The Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development welcomed an impressive turnout of stakeholders at the Stakeholders Engagement on the Ekiti State Tourism Policy, held on Tuesday 19 November 2024 at Lady Jibowu Hall , Governor’s office , Ado Ekiti .
The event was the Stakeholder’s engagement workshop on the design and development of Ekiti State Tourism Policy .
Hosted by Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq., the Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, the event marked a significant step towards establishing Ekiti as a premier tourism destination in Nigeria.
The well-attended event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, security agents, commissioners from various ministries, directors, special advisers, technical advisors, executives, hoteliers, students, youth representatives, market leaders, transporters, health and urban renewal experts, road safety officers, representatives of internal security, travel agencies, tour operators, and other tourism and travel sector stakeholders. This broad participation underscored the shared commitment across Ekiti State to harness tourism as a powerful driver for economic growth, cultural preservation, and community development.
Opening the event, an all-female cultural group from St. Leo’s College, Ikere Ekiti, delivered a captivating performance that set an inspiring tone for the day’s proceedings. Their display of Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage reinforced the importance of preserving and promoting local traditions within the state’s tourism strategy.
In his opening address, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre emphasized the transformational potential of tourism for Ekiti. He highlighted the state’s rich tourism assets—from its lush landscapes and cultural heritage to its historical sites and festivals—and expressed optimism that, with strategic policy guidance and robust stakeholder support, Ekiti could become a top tourist destination both nationally and internationally.
“Today, we find ourselves on the brink of an exciting new chapter in Ekiti State’s story,” he stated. “This engagement is not merely a formality; it is a vital conversation among stakeholders who share a common goal—transforming Ekiti State into a premier tourist destination that resonates with visitors and enriches our communities.”
Ambassador Ojo-Lanre acknowledged the role of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in championing tourism as a central pillar of Ekiti’s economic development. He noted that the governor’s determination to elevate the tourism sector led to the hiring of Overseas Credit, a highly regarded consultancy firm with global expertise, to help craft a comprehensive and locally resonant tourism policy for the state. This policy aims to outline a clear framework for sustainable tourism development in Ekiti, with a focus on infrastructure, marketing, capacity building, and preservation of cultural heritage.
The Director General further highlighted that the engagement was an opportunity for attendees to provide valuable insights and feedback that would help refine the policy to reflect the aspirations of all stakeholders. He called for active participation and collaboration, emphasizing that tourism should not only attract visitors but also create economic opportunities and foster an inclusive ecosystem that celebrates Ekiti’s socio-cultural diversity.
Throughout the day, stakeholders discussed key issues, shared best practices, and proposed strategies to address challenges in tourism development. Among the topics explored were the need for improved infrastructure, enhanced marketing strategies, and the creation of opportunities for community participation in tourism initiatives.
Ambassador Ojo-Lanre closed his remarks with a call to action, urging attendees to join hands in transforming Ekiti’s tourism landscape and positioning the state as a sought-after destination for domestic and international travelers.
“Your presence here today is a testament to the collective passion we all share for Ekiti State and its potential as a premier tourism destination,” he said. “Together, let us forge a path that not only showcases the beauty of Ekiti but also brings enduring prosperity to our people.”
This historic stakeholders’ engagement marks a major milestone in Ekiti State’s tourism development journey, setting a foundation for impactful policies and partnerships that will drive the sector forward in the years to come.
Distinguished attendees included ; Hon Franklin Olatunbosun , Ekiti.State Commissioner for Information , Dr Kofoworola Aderiye ,Mni , Ekiti State Commissioner of Education , Dr Moyo Ekundayo , SA/ DG , Office of Transmission Service and Delivery ,represented by Dr L.O. Buhari , Oba Ayo Iloro Faboro , the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti ,the Chairman , Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers , Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe , Ewi of Ado , Oba Lawrence Adebanji Aladesuyi, Onijan of Ijan , Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye ,the Oluyin of Iyin , Oba Sunday Awe ,Apeju of Ilupeju , Oba Babade Adeleke ,Onire of Ire ,High Chief J.O. Ajetunmobi, and other three Chief ,represented Olupole of Ipole Iloro Ekiti , Prince Rotimi Awelewa , High Chief Oluniyi Tayo , represented Onikogosi , Onipede of Igede represented by High Chief Omotoso Oisikin, High Chief Omoniyi Ajimalofin and others represented Owalogbo of Ilogbo, Chief Folorunso Coker ,DG,NTDA ,rep by Rev Ebenezer Adesoro, Barrister Seyi Ebenezer , Triple G NGO , Hon Tade Aluko , Special Adviser to the Governor on Ado Ekiti Municipal Development , Hon Sola Adeluyi , Youth Development, Balogun Kehinde ,African Skill and Development , Hon Kayode Fasae , Commissioner for Wealth Creation , Hon Ayo Ojo ,Technical Advisor to the Governor of Ekiti State on Youth Inclusion , Afolabi Adekunle , ES , Forest Commission , Hon Oludare Asaolu , EKSEMA , Hon Olufemi Ajayi ,SA ,IPMO, Esv Korede – Owa Oladunni ,Bureau of Land, Pastor Olu Popoola , Amb Akinola Falana , GM ,BSES ,Amb Abayomi Oluwafemi , FIBAN , Eng Omoniyi Adebayo,BPP, Prof C. O. Aina , ABUAD , Hon Oluyomi Abolarinde , Chairman, Ekiti State Tourism Board , Mrs Olawumi Famiyiwa ,DG ,Ekiti State Civic Orientation , Otuyelu Kehinde ,State Chairman,NANTA , Jide Fajuyi , NATOP , TPL Siji Kolawole , Nigeria Institute of Town Planner , Dr Awoniyi Busola ,ABUAD , Akintobi Ilesanmi , Bello Funmi Esq , Ministry of Justice , Dr Mrs Alabi Olayemi , CSI AM Daramola , Sultan Travels , Hon Akin Abimbola , Secretary Hoteliers , Association, Bose Idiaka , Kitiface Lifestyle, Ogunlade Olusola ,Ministry of Local Government, Alhaji Oriowo Kehinde , RTEAN , Mr Kolawole Fadahunsi , Chief ( Mrs) C. M . Olatawura , VC FIBAN , Mrs Adebayo Titi ,represented Attorney General, Dr Taiwo Omidoyin , Chairman,NBA ,Ado Ekiti Branch Dr Ajimati Adrdamola ,SMOH/ HS , Tawose Adekunle Vincent , Ekiti State Waste Management,Mrs Rhoda Oso , Chairman ,TESCOM , Mrs Adeyeye Adenaike , TESCOM , Tanimola Kolade , SA Digital Communications , Com Agunluti Kayode ,,NURTW ,Chief Sola Olanrewaju ,Community Leader and others relevants groups and individuals..
.
