By Toyin Raphael
The Ekiti State Government has pledged to support communities willing to develop their tourism assets, as it intensifies efforts to position tourism as a major driver of economic growth, employment and investment in the state.
The Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Mr. Wale Ojo-Lanre, who represented Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the 2026 World Tourism Day celebration held on Sunday at Arinta Waterfall, Ipole-Iloro, said the government was ready to partner with communities to transform tourist attractions into viable economic opportunities.
The celebration, held with the theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” focused attention on the potential of Arinta Waterfall and the need to leverage digital technology and artificial intelligence to promote Ekiti’s tourism destinations to a global audience. Ojo-Lanre said tourism had evolved beyond leisure and hospitality, stressing that the sector could create jobs, generate income and stimulate economic activities in host communities.
He described Arinta Waterfall as one of Nigeria’s notable waterfalls, adding that its seven waterfalls within the site made it a unique attraction.He said, “Ekiti is open for tourism investment and the return on investment is very high because there is demand. We have seven universities here in Ekiti and their students are always enthusiastic to visit tourist sites. Arinta Waterfall is one of them. We are very open to investment.”
The tourism boss explained that the choice of Arinta Waterfall for the World Tourism Day celebration was deliberate, saying it would increase the attraction’s visibility and draw the attention of potential visitors and investors. He added that digital platforms and artificial intelligence could help communities market their tourist destinations, reach wider audiences and improve visitors’ experiences.
The Olupole of Ipole-Iloro Kingdom, Oba Ezekiel Oladele, commended the state government for selecting Arinta Waterfall for the celebration and appealed for sustained support to develop the site into a major ecotourism destination. The monarch said the waterfall could attract visitors, create jobs for youths, generate income for residents and stimulate economic activities if supported with adequate infrastructure, professional management, environmental protection and private-sector investment.
Oba Oladele also called for the deployment of digital maps, virtual tours, online booking platforms, social media and artificial intelligence to promote Arinta Waterfall within and outside Nigeria. He, however, urged stakeholders to ensure that tourism development did not undermine the environment and cultural heritage of the community. He called on farmers operating within areas designated for the development and protection of the tourism corridor around the waterfall to comply with lawful directives and applicable government procedures.
The monarch warned that indiscriminate farming and deforestation could negatively affect the forest, vegetation and ecosystem supporting the waterfall.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, said the media would continue to promote Arinta Waterfall and other tourism attractions across the state.
Babatuyi, who chaired the occasion, said journalists had a responsibility to use their platforms to create awareness about Ekiti’s tourism potentials, attract visitors and draw investors to the state.
He urged journalists to maximise digital platforms to tell compelling stories about the state’s natural and cultural heritage, saying sustained media coverage would enhance the visibility of Arinta Waterfall and other tourist destinations.
The Technical Adviser to the Governor of Youth Inclusion, Mr. Ayo Ojo, described the choice of Ipole-Iloro as appropriate, citing its tourism potential and hospitality.
Ojo said the celebration provided an opportunity to showcase Ekiti’s tourism assets to the world in line with the theme of using artificial intelligence and digital technology to transform the sector.
He said the state had effectively “unlocked” Arinta Waterfall and designated it as a tourism laboratory where digital and AI technologies could be deployed to promote the destination globally.
He added that the surrounding areas also had other tourism attractions, including Ikogosi Warm Springs, which could collectively strengthen Ekiti’s position as a tourism destination.