Ekiti State emerged as a continental standout at the just-concluded 68th UN Tourism Africa Regional Meeting in Abuja, earning widespread praise for its bold strides in tourism development under the visionary leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
Representing the state at the high-profile of tourism stakeholders from 38 African nations, the Ekiti delegation, led by the state’s Director General of Tourism, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, captivated delegates with a compelling showcase of Ekiti’s scenic destinations, cultural richness, and investment-ready opportunities.
The momentous occasion was further elevated when Nigeria’s Vice President, H.E. Kashim Shettima, standing in for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, singled out Ekiti State for commendation. In a powerful endorsement, the Vice President praised the state’s tourism strategy and personally shared a photograph of Amb. Ojo-Lanre donning the “Visit Ekiti” cap on his social media platforms — a move that gave Ekiti free national and continental publicity.
Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort Takes Center Stage
One of the highlights of Ekiti’s presentation was the ambitious transformation of the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort. The resort’s manager, Mr. Lanre Balogun, delivered a captivating pitch that outlined Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to repositioning the iconic site as a premier global destination. The presentation underscored the governor’s proactive efforts in infrastructure development, eco-tourism, and public-private partnerships.
Ekiti’s cultural troupe added vibrancy to the event with a mesmerizing performance that left attendees applauding. The dancers’ energetic display not only entertained but also firmly positioned Ekiti as a state rich in heritage and artistic expression.
Amb. Wale Ojo-Lanre described the event as a breakthrough for the state’s tourism aspirations.
“This outing marks a strategic win for Ekiti,” he said. “Governor Oyebanji’s tourism vision was not only heard but embraced across the continent. We have unlocked new doors of opportunity, and the world is ready to discover Ekiti.”
To cap off the state’s impressive presence at the conference, Amb. Ojo-Lanre featured in exclusive interviews on NTA and TVC, amplifying the success of Ekiti’s tourism campaign to audiences across Nigeria.
As international interest grows and partnerships begin to form, Ekiti is fast emerging as Nigeria’s next big tourism destination — driven by leadership, vision, and cultural pride.
