The Ekiti State Government has called on investors to explore the vast opportunities in the state’s tourism sector, describing tourism as a potential driver of economic growth, employment and investment.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, made the call on Sunday during the 2026 World Tourism Day celebration held at Arinta Waterfall, Ipole-Iloro.
The celebration, themed “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” focused on leveraging digital technology and artificial intelligence to promote Ekiti’s tourism destinations to a global audience.
Oyebanji said the state was ready to partner with investors and communities interested in developing tourism assets, particularly Arinta Waterfall, into world-class tourist destinations.
According to him, Ekiti offers significant investment opportunities in tourism, with a ready market provided by residents, visitors and students of the state’s tertiary institutions.
“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,” he said.Ojo-Lanre described Arinta Waterfall as one of Nigeria’s notable waterfalls, noting that its seven waterfalls within the site make it a unique tourist attraction.
He said the decision to hold the World Tourism Day celebration at Arinta Waterfall was deliberate, as it would increase the site’s visibility and attract potential visitors and investors.
The tourism chief added that digital platforms and artificial intelligence could help communities market their tourism assets, reach wider audiences and improve visitors’ experiences.
Also speaking, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Youth Inclusion, Mr Ayo Ojo, said the celebration provided an opportunity to showcase Arinta Waterfall and other tourism assets in Ekiti to the world.
He said the state had designated Arinta Waterfall as a tourism laboratory where digital and artificial intelligence technologies could be deployed to promote the destination globally.Ojo noted that other attractions, including the Ikogosi Warm Springs, could complement Arinta Waterfall and strengthen Ekiti’s position as a tourism destination.
The Olupole of Ipole-Iloro Kingdom, Oba Ezekiel Oladele, commended the state government for choosing Arinta Waterfall for the celebration and called for sustained support to transform the site into a major ecotourism destination.
The monarch said adequate infrastructure, professional management, environmental protection and private-sector investment would enable the waterfall to attract more visitors, create jobs and generate income for residents.
He also advocated the use of digital maps, virtual tours, online booking platforms, social media and artificial intelligence to promote Arinta Waterfall within and outside Nigeria.
Oba Oladele, however, urged stakeholders to ensure that tourism development did not undermine the environment and cultural heritage of the host community.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council, Kayode Babatuyi, said the media would continue to promote Arinta Waterfall and other tourism attractions across the state.
Babatuyi urged journalists to maximise digital platforms in telling compelling stories about Ekiti’s natural and cultural heritage, noting that sustained media coverage would enhance the visibility of the state’s tourist destinations.The event attracted traditional rulers, tourism enthusiasts, youths, students, government officials and community leaders.