Ekiti Woos Investors, Targets Tourism Growth Through Arinta Waterfall Development

The Ekiti State Government has intensified efforts to position tourism as a major driver of economic growth, job creation and investment, with a renewed focus on developing the state’s tourist attractions.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has called on investors to explore opportunities in the tourism sector, assuring them of the government’s readiness to partner with communities seeking to transform their tourism assets into viable economic ventures.

Oyebanji, represented by the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, spoke on Sunday during the 2026 World Tourism Day celebration at Arinta Waterfall in Ipole-Iloro.

The event, themed “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” brought together traditional rulers, tourism enthusiasts, youths, students, government officials and community leaders to discuss ways of promoting Ekiti’s tourism potential through digital technology and artificial intelligence.

The governor said Arinta Waterfall offered significant investment opportunities, citing the demand for tourist attractions among students and other visitors. He expressed the government’s willingness to support investors interested in developing the site into a world-class tourist centre.

Ojo-Lanre described Arinta Waterfall as one of Nigeria’s notable waterfalls, highlighting its seven cascades as a distinctive feature. He said the location was deliberately selected for the celebration to increase its visibility and attract potential visitors and investors.

He added that digital platforms and artificial intelligence could help communities promote their tourism destinations to wider audiences and improve visitors’ experiences. The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Youth Inclusion, Ayo Ojo, also described the site as a potential tourism laboratory for deploying digital and AI technologies.

The Olupole of Ipole-Iloro Kingdom, Oba Ezekiel Oladele, called for sustained government support, infrastructure development, environmental protection and private-sector investment to transform the waterfall into a major ecotourism destination. He said such development could create jobs, generate income and stimulate economic activities in the community.

The monarch also urged stakeholders to use digital maps, virtual tours, online booking platforms and social media to promote the attraction while protecting the community’s environment and cultural heritage.