Foreign
TARABA State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has assured volunteers and partners of the 2024 UNESCO World Heritage Volunteer Initiative of his administration’s support for preserving cultural heritage and enhancing tourism.
Kefas represented by Deputy Gov. Alhaji Aminu Alkali, Kefas on Thursday in Taraba welcomed the initiative, saying it would showcase Taraba’s potential globally.
“The successful implementation of this initiative will put Taraba on the world stage, displaying its cultural heritage and tourist potential.
“We assure you of our sincere support and commitment to ensuring that your time here is productive and impactful.
“We hope that your efforts will leave a lasting legacy for the people of Taraba, ultimately benefiting our state and its communities,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has revealed that UNESCO’s World Heritage Volunteers initiative seeks to inspire young individuals to engage in tangible actions, thereby playing an active role in safeguarding and promoting World Heritage sites.
This initiative encompasses action camp projects, spearheaded by diverse organisations and institutions, which enlist national and international volunteers for awareness-raising endeavours and practical activities.
Malame Mangzha, Director-General of the African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF), explained that the initiative aimed to preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
“Taraba’s unique biodiversity, cultural richness, and hospitality made it an ideal location.
“The 2024 WHV initiative is themed ‘Elevating the Gashaka-Gumti National Park from tentative recognition to World Heritage site status.’
“This initiative aims to preserve the park’s exceptional scenic, natural, scientific, recreational, and cultural values.
“Our focus is on maintaining crucial wetlands and water catchment areas, exploring the interconnectedness of nature, culture, and human activities, and documenting the park’s attributes to produce a Nomination Dossier for UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription.”
Dr Dewayne Fraser, President of the American University of Nigeria, emphasised the importance of preserving Nigeria’s diverse cultures.
He emphasised that Nigeria boasts a distinct cultural diversity, unparalleled in other African countries and globally, which necessitated preservation and pride.
NAN, also reports that the 2024 World Heritage Volunteers initiative is a collaborative effort between AFIDFF, Taraba State, and various government and non-government partners. (NAN)
Photo caption: Alhaji Aminu Alkali, Deputy Governor, Taraba state and the Team of the 2024 UNESCO WHV Initiative during a courtesy visit in the state.
A.I
Sept. 20, 2024
Tags: Agbu Kefas Malame Mangzha UNESCO World Heritage
