Gombe’s untapped tourism: Why Lapantum should be developed – Traditional title holder
By Hajara Usman
A traditional title holder of Magayakin Kaltungo, Mr Mohammed Ndus has called on the government and private developers to support the development of Lapantum, a location in the Ture Okwaldi Area of Kaltungo Chiefdom, Gombe State.
Mr Ndus made the call during a visit by the Mai Kaltungo to Lapantum as part of activities of the Kaltungo Cultural Festival.
He said Lapantum is blessed with beautiful rocky springs and a peaceful natural environment that can attract tourists if properly developed.
According to him, developing the area will create jobs for youths, boost the local economy, and improve the living conditions of the people, while also protecting the culture and natural beauty of the community.
The visit by the Mai Kaltungo featured several cultural activities, including traditional dance performances, local wrestling contests, and music by local musicians, which added colour to the event.
In separate interviews with our reporter, some visitors who said they were in Lapantum for the first time expressed surprise that such a beautiful place exists in Kaltungo. They said they were impressed by the rocky springs and the natural scenery.
The visitors called on the government to construct an easy and motorable road to the area to allow more people to access the site.
They also urged the government and private investors to develop Lapantum into a tourist attraction that can bring visitors from within and outside the state.
Some community memebers who also spoke to our reporter said the development of Lapantum would help reduce youth unemployment in the area.
They explained that tourism activities could create opportunities in areas such as guiding, security, food services, and local crafts.
They added that the Kaltungo Cultural Festival has continued to play an important role in promoting peace, unity, and cultural identity among the people.
According to them, events like the festival help to draw attention to hidden attractions in the chiefdom and encourage sustainable development.
