Oyebanji Pitches Ekiti Tourist Sites to Attract Investors

The Ekiti State administration has announced its heightened commitment to leveraging tourism as a significant catalyst for economic expansion, job creation, and capital inflow within the state. Governor Biodun Oyebanji, through his representative, Mr. Wale Ojo-Lanre, the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, appealed to potential investors to capitalize on the vast opportunities available in this sector. Speaking on Sunday at the 2026 World Tourism Day celebration, themed “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” held at the scenic Arinta Waterfall in Ipole-Iloro, the Governor also affirmed the government's willingness to collaborate with local communities interested in developing their natural attractions into profitable ventures.

The gathering, which saw the presence of prominent figures such as traditional rulers, tourism advocates, young people, students, senior government officials, and community heads, underscored the immense promise of Arinta Waterfall. Discussions centered on the imperative of utilizing digital tools and artificial intelligence to globally publicize Ekiti State's various tourist sites. Governor Oyebanji, while indicating his administration's readiness to collaborate with investors to transform Arinta Waterfall into a premier international tourist hub, offered assurances of substantial returns on investment, citing the site's inherent potential, its economic viability, and ongoing infrastructural advancements across Ekiti.

He explicitly stated, “Ekiti is open for tourism investment, and the return on investment is very high because there is demand. We have many tertiary institutions here in Ekiti, and the students are always enthusiastic to visit tourist sites. Arinta Waterfall is one of them. We are very open to investment.”

Mr. Ojo-Lanre further elaborated on Arinta Waterfall's significance, identifying it as one of Nigeria's most remarkable waterfalls, distinguished by its unique feature of seven distinct falls located within the same area. He explained that the selection of Arinta Waterfall as the venue for the 2026 World Tourism Day celebrations in Ekiti State was a conscious decision. According to him, “It will increase the tourist attraction’s visibility and draw the attention of potential visitors and investors.” He also highlighted how digital avenues and artificial intelligence could empower local communities to effectively promote their tourism spots, engage broader audiences, and elevate the overall experience for visitors.

Mr. Ayo Ojo, the Technical Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Youth Inclusion, remarked that the event served as an ideal platform to globally present Arinta Waterfall, a key tourism asset of Ekiti, aligning perfectly with the theme of leveraging artificial intelligence and digital technology for sectoral transformation. Mr. Ojo praised the choice of Arinta Waterfall in Ipole-Iloro for the celebration, noting its inherent tourism appeal and hospitality. He stated that the state has successfully made the waterfall accessible and designated it as a "tourism laboratory" where digital and AI innovations can be implemented for global promotion. He also pointed out that the proximity of other attractions, such as the Ikogosi Warm Springs, would collectively bolster Ekiti's standing as a prime tourism hub.

Oba Ezekiel Oladele, the Olupole of Ipole-Iloro Kingdom, extended his appreciation to the state government for choosing Arinta Waterfall as the celebration venue. He further appealed for continuous backing to transform the site into a prominent ecotourism destination. According to Oba Oladele, with sufficient infrastructure, expert management, environmental safeguards, and private sector funding, the waterfall possesses the capacity to draw tourists, generate employment for young people, provide income for local inhabitants, and stimulate economic growth. The monarch advocated for the use of digital mapping, virtual tours, online reservation systems, social media engagement, and artificial intelligence to promote Arinta Waterfall both nationally and internationally. Nevertheless, he cautioned all parties involved to ensure that tourism development respects and preserves the community's environmental and cultural legacy.

Kayode Babatuyi, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council, affirmed the media's commitment to continuously promoting Arinta Waterfall and other tourist sites across the state. He encouraged journalists to fully utilize digital platforms to craft engaging narratives about Ekiti's rich natural and cultural heritage. Mr. Babatuyi emphasized that, “Sustained media coverage will enhance the visibility of Arinta Waterfall and other tourist destinations.”