The Ekiti State Government has intensified efforts to develop tourism as a major contributor to economic growth, employment generation and investment, while calling on investors to explore the state’s growing tourism opportunities.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji made the call during the 2026 World Tourism Day celebration held at Arinta Waterfall in Ipole-Iloro, Ekiti State. The event, which was organised around the theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” brought together traditional rulers, government officials, youths, students, tourism enthusiasts and community leaders.
Represented at the event by the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, Oyebanji said the state was ready to work with investors and communities to transform its tourism assets into viable economic ventures.
The governor specifically highlighted the investment potential of Arinta Waterfall, assuring prospective investors that the site could provide opportunities for sustainable returns when properly developed and supported with the necessary infrastructure.
According to him, Ekiti has a growing market for tourism, partly because of its large population of students and residents who visit tourist destinations for recreation.
He therefore encouraged investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in the sector, stressing that the government was open to partnerships aimed at developing tourism infrastructure and attracting more visitors.
Ojo-Lanre described Arinta Waterfall as one of Nigeria’s notable natural attractions, noting that the site contains seven waterfalls. He said the decision to host the World Tourism Day celebration at the location was deliberate, as it would increase the visibility of the attraction and draw the attention of tourists and potential investors.
The tourism development chief also emphasised the role of digital technology and artificial intelligence in promoting Ekiti’s tourism destinations to audiences beyond Nigeria.
He said digital platforms could enable communities to market their attractions globally, while technology could improve the way visitors discover, plan and experience tourist destinations.
The Technical Adviser to the governor on Youth Inclusion, Ayo Ojo, similarly said the event was an opportunity to present Arinta Waterfall to a wider audience and demonstrate how digital tools could be used to unlock its economic potential.
He described the waterfall as a potential tourism laboratory where artificial intelligence and other digital technologies could be deployed to promote the destination internationally.
Beyond Arinta Waterfall, Ekiti has several other natural and cultural attractions, including the Ikogosi Warm Springs and Abanijorin Rock. The state government has said its tourism development strategy is aimed at combining economic development with the preservation of natural and cultural resources.
The Olupole of Ipole-Iloro Kingdom, Oba Ezekiel Oladele, called for sustained government and private-sector investment in Arinta Waterfall. He said improved infrastructure, professional management and environmental protection could enable the site to attract more visitors, create jobs and increase economic activity in the community.
The monarch also advocated the use of digital maps, virtual tours, online booking systems, social media and artificial intelligence to promote the waterfall within Nigeria and internationally.
However, he stressed the need to ensure that tourism development did not damage the environment or undermine the cultural heritage of the host community.
The Ekiti State Government’s tourism bureau says its mandate includes promoting tourism investment, developing tourism projects and supporting sustainable tourism practices.
The latest initiative therefore reflects the state’s broader effort to turn its natural and cultural assets into economic opportunities while positioning tourism as a source of employment, investment and community development.
