Ekiti Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has urged investors to consider mining the state’s untapped tourism potential, which he said offers ‘a plethora of investment opportunities for entrepreneurs.’
(From left): NATOP’s Board of Trustees (BOT) Member, Mr Gab Onah; Vice President, South West, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Julius Kolade; National President, NATOP, Mrs Ime Udo; Special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor on Industry, Trade & Investment, Mrs Omotayo Adeola, Director-General, National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Alhaji Nura Kangiwa; NATOP BOT Member, Mr Ikechi Uko; Lead Speaker, Prof. Edem Eniang; and NATOP Vice President, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, during the just-concluded Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Seminar/Conference of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), at the Bimbo Owolabi Hall of the Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)in Ekiti State, Friday, July 15
Delivering his presentation as Keynote Speaker during the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) Tourism Seminar/Conference, Friday, at the Bimbo Owolabi Hall of the Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Governor Oyebanji wooed investors to capitalize on the growing tourism industry, which he said offers exceptional opportunities for doing business in the state.
The NATOP seminar and conference was organised on the sidelines of the group’s 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the same venue in Ekiti State, Friday, July 14, under the theme of; ‘Tourism Green Investments in Nigeria.’
According to Mr. Oyebanji, who was represented at the occasion by his Special Adviser on Industry, Trade & Investment, Mrs Omotayo Adeola, Ekiti offers an abundance of human and natural resources, good governance, enabling environment, innovative economy, high literacy rate, as well as, inclusive government policy for investors seeking to do business in the state.
“In Ekiti State, this is a region brimming with untapped potential in the tourism sector. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historical significance, it offers a plethora of investment opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking to capitalize on the growing tourism industry,” Oyebanji said.
Since his inauguration on May 29, this year, Governor Oyebanji has paid close attention to tourism business of the state, effectively deploying policies aimed at growing the sector, by first detaching it from the mix of arts and culture to create a stand-alone ministry for it.
He subsequently established the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, a specialized agency tasked with formulating and executing strategies to maximize the potential of the sector.
Governor Oyebanji says that by centralizing efforts and expertise, he is aiming to elevate Ekiti’s tourism industry to new heights, attracting both domestic and international visitors, in addition to creating sustainable economic opportunities for the people of the state.
Ekiti Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji
The governor is also credited with repositioning the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort destination by concessioning the facility to a private investor for proper management, a move considered strategic by stakeholders, as it ensures that the destination receives the necessary expertise and investment to enhance its offerings and attract more tourists.
A similar policy was also taken by the governor for the Arinta Waterfalls in Ipole Iloro-Ekiti, as the facility is being managed by another private firm.
Both the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and the Arinta Waterfalls are located on the same Ekiti tourism corridor or axis in the hilly south and south-west regions of the state.
Reeling out the state’s nature and eco-tourism destinations, Governor Oyebanji said tourists’ attractions and famed spots include; the Ikogosi warm Springs to the Arinta waterfalls, among others, as he further urged tour operators and other investors to ‘capitalise on developing eco-tourism resorts, and others’ in the state.
According to him, investors can also explore such opportunities as ‘establishing well-equipped campsites, hiking trails, and guided tours to explore the state’s immersive experience.’
“From the enchanting Arinta Waterfall to the majestic Ikogosi Warm Springs, investors can capitalize on developing eco-friendly resorts, nature trails, and adventure parks, by establishing well-equipped campsites, hiking trails, and guided tours to explore the state’s immersive experience,” said the governor.
Ekiti is home to some of the country’s best known eco-tourism attractions. The region of Iyin-Ekiti alone is home to the Abanijorin Caves and Mountains, in addition to the Esa Cave.
In Ikere-Ekiti, there are the Olosunta Mountain, the Ugele Cave and the Igbo Eleruru Cave; while the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort in Ikogosi; the Mountain of Clouds is sited in Efon Alaaye, Okudi Mountain and Igori Rock in Awo-Ekiti, Egbe Dam in Egbe-Ekiti, Aga Spring in Iro-Ekiti.
Others include; the Lord Lugard Colonial Boundary Pillars in Odo Awa-Ekiti, the famous Palm Tree with 42 Heads in Ilogbo-Ekiti; the Iho Oloko Cave and the Aga Spring in Iro-Ekiti.
For investors opting for the state’s cultural tourism sub-sector, Oyebanji urged them to ‘consider partnering with local communities in order to develop cultural tourism projects.’
According to the governor, these opportunities abound in heritage museums, art centers, and cultural festivals, and others.
“Supporting local artisans and craftsmen by creating marketplaces for traditional crafts, textiles, and artworks can also be an attractive investment opportunity,” he said.
Continuing, Oyebanji said Ekiti’s cultural tourism offering features such crowd gathering events like the; Udiroko Festival, Ogun Festival, Olosunta Festival, Ekiti Parapo Festival, Iyemero Festival.
“In the arts and craft industry, the state offers tourists the pots from Ipoti Ekiti, mats from Ogotun Ekiti. Also, tourists can visit destinations like the fajuyi Memorial Park, or see the Aso-Ofi.
In the area of agriculture, the governor said Ekiti State offers what he described as ‘vast investment potential in agri-tourism,’ which, according to him, presents veritable opportunities ‘where visitors can participate in farm activities, learn about organic farming practices, and experience the authentic rural lifestyle.’
“Establishing agro-resorts, farm-to-table restaurants, and organizing agri-tours would provide visitors with a unique agricultural experience while promoting sustainable farming practices,” he stressed.
“There is the Ikun Dairy farm, the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ), the Ikogosi Yam Market, the Egbe Dam, Ero Dam, and the Ekiti State University (EKSU) Teaching and Research Farm.
Governor Oyebanji further urged investors to consider the Ekiti as a viable investment platform in tourism development, just as he expressed his appreciation to NATOP for recognising the state as veritable destination.
Governor Oyebanji extended an invitation to tour operators to participate in the forthcoming cultural tourism events slated for August, this year.
NATOP’s familiarization trip around Ekiti’s top tourists attractions saw delegates explore the state’s eco-tourism destinations like the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, and also the Arinta Waterfalls for some adventure tourism experience.
In addition, tour operators experienced first-hand agri-tourism with a visit to the expansive Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) farms located with the varsity complex.
For medical tourism experience, tour operators visited the magnificent ABUAD’s multi-system hospital and medical centre located at the heart of the varsity’s campus in Ado Ekiti, and afterwards a taste of space tourism with a tour of the ABUAD Planetarium where visitors are given a HD journey through the universe to learn celestial bodies and experience simulated space travel. Lauded for its educational and immersive experience, the Planetarium aside offering a glimpse into the mysteries of the universe, is the first of its kind in Nigeria, and one of only two in West Africa.
