The Ekiti State Government has begun moves to explore the cultural festivals of different communities to harness the economic potential of tourism in the state.
The Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, said the state government had urged communities to formally register their cultural festivals with the bureau.
Ojo-Lanre, who spoke in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday when the organisers of the Epa Festival in Omuo-Ekiti formally registered the festival with the state government, said, “Registering cultural festivals with the state government through the bureau will enhance their visibility, preserve cultural heritage and unlock the economic potential of tourism.
“It is the law that all festivals be registered with us, just as we also mandate hotels to do the same,” the DG said, adding that registration would provide a platform for proper coordination, branding, visibility, consultancy and legal recognition.
“We have to plan with them; we have to make it so that it will be a first-class festival that people will come while also ensuring that organisers maintain peace and order during such events.
“The Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration has demonstrated a strong understanding of the economic value of tourism. The governor had been paying increasing attention to festivals, carnivals, cultural events and other activities capable of attracting visitors to the state.”
Ojo-Lanre, who cited the over 3,000 visitors attracted to Ado-Ekiti during a recent cultural event as an indication of the economic possibilities embedded in well-promoted festivals, said, “Increased tourist traffic will translate into economic opportunities for hotels, transport operators, filling stations, event centres, food vendors, fashion designers and other businesses.
“The Oyebanji administration’s interventions that can support the growth of tourism in the state included completion of the Ekiti State International Cargo Airport, development of tourism policies and a tourism development master plan, improved security and infrastructure, as well as the creation of the State Bureau of Tourism Development.
“The airport has helped to address Ekiti State’s former status as a landlocked destination by providing an additional means of accessing the state. This has encouraged more tourists to visit.”
Ojo-Lanre also stressed the importance of private-sector participation in tourism development, saying the government had already created a conducive environment through legislation, infrastructure, security, coordination and policy, while the private sector drives investment and commercial activities.
The Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, Oluwasegun Ojo, said the decision to revive the Epa Festival was driven largely by the yearning of the people, particularly youths, to reconnect with their cultural heritage.
Ojo said the festival, which was last celebrated in 1982 before its revival in 2022, had continued to generate excitement among residents and indigenes.
He spoke about the determination to transform the festival from a mere cultural celebration into a major tourism attraction capable of driving economic activities in Omuo-Ekiti, saying, “The organisers are focusing on developing Omuo-Ekiti into a tourism hub and will work with the Bureau of Tourism Development to give the festival greater visibility and attract visitors from across the country and beyond.
“The seven-day festival generates significant economic activities through accommodation, food, transportation, buying and selling. Hotels were fully booked during the previous edition. This year’s edition will feature different activities throughout the seven days.
