Before the violence that engulfed Plateau, the state was known as a haven for tourism.

Plateau State requires N9 billion to revamp its tourism sector, the out-going Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Sylvanus Dontoe, has said.

Mr. Dantoe stated this on Tuesday in Jos, as he officially handed over to the newly appointed Commissioner of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Yiljap Abraham.

“I have a road map proposal of N9 billion to revamp our wild life sector, and I am happy to announce to you that government has provided N billion in the 2014 budget. We have laid the foundation to resuscitate Plateau State as home of peace and tourism,” he said.

Mr. Dontoe said prior to his appointment two years ago, the ministry was dysfunctional. He said Plateau State, which used to be known as the haven for tourism, virtually lost its reputation.

“I met an almost dead ministry. Before now, there were cases of encroachment into Wild Life Park.

“Over times, this state was known as home of Peace and Tourism, but something went wrong, that we almost lost the glory of a tourist state,” he said.

Mr. Dontoe, who is now the Commissioner of Environment, said his two years stint at Tourism Ministry revived the wild life park, Rayfield resort, Plateau hotel, and Luka Bentu indoor theatre and made them functional.

Yiljap Abraham, who took over as the Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality pledged to continue from where his predecessor stopped.

“I will emphasize continuity,” he said.

He asked the staff of the ministry to wake up to their responsibilities or face sanctions.

“Some of you will soon reap the benefits your hard work, but for those who are lazy may have to look for another place of work,” he said.

According to Mr. Yiljap, the violence in Plateau State has contributed negatively to the death of tourism in the state.

He described the sector as the most vibrant means of boosting the economy.