Ekiti showcases tourist attractions, woos investors

File: Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji

Ekiti State Government has said it is intensifying efforts to position tourism as a major driver of economic growth, employment and investment in the state.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who urged investors to tap into the opportunities in the sector, also expressed readiness to partner with communities willing to transform their tourism potentials into viable economic prospects.

Oyebanji, represented by the Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, spoke on Sunday during the 2026 World Tourism Day celebration with the theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, which was held at Arinta Waterfall, Ipole-Iloro.

The event, which was attended by dignitaries including traditional rulers, tourism enthusiasts, youths, students, top government officials and community leaders, focused attention on the potential of Arinta Waterfall and the need to leverage digital technology and artificial intelligence to promote tourism destinations in Ekiti State to a global audience.

The governor, who expressed readiness to partner with investors to develop Arinta Waterfall into a world-class tourist centre, assured them of returns on investment, especially in view of the potential of the natural resource, its viability and infrastructure development in the state.

He said, “Ekiti is open for tourism investment, and the return on investment is very high because there is demand. We have many tertiary institutions here in Ekiti, and the students are always enthusiastic to visit tourist sites. Arinta Waterfall is one of them. We are very open to investment.”

Ojo-Lanre described Arinta Waterfall as one of Nigeria’s notable waterfalls, adding that its seven waterfalls within the site made it a unique attraction.

The tourism boss, who said the choice of Arinta Waterfall for the 2026 World Tourism Day celebration in the state was deliberate, said, “It will increase the tourist attraction’s visibility and draw the attention of potential visitors and investors.”

He added that digital platforms and artificial intelligence could help communities market their tourist destinations, reach wider audiences and improve visitors’ experiences.

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The Technical Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Youth Inclusion, Mr Ayo Ojo, said the celebration provided an opportunity to showcase Arinta Waterfall, one of Ekiti’s tourism assets, to the world, in line with the theme of using artificial intelligence and digital technology to transform the sector.

Ojo, who described the choice of Arinta Waterfall in Ipole-Iloro as appropriate for the celebration, citing its tourism potential and hospitality, said the state had effectively unlocked the waterfall and designated it as a tourism laboratory where digital and AI technologies could be deployed to promote the destination globally.

He said the presence of other tourism attractions, including Ikogosi Warm Springs in the axis, would collectively strengthen Ekiti’s position as a tourism destination.

The Olupole of Ipole-Iloro Kingdom, Oba Ezekiel Oladele, commended the state government for selecting Arinta Waterfall for the celebration and appealed for sustained support to develop the site into a major ecotourism destination.

Oba Oladele said the waterfall, if supported with adequate infrastructure, professional management, environmental protection and private-sector investment, would attract visitors, create jobs for youths, generate income for residents and stimulate economic activities.

The monarch called for the deployment of digital maps, virtual tours, online booking platforms, social media and artificial intelligence to promote Arinta Waterfall within and outside Nigeria.

He, however, urged stakeholders to ensure that tourism development did not undermine the environment and cultural heritage of the community.

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council, Kayode Babatuyi, who said the media would continue to promote Arinta Waterfall and other tourism attractions in the state, urged journalists to maximise digital platforms to tell compelling stories about the state’s natural and cultural heritage.

Babatuyi said, “Sustained media coverage will enhance the visibility of Arinta Waterfall and other tourist destinations.”