Ekiti makes tourism history, bags ‘Most active Tourism State’ for third consecutive year

Ekiti State has once again been recognised as one of the Most Active Tourism States in Nigeria, marking the third consecutive year the state has earned the prestigious national tourism recognition.

The latest honour, covering the 2025/2026 tourism year, was announced by Ikechi Uko, President of Akwaaba African Travel Market and Publisher of ATQNews, in a formal communication to the Ekiti State Governor

With the latest recognition, Ekiti State has achieved an impressive three-year consistency, having emerged among Nigeria’s Most Active Tourism States in 2023/2024, 2024/2025 and now 2025/2026.

Uko described the recognition as a reflection of Ekiti State’s sustained commitment to tourism development, particularly its consistent promotion of tourism, creation of memorable visitor experiences and deliberate provision of an enabling environment for the growth of the sector.

According to him, Ekiti’s continued appearance on the list of Nigeria’s most active tourism states is anchored on deliberate initiatives, including the establishment of a comprehensive tourism master plan, sustained investment in tourism infrastructure and purposeful development and promotion of tourism destinations across the state.

He noted that such consistency demonstrates a clear governmental understanding of tourism beyond mere recreation, but as a strategic instrument for economic development, investment attraction, destination marketing and community empowerment.

The latest recognition further consolidates the tourism credentials of the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who was also honoured as Tourism Governor of the Year 2025.

The combination of the Governor’s individual recognition and Ekiti State’s three consecutive appearances among the country’s most active tourism states is regarded as a significant endorsement of the administration’s sustained tourism development initiatives.

Under Governor Oyebanji, Ekiti State has continued to pursue the development of tourism through policy formulation, destination enhancement, cultural promotion, private-sector participation, tourism infrastructure development and the discovery and documentation of new heritage and natural attractions.

The state has also intensified the promotion of established and emerging attractions, including Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Arinta Waterfalls, Ugele Rock Shelter, Oke Sagbonke, Abanijorin Rock of Wonders and Oke Ewo War Site, alongside its numerous festivals, cultural assets and agro-tourism opportunities.

The commencement of operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport has equally strengthened the state’s tourism prospects by improving accessibility and opening Ekiti to tourists, investors and business travellers.

Uko said Ekiti State would be presented with a special commemorative plaque during the Wonders of Nigeria Expo at the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market, holding at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, on September 13, 2026.

The 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market is scheduled for September 13–15, 2026, bringing together tourism stakeholders from Nigeria, other African countries and the international travel community.

According to the organisers, the three-day event will feature the African Food Fair, Medical Tourism Expo, Africa Tour Operators Summit, Africa Travel Awards, Wonders of Nigeria Expo, and Aviation and Cargo Conference, among other activities.

Uko noted that Akwaaba has over the years evolved into one of the region’s important travel marketing platforms, attracting participation from several countries within and outside Africa.

He said Ekiti’s latest recognition provides another opportunity to showcase the state’s tourism assets, facilities and investment potential before a wide international audience.

The recognition is seen as particularly significant because it represents three consecutive years of national acknowledgement, demonstrating that Ekiti’s emergence in Nigeria’s tourism space is not a one-off development but the result of sustained activity and investment.

For Governor Oyebanji, the awards also reinforce a development philosophy which increasingly regards tourism as an economic tool capable of generating employment, stimulating rural economies, preserving cultural heritage, attracting private investment and creating sustainable livelihoods.

Ekiti State will therefore approach the 2026 Akwaaba African Travel Market not merely as an award recipient, but as a destination seeking to convert its growing national visibility into greater visitation, investment, economic opportunities and sustainable development for its people.