Ekiti State has once again earned national recognition as one of Nigeria’s Most Active Tourism States, making it the third consecutive year the state has received the prestigious tourism honour.
The latest recognition for the 2025/2026 tourism year was announced by the President of Akwaaba African Travel Market and Publisher of ATQNews, Ikechi Uko, in a formal communication to the Ekiti State Government.
With the latest feat, Ekiti State has now emerged among Nigeria’s Most Active Tourism States for three consecutive tourism years — 2023/2024, 2024/2025 and 2025/2026.
Uko attributed the achievement to the sustained commitment of the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to tourism development, noting that Ekiti’s consistency in promoting tourism deserved national recognition.
According to him, the state’s continued appearance among Nigeria’s most active tourism destinations reflects deliberate efforts at developing the sector through strategic planning, investment in tourism infrastructure, destination promotion and the creation of memorable visitor experiences.
He explained that Ekiti’s tourism drive has been strengthened by initiatives such as the development of a comprehensive tourism master plan, sustained investment in infrastructure and the purposeful promotion of tourism destinations across the state.
Uko said the consistency demonstrated that the Ekiti State Government understands tourism not merely as recreation but as a strategic instrument for economic development, investment attraction, destination marketing and community empowerment.
The recognition further consolidates the tourism credentials of the Oyebanji administration, with the governor also having been honoured as Tourism Governor of the Year 2025.
The combination of the governor’s individual recognition and Ekiti State’s three consecutive appearances among the country’s most active tourism states is being regarded as a major endorsement of the administration’s sustained tourism development initiatives.
Under Governor Oyebanji, the state has continued to pursue tourism development through policy formulation, destination enhancement, cultural promotion, private-sector participation, infrastructure development and the discovery and documentation of new heritage and natural attractions.
The state has intensified the promotion of established and emerging tourism destinations, including Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Arinta Waterfalls, Ugele Rock Shelter, Oke Sagbonke, Abanijorin Rock of Wonders and Oke Ewo War Site, alongside several festivals, cultural assets and agro-tourism opportunities.
The commencement of operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport has also strengthened the state’s tourism prospects by improving accessibility and opening up Ekiti to tourists, investors and business travellers.
Ekiti State is expected to receive a special commemorative plaque during the Wonders of Nigeria Expo at the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market, scheduled to hold at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, on September 13, 2026.
The 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market will hold from September 13 to 15, 2026, bringing together tourism stakeholders from Nigeria, other African countries and the international travel community.
The three-day event is expected to feature the African Food Fair, Medical Tourism Expo, Africa Tour Operators Summit, Africa Travel Awards, Wonders of Nigeria Expo, as well as the Aviation and Cargo Conference, among other activities.
Uko noted that Akwaaba had, over the years, evolved into one of Africa’s important travel marketing platforms, attracting participants from several countries within and outside the continent.
He added that Ekiti’s latest recognition would provide another opportunity for the state to showcase its tourism assets, facilities and investment opportunities before a wider international audience.
The latest honour is particularly significant as it represents three consecutive years of national acknowledgement, demonstrating that Ekiti’s growing prominence in Nigeria’s tourism sector is the result of sustained activity, deliberate planning and investment.
For Governor Oyebanji, the recognitions further reinforce a development philosophy that views tourism as a major economic tool capable of generating employment, stimulating rural economies, preserving cultural heritage, attracting private investment and creating sustainable livelihoods.
As Ekiti State prepares for the 2026 Akwaaba African Travel Market, the state is expected to leverage its growing national visibility to attract greater tourist visitation, investment and economic opportunities for the sustainable development of its people.
