by a Permanent Secretary and team of experienced administrators and professional directors including managers and other line and support staff. The Ministry has various directorates and agencies each responsible for specific aspects of Culture and Tourism development.
DIRECTORATES:-
a) Administrative Directorate: responsible for the overall administration of the Ministry including personnel management, policy implementation and coordination of activities.
b) Culture Directorate: Focuses on promoting and preserving the state cultural heritage including traditional arts music and crafts.
c) Tourism Directorate: responsible for developing and promoting tourism in the state, conservation and protection of wildlife, development of tourism infrastructure and marketing of tourism attractions.
d) Planning, Research and Statistic Directorate: conduct research and analysis to inform policy decisions, collects and analyzes data on the tourism and culture sectors.
e) Finance and Accounts Directorate: Manages the finances of the Ministry including budgeting, accounting and financial reporting
f) Museum, History and Monuments Directorate: responsible for the management and preservation of Museum, Historical sites and monuments.
g) Hospitality (Catering) Directorate: focused on providing excellent customers services and ensuring that tourist have a positive experience in the state.
Key Agencies And Units Under The Ministry Include:-
Bauchi State Tourism Development Corporation
Yankari Game Reserve
Lame Burra Game Reserve
Sumu Wildlife Park
Maladumba Lake
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Tomb
Open Air Theater
Bauchi State Museum
Yankari Game Reserve:-
ACHIEVEMENTS FROM 2019 ΤΟ 2024
i. Renovation of the New Yankari-Bauchi Head Office Building (80% completion)-2022
ii. Building of New Rangers Barracks in Wikki Base Camp in collaboration with Bauchi State Government and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) -2021
iii. Procurement of 2 brand new land cruiser game viewing vehicles, modern patrol kits for the Rangers, refurbishment of toilet and changing room at Wikki Warm Spring and training of Rangers by Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACRESAL) Bauchi Project Office is a world Bank assisted project – 2023. iv. Renovation of Presidential Lodge, Royal Villa furnished with new set of executive cushion, chairs, beddings bath, room facilities and kitchens,
provision of inter-com, new sets of air conditioner etc. v. Renovation of Guest accommodation from 65 rooms to 90 rooms are now serviceable – 2020
vi. Rehabilitation of Rangers Outposts, Anti-poaching patrol tracks and Safari tracks-2022
viii. Maintenance of Yankari airstrip – 2020
vii. Staff capacity building, training and retraining of Rangers to an international operation ethical standard – 2019-2023 (yearly exercise).
ix. Reconnection of National Grid to Yankari Game Reserve – 2019 x. Provision of laundry machine services 24/7 days – 2021
xi. Upgrade of the Museum of Natural History Exhibition and Artifacts – 2019
xii. Yankari Game Reserve Rangers became an Associate Membership of the
International Rangers Federation – 2023 xiii. Yankari Game Reserve accredited by the UNISCO-MAB Programme –
2022. xiv. Yankari Game Reserve corporate social responsibility and intervention e.g. writing materials to primary and secondary schools, repair of hand boreholes, solar street lights, efficient cooking stove with additional
support from our development partner – WCS-2019-2023 xv. Renovation of kitchen and restaurant, bar and procurement of sets of modern state-of-the-art cookers, cutleries and utensils for the benefit of guests of the Reserve was approved by the Governor in May 2024
xvi. Renovation of Corporate Villa A and B, Luxury Double apartments etc. was approved by the Governor to improve the comfort of the paying tourist visitor. The aim of the government is to build ecotourism and grow the internationally generated revenue of the Yankari Game Reserve, 2024 xvii. Renovation of the Main conference Hall in Yankari Game Reserve, in March, 2024
Sumu Wildlife Park:-
xviii. Renovation of Museum Hall, Museum Reception
Survey and Re-fencing of Sumu Wildlife Park to improve protection of the Wild animals from poachers – December, 2023
Culture Directorate:
a. In 2021, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed approved the participation of Bauchi State contingents to Ekiti State to participate at the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) Bauchi State got an award as the best in digital marketing of Arts. His Excellency Senator Bala
Mohammed approved the b. In the year 2022, participation of Bauchi State contingents to Abuja to participate at the 15th (INAC) EXPO 2022, and Bauchi as third position among the 36 states of Nigeria and some selected countries from abroad who also participated in this prestigious international event.co
c. Also in the year 2022, His Excellency Senator Bala Mohammed approved the participation of Bauchi State cultural contingents to the Lagos, NAFEST 202 and Bauchi State Government received an award as the Best In Synergy and Teamwork. d. His Excellency Senator Bala Mohammed also approved the participation of
Bauchi State contingents to Abuja at the 15th International Arts and Crafts (INAC) EXPO 2022. Bauchi State got a Merit Award as the Best in Leather Product Design Work
e. Also in the year 2023 when Senator Bala Mohammed approved the participation Ministry to Abuja for the 16th International Arts and Crafts (INAC) EXPO 2023. Bauchi State our State was awarded as the best Exhibitor in Calabash Design and Decoration.
f. Other achievement of His Excellency Senator Bala Mohammed in the Cultural Directorate include approval for the annual event of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Memorial Day, which always comes up every 15th January every year which had been celebrated without fail by the administration..
Conclusion:-
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism plays a vital role in promoting Bauchi State’s rich economidiversity, preserving our heritage and developing the tourism industry for Administration and development aligned to developing the do objectives of the Administration of the governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Kauran Bauchi.
Thank You!
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