The Honourable Commissioner of the Kogi State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, **Hajiya Fatimah Momoh**, has described the state’s historic and cultural landmarks as untapped gold mines capable of driving sustainable revenue generation if properly developed and showcased.
She made this declaration during an inspection tour of key tourist sites across the state—locations steeped in history and rich with stories that shaped Nigeria’s past. Among the sites visited was **Mount Patti**, the historic hilltop where the Royal Niger Company flag was lowered for the final time on Nigerian soil and the British Union Jack was hoisted on January 1, 1900, marking a defining moment in the nation’s colonial history.
The tour also covered the **European Military Cemetery** opposite Zenith Bank, the **European and Missionary Cemetery** behind Kogi Travellers, the historic **Lugard Bank**, and the **first safe in Northern Nigeria**, now located at Paparanda Square. Other notable landmarks included the **Iron of Liberty** and **Holy Trinity Primary School**, the oldest school in Northern Nigeria, built in 1865 and attended by many prominent Nigerians and Kogites.
Speaking at the various sites, Hajiya Momoh described the inspection as a deliberate and holistic effort to identify areas requiring restoration, restructuring, and revitalization. According to her, transforming these historic locations into well-maintained tourist attractions would not only preserve Kogi’s heritage but also unlock significant revenue opportunities for the state.
She directed Heads of Parastatals and Directors within the ministry to openly present the challenges confronting their departments. The Commissioner also passionately appealed to the State Governor, **His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Ododo**, to harness the immense potential embedded in culture and tourism—sectors she noted are capable of boosting internally generated revenue while attracting tourists from across Nigeria and beyond.
The Director of Tourism, **Alhaji Tanko Inuwa**, custodian of colonial relics dating back to 1900, emphasized the urgent need to renovate the sites to enhance their historical appeal and revenue-generating capacity. He expressed deep concern over the desecration of the European Military and Missionary Cemeteries through indiscriminate defecation and refuse dumping, describing the situation as both disrespectful and alarming.
Alhaji Inuwa called for regular cleaning, improved fencing, and functional gates to protect the sites from intruders, appealing to the government to support the ministry in safeguarding these invaluable historical assets.
The Commissioner concluded the tour by appreciating the Permanent Secretary, **Hajiya Sualihat Musa Amana**, alongside Heads of Parastatals and Directors, urging them to remain steadfast, prayerful, and united in purpose. She stressed that collective commitment and determination were essential to achieving meaningful and lasting results.
*Elizabeth Ladi Samuel*
Information Officer
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
