Day Three of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) Annual General Meeting (AGM)/Conference featured tours in and around selected destinations which have defined Ekiti State, as tourists’ destination in the country.
NATOP 2023 AGM, the 7th edition, held from July 13 through to 16 in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
The tour operators made stops at the Afe Babalola University-owned farm, and its food processing units, which has ensured that nearly all farm produce consumed by the varsity community of the institution are sourced and processed at the facility, in addition to potable water, toiletries and confectioneries.
The tour around the university revealed such facilities as, the integrated food processing unit which covers an expansive 200m square area beside the university complex producing its own brand of poundo yam, garri, potable water, yam flour (amala), plantain flour and chips; a near 100-room hotel complex with bed and breakfast offering; a one-of-its-kind Planetarium in Nigeria, a hospital with an MRI screening equipment, and radiography unit with high-tech equipment.
The full-day tour also included visits to the popular Ikogosi Warm Spring and Resort, and the Arinta waterfalls, all in the Ekiti South and South West axis.
Earlier, the Executive Committee of NATOP led by President, Mrs Ime Udo, accompanied by the Members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) had paid a courtesy call to the office of the University’s iconic Founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Babaloba to personally present him with the Best Philanthropist for Tourism Development Excellence Award.
The fam trip ended with a one-night stay at the Delight Hotel and Suites, Ilawe Road, Ado Ekiti and the departure of delegates which followed day later.
Below are the sights and scenes from the Fam Trip around Ekiti tourists’ spots.
