By: Odeh Favour Adiya
The Ekiti State Government has initiated steps to harness the economic potential of tourism across the state by encouraging various local communities to formally register their traditional cultural festivals.
Speaking on Tuesday in Ado Ekiti during the formal registration of the Epa Festival by organisers from Omuo-Ekiti, the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, emphasized the benefits of state recognition for local cultural events.
“Registering cultural festivals with the state government through the bureau will enhance their visibility, preserve cultural heritage and unlock the economic potential of tourism,” Ojo-Lanre said.
He reiterated that statutory compliance is required for all organizers and hospitality operators within the state, noting: “It is the law that all festivals be registered with us, just as we also mandate hotels to do the same.” He added that registration provides “a platform for proper coordination, branding, visibility, consultancy and legal recognition,” while stressing the need 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.”
Highlighting the state administration’s commitment to the sector, Ojo-Lanre stated, “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.”
Citing recent events in Ado-Ekiti that drew over 3,000 visitors, he noted: “Increased tourist traffic will translate into economic opportunities for hotels, transport operators, filling stations, event centres, food vendors, fashion designers and other businesses.”
He further outlined the administration’s foundational projects: “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.”
Regarding accessibility, Ojo-Lanre remarked: “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.”
He also underscored the role of private enterprise alongside state infrastructure, explaining that while government creates a conducive environment via legislation, infrastructure, security, coordination, and policy, the private sector drives investment and commercial activities.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, Oluwasegun Ojo, explained that the decision to revive the Epa Festival was driven by community demand, particularly from youths seeking to reconnect with their heritage.
The festival, which was last celebrated in 1982 before its revival in 2022, continues to generate significant interest among locals and indigenes.
Ojo expressed the local government’s ambition to scale the event, stating: “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.”
Describing the commercial impact of the event, Ojo said, “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.”
He revealed that outreach efforts are extending internationally, adding: “Efforts are being made to attract indigenes of Omuo-Ekiti living abroad to participate. A committee has been set up in the Americas to coordinate activities among members of the diaspora.”
Traditional leaders present at the formal registration included the Saruku of Omuo-Ekiti, Chief Sunday Adepoju; the Eye Olori-Eru of Omuo-Ekiti, Chief (Mrs) Titilayo Aladesanmi; and the Oloka of Omuo-Ekiti, Chief Akinlolu Adedoyin.
The chiefs expressed their support for the official recognition, agreeing that government backing would grant the festival institutional support, transform it beyond a local celebration into a major cultural attraction, and unlock new economic opportunities for the community.
