The Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has praised Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his creative repositioning of the region’s cultural and commercial assets, describing the Ekiti agro-tourism showcase at the ongoing Akwaaba African Travel Market 2026 as impressive and purpose-driven.
Dr Sanwo-Olu spent significant time touring the Ekiti exhibition at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. She congratulated the administration for moving destination promotion beyond mere sightseeing toward economic empowerment, agricultural enterprise, and investment attraction. She also commended the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq., for his sustained efforts to market the region across West Africa.
Inside the Biodun Oyebanji Tourism Vision
While receiving the Lagos First Lady and other dignitaries, Ojo-Lanre explained that Ekiti’s participation was built around the core Biodun Oyebanji tourism vision, captured in the slogan: “Fly Ekiti • Farm Ekiti • Taste Ekiti • Stay and Explore Ekiti • Invest in Ekiti.”
He detailed how the exhibition space was designed as a miniature representation of an emerging economy, highlighting a full journey from regional transit to commercial processing.
Under the banner of “Fly Ekiti,” officials showcased the new Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport as a strategic hub linking commerce, travel, and freight. Meanwhile, “Farm Ekiti” spotlighted the Cassava Revolution, Young Farmers initiative, and YSJ agricultural projects, demonstrating how working farms double as experiential travel spots.
Scaling Ekiti Agro-Tourism From Farm to Factory
The exhibit demonstrated a complete “Farm-to-Factory” value chain featuring organic produce and packaged goods from Value Ingredients. This pipeline shows that crops grown locally can be processed, packaged, and shipped worldwide.
According to Ojo-Lanre, this model defines the underlying philosophy: the farm becomes an attraction, the factory becomes an experience, and agricultural output transforms into a exportable cultural product.
Under “Stay and Explore Ekiti,” the team highlighted natural wonders and historical destinations, including Arinta Waterfalls, Ugele Hills, Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, and early Catholic mission sites, alongside modern commercial lodgings like TAJ Suites and Davies Travel Lodge.
The final element, “Invest in Ekiti,” ran in partnership with the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA). This channel offers visitors a direct pathway from tourist discovery to formal commercial investment.
Ojo-Lanre stressed that local travel initiatives cannot succeed in isolation:
“When you fly into Ekiti, you should see our farms. When you see our farms, you should experience how our produce moves from farm to factory. You should taste what Ekiti produces, stay in Ekiti, explore our waterfalls, hills, resorts, religious and cultural heritage—and, ultimately, see reasons to invest in Ekiti.”
Recognition at Akwaaba African Travel Market 2026
Founder of the Akwaaba African Travel Market 2026, Mr Ikechi Uko, noted that the state maintains a prominent role in continental travel events through consistent innovation and visibility. He commended the passion with which Governor Oyebanji supports regional trade bodies.
Ultimately, the exhibition proves that regional development can extend beyond classic sight-seeing. Aviation brings the visitor, agriculture creates the experience, local cuisine tells the story, and hospitality keeps tourists engaged until investment converts the visit into lasting value.
