By Gbenga Sodeinde in Lagos
The atmosphere was electric. Beyond the colourful displays, cultural performances and the steady movement of international delegates at the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, one message resonated clearly: Ekiti State was no longer presenting itself merely as a destination of hidden treasures, but as an emerging tourism economy ready for global attention.
At the heart of the excitement was a renewed story of transformation — a story of how deliberate policy direction, strategic destination marketing and an agro-tourism vision under the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji have repositioned Ekiti from a state known mainly for its intellectual heritage and natural landscapes into a destination attracting interest from across Africa and beyond.
The applause that greeted Ekiti at Akwaaba 2026 was not accidental. It was the result of a carefully crafted tourism narrative that moved beyond showcasing photographs of waterfalls, hills and cultural sites to presenting tourism as a business opportunity capable of creating jobs, attracting investments and strengthening the state’s economy.
With the theme, “Ekiti Agro-Tourism — The Farm Is The Destination,” the state’s delegation, led by the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, presented a new dimension of tourism — one that connects agriculture, culture, hospitality, entertainment and investment.
The message was simple but strategic: Ekiti is not only a place to visit; it is a place to experience, invest in and build sustainable tourism enterprises.
The presentation attracted remarkable attention from industry stakeholders, government officials and international personalities.
Among those who showed interest was the High Commissioner of Botswana to Nigeria, Mrs. Philda Nani Kereng, who expressed her desire to visit Ekiti and experience its tourism potentials firsthand.
Her interest represented more than a personal travel plan; it reflected the growing international curiosity around a state that is gradually changing the perception of tourism in Nigeria.
The recognition reached another significant moment when Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, visited the Ekiti stand and commended Governor Oyebanji’s tourism drive, as well as the destination marketing efforts led by Ambassador Ojo-Lanre.
Her commendation reinforced the perception that Ekiti’s tourism strategy is gaining visibility beyond its immediate environment.
At the event, Ekiti also received the Most Active Tourism State in Nigeria Award for the third consecutive year, presented by tourism experts and organisers of Akwaaba African Travel Market, including Ikechi Uko and other leading figures in the African tourism industry.
The repeated recognition underscored the consistency of Ekiti’s tourism development efforts and its growing influence in Nigeria’s tourism conversation.
For years, Ekiti’s tourism assets — from the iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs and impressive waterfalls to mountains, caves, festivals, traditional heritage and agricultural landscapes — remained largely untapped.
But under the Oyebanji administration, the approach has shifted from simply preserving these attractions to turning them into economic assets.
The governor’s tourism vision aligns with a broader development philosophy that sees every sector as a contributor to economic growth. Tourism, in this context, is no longer treated as a ceremonial activity but as an industry capable of supporting local businesses, empowering young people and attracting investors.
Ambassador Ojo-Lanre has repeatedly emphasised that the new direction is about packaging Ekiti as a complete destination where visitors can enjoy nature, culture, food, farming experiences and hospitality.
The concept of agro-tourism has particularly given Ekiti a unique identity. By presenting farms as tourism experiences, the state is creating a bridge between agriculture and hospitality — allowing visitors to connect with local farmers, enjoy fresh produce, participate in rural experiences and understand the cultural significance of food production.
Beyond the awards and commendations, perhaps the greatest achievement of Ekiti’s presence at Akwaaba 2026 was the shift in narrative. The state came not as a destination seeking recognition but as a destination announcing its readiness for global partnerships.
The journey from Akwaaba applause to global attraction is still unfolding, but the signs are unmistakable. Ekiti is gradually moving from being Nigeria’s best-kept tourism secret to becoming one of the country’s emerging destinations on the global tourism map.
The applause has come. The attention has arrived. The next chapter is about converting the growing attraction into investment, jobs, wealth creation and sustainable economic transformation for the people of Ekiti.
