By Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq.
The inauguration of Mr. Tolu Falayi , the Director of Protocol to the Governor of Ekiti State as the Captain of Ekiti Golf Club was not only a successful event but also a significant blessing for Ekiti State.
For many, events like this might seem like mere jamborees—glitzy gatherings organized by some affluent individuals.
However, we, especially those of us in Ekiti, often overlook the economic impact of such occasions, particularly when these “big players” choose to spend time in our state.
If we were more aware of the positive ripple effects that events like this have on our local economy, we would be advocating for more such gatherings.
The influx of visitors brings with it a wealth of opportunities for local businesses, boosts tourism, and creates a vibrant atmosphere.
The recent inauguration of Tolu Falayi as the Captain of Ekiti Golf Club has not only strengthened the golfing community in Ekiti State but has also highlighted the significant economic impact of sports tourism in the region.
The event attracted 280 golfers from across Nigeria, each spending an average of ₦120,000 per day on accommodation, feeding, transportation, entertainment, and other expenses. Over the three-day event, this amounted to an injection of approximately ₦100,800,000 into the local economy.
Beyond this substantial financial boost, the event delivered far-reaching socio-economic benefits, reinforcing Ekiti’s reputation as an emerging destination for tourism and sports events.
Hotels and guest houses experienced full occupancy, creating a surge in demand for lodging and boosting employment in the hospitality sector.
Restaurants, bars, and lounges saw a significant increase in patronage, while transporters, including cab drivers and private hire services, enjoyed increased trips and higher fares. Small-scale businesses, such as food vendors and artisans selling souvenirs, recorded high sales volumes.
Some golfers and their guests took the opportunity to explore Ekiti’s cultural and natural tourism assets, including Ikogosi Warm Springs, Arinta Waterfalls, and Afe Babalola University, reinforcing the potential of golf tournaments to drive destination tourism.
The event also stimulated Ekiti’s entertainment industry, with increased patronage of nightlife spots, live band performances, and social gatherings, highlighting the link between sports tourism and leisure spending.
Golf, being a sport played by high-net-worth individuals, created opportunities for networking, business discussions, and potential investments in the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
The over ₦100 million injected into Ekiti’s economy from this single event presents a strong case for the state government and private stakeholders to focus on sports tourism as a sustainable economic strategy. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, and the UAE have successfully developed golf tourism as a major revenue source, attracting elite visitors year-round.
To maximize the potential of golf and sports tourism going by the imperatives and fallout from the event is a clarion call on the Bureau of Tourism Development and the Ekiti State Bureau of Sport Development to strategically focus on developing the two golf courses—Rosani Golf Course in Erinmope and Ekiti Golf Course—to international standards to attract larger tournaments and events , embark on consistent awareness about these courses for regular tournaments , establishing a state-wide sports tourism strategy that integrates golf, adventure tourism, and cultural experiences, along with improving infrastructure and hospitality services to accommodate high-end tourists, and also partnering with private investors to expand tourism-focused businesses.
The inauguration of Tolu Falayi has proven that golf tourism is a goldmine for Ekiti State. The event demonstrated how sports tourism can drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance the visibility of the state as a premium destination.
With over ₦100 million circulating in the economy and heightened interest in Ekiti’s tourism offerings, this event should serve as a blueprint for future tourism-driven economic initiatives.
By harnessing the potential of sports tourism, Ekiti can establish itself as a leading hub for premium travel experiences in Nigeria. Now is the time to scale up investment and positioning for a thriving tourism future.
The Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development congratulates the new Captain of Ekiti Golf Club, Mr. Tolu Falayi, the entire members of the club, and all invited golfers who visited Ekiti for the tournament.
We solicit for the hosting of more tournaments, training youth golfers, and embarking on a membership drive for the club. The Bureau also uses this opportunity to create awareness of the Rosani Golf Course in Erinmope Ekiti, credited with producing some of the best young golfers in Nigeria.
We appreciate Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for creating the enabling and conducive atmosphere for the success of this great golf tournament.
For others, Ekiti is safe, secure, and protected. It is no longer landlocked; the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport is functional. The roads are good, and the critically damaged ones are being rehabilitated.
.. so Visit Ekiti State and live longer
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Picture: L-R Seyi Alaba ( Captain Ibadan GC), Babatunde Ojo ( Captain Ikeja GC), Tolu Falayi ( Captain Ekiti GC) & Maj. Gen Umelo Rtd. (Rep COAS).
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Notable names that featured in the event are; Mr. Dare Bello Esq. PhD., Sen. Ayo Arise, Rear Admiral Alade (Rtd), Mr. Femi Adewunmi mni, Maj. Gen. Godwin Umelo (Rtd), Mr. Kunle Adegboyega(GM.MTN), Mr. Akin Areola,Prince Niyi Owaduge ( Wema Bank),
Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye( Founder Nibanola GC.,Ondo), Sola Abidakun Esq. (Founder Cross-Creeks GC., Akure), Mr. Ishedowo (Captain Cross-Creeks GC.), Babatunde Ojo ( Captain Ikeja GC.), Mr. Seyi Alaba ( Captain Ibadan GC), Mr. Tunde Lawani ( Captain Nibanola GC) and others
