The Ekiti State Government has announced plans to boost tourism in the state by partnering with investors to develop Arinta Waterfall into a world-class tourist centre. Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, made this announcement during the 2026 World Tourism Day celebration held at Arinta Waterfall, Ipole-Iloro. The event, attended by dignitaries, focused on leveraging digital technology and artificial intelligence to promote tourism destinations in Ekiti State.
The celebration, themed “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, highlighted the potential of Arinta Waterfall and the need for investment in the sector. Ojo-Lanre described Arinta Waterfall as one of Nigeria’s notable waterfalls, with seven waterfalls within the site, making it a unique attraction. The tourism boss emphasized that the choice of Arinta Waterfall for the celebration was deliberate, aimed at increasing its visibility and drawing the attention of potential visitors and investors.
Governor Oyebanji expressed readiness to partner with communities willing to transform their tourism potentials into viable economic prospects. He assured investors of returns on investment, citing the potential of the natural resource, its viability, and infrastructure development in the state. The governor also urged investors to tap into the opportunities in the sector, emphasizing that Ekiti is open for tourism investment with high returns on investment.
The Technical Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Youth Inclusion, Mr Ayo Ojo, said the celebration provided an opportunity to showcase Arinta Waterfall, one of Ekiti’s tourism assets, to the world. He described the choice of Arinta Waterfall as appropriate, citing its tourism potential and hospitality. Ojo added that the state had effectively unlocked the waterfall and designated it as a tourism laboratory where digital and AI technologies could be deployed to promote the destination globally.
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. Oba Oladele emphasized that the waterfall, if supported with adequate infrastructure, professional management, environmental protection, and private-sector investment, would attract visitors, create jobs for youths, generate income for residents, and stimulate economic activities.
Stakeholders at the event, including the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council, Kayode Babatuyi, stressed the importance of sustained media coverage to enhance the visibility of Arinta Waterfall and other tourist destinations in the state. Babatuyi urged journalists to maximise digital platforms to tell compelling stories about the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
The Ekiti State Government’s efforts to boost tourism are expected to create jobs, generate income, and stimulate economic growth in the state. With its rich natural and cultural heritage, Ekiti State is poised to become a major tourism destination in Nigeria. The development of Arinta Waterfall and other tourism attractions is expected to contribute significantly to the state’s economy.
Key points
- * Ekiti State Government is partnering with investors to develop Arinta Waterfall into a world-class tourist centre. * The state is leveraging digital technology and artificial intelligence to promote tourism destinations. * The development of tourism in Ekiti State is expected to create jobs, generate income, and stimulate economic growth.
