The atmosphere was electric. Beyond the colourful displays, cultural performances and steady movement of international delegates, one clear message emerged from the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market: Ekiti tourism development is no longer just about hidden natural treasures.
Through deliberate policy direction, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has positioned the state as an emerging economic force, using Biodun Oyebanji agro-tourism initiatives to draw intense global attention.
At the heart of this movement sits a story of transformation. The administration has successfully shifted Ekiti from a region known primarily for intellectual heritage into a destination attracting interest from across Africa and beyond.
The applause greeting the delegation in Lagos was not accidental. It resulted from a carefully crafted commercial narrative that presents travel as a direct engine for job creation and private investment.
Strategic Agro-Tourism at the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market
With the theme, “Ekiti Agro-Tourism — The Farm Is The Destination,” the state delegation presented a fresh model connecting agriculture, culture, hospitality, and entertainment.
Led by the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, the message was simple yet strategic: Ekiti is not only a place to visit, but a place to experience, invest in, and build sustainable enterprises.
The presentation at the Akwaaba African Travel Market attracted remarkable attention from industry stakeholders, government officials, and international diplomats.
Among those expressing keen interest was the High Commissioner of Botswana to Nigeria, Mrs. Philda Nani Kereng, who declared her desire to visit Ekiti and experience its resources firsthand. Her response reflected growing international curiosity around a state actively redefining destination marketing in Nigeria.
The recognition reached another high point when Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, visited the Ekiti exhibition stand. She commended Governor Oyebanji’s vision alongside the campaign led by Ambassador Ojo-Lanre, reinforcing the state’s growing visibility across regional borders.
Unlocking Value Beyond Ikogosi Warm Springs Investment
During the event, organisers presented Ekiti with the Most Active Tourism State in Nigeria Award for the third consecutive year. Prominent industry figures, including Ikechi Uko, praised the state’s consistency and rising influence.
For years, core assets — from mountain ranges, waterfalls, and caves to traditional heritage and the famous Ikogosi Warm Springs investment potential — remained largely untapped.
Under the current administration, the government moved from merely preserving these natural features to building viable commercial assets.
The governor’s strategy treats the sector as a main pillar of economic growth rather than a ceremonial activity. This framework supports local businesses, empowers young residents, and secures long-term private capital.
Ambassador Ojo-Lanre has repeatedly emphasised that the main direction involves packaging Ekiti as a complete destination where visitors enjoy nature, culture, local food, and farm stays.
Converting Global Attention into Local Economic Growth
The focus on agricultural travel gives the state a distinct market identity. By turning farms into interactive travel experiences, Ekiti bridges rural agriculture with modern hospitality. Visitors connect directly with local farmers, sample fresh produce, participate in harvest traditions, and explore rural food systems.
Beyond trophies and public praise, the greatest achievement at the Lagos summit was this fundamental shift in narrative. The state did not arrive seeking simple recognition; it arrived announcing total readiness for global partnerships.
The journey from regional applause to international attraction continues to unfold. The signs are unmistakable. Ekiti is moving rapidly from Nigeria’s best-kept secret to a premier destination on the international map.
The applause has come and the audience has gathered. The next chapter relies on turning this visibility into direct capital, local employment, and sustainable economic growth for the entire state.
