By Peculiar Ekiran
The remarkable strides recorded by the Ekiti State Government in tourism development under the visionary leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji have received national recognition, as stakeholders at the National Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders Forum organized by the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) spotlighted the state as a compelling model for policy-driven growth in Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The high-level forum, convened under the theme “Shaping the Future of Nigerian Tourism Together,” brought together key actors from both the public and private sectors to interrogate pathways for sustainable tourism development in the country. A major highlight of the gathering was a thought-provoking panel session titled “Tourism Investment & Infrastructure Development,” which focused on “Financing Nigeria’s Tourism Sector: Mobilizing Public and Private Investment for Infrastructure and Sustainable Growth.”
Moderated by the astute industry leader, Susan Akporiaye, MD/CEO of Topaz Travel and Tours and First Deputy President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, the session assembled a constellation of respected voices in the tourism and investment ecosystem. Panelists included Mr. Lanre Balogun, General Manager of Glocient Hospitality and concessionaire of Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort; Ms. Abiola Adelana, Head of Tourism Business at Sterling Bank; Mr. Akinsola Akeredolu-Ale, Managing Director/CEO of Lagos Commodities & Futures Exchange; Honourable Muhammad Muktar Olowookere, Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism; and Mr. Yifei Jefferson Chen, CEO/Co-Founder of Lafiya Nigeria and Central Asia Director at Ojaja Pan Africa Ltd.
In his intervention, Balogun attributed the remarkable transformation of Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort to deliberate, well-articulated government policies and sustained investment support. He noted that the enabling environment created by the Oyebanji administration has repositioned the iconic resort as one of Nigeria’s foremost leisure and wellness destinations. According to him, the Ekiti example underscores the power of strategic public-private collaboration in unlocking tourism value chains.
Echoing this sentiment, Ms. Adelana commended Ekiti State’s methodical and forward-looking approach to tourism policy formulation and promotion, describing it as a benchmark worthy of emulation by other states. She emphasized that the state’s clarity of vision, institutional coordination, and policy consistency reflect the level of political will required to transform tourism into a viable economic pillar.
Ekiti State’s participation at the forum was led by the Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, whose presence and contributions further reinforced the state’s growing influence in national tourism discourse. The delegation also included Michael Peculiar Ekiran, Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism Development, and Victor Ogundipe.
Also present at the forum was Dr. Ola Awakan, Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), whose leadership continues to provide a national platform for critical engagement, policy alignment, and stakeholder collaboration aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s tourism sector for global competitiveness.
In a notable moment that drew commendation and light-hearted applause, the moderator, Akporiaye, acknowledged the increasing visibility of the “Visit Ekiti” brand, specifically highlighting the Director General’s signature branded cap as a creative and effective promotional tool that has significantly amplified the state’s identity within the national tourism space.
Deliberations at the forum centred extensively on innovative financing models, infrastructure development imperatives, and actionable strategies for mobilizing both public and private sector investments to drive sustainable tourism growth across Nigeria.
While several states showcased their initiatives, stakeholders unanimously noted that Ekiti State’s experience stands out as a compelling case study—demonstrating how coherent policy frameworks, visionary leadership, and strategic branding can converge to deliver measurable progress. The Ekiti model, they observed, aligns seamlessly with the broader national aspiration of shaping a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism industry through collaboration and innovation.
