The aggressive Ekiti tourism investment drive initiated by Governor Biodun Oyebanji has attracted a top player in Africa’s hospitality sector. Ambassador Olawanle Akinboboye, the visionary founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, recently led a powerful 14-member technical and investment delegation to the state. This strategic visit aims to unlock the state’s hidden eco-tourism potential and explore fresh economic partnerships.
Ambassador Akinboboye is widely regarded as one of Africa’s foremost tourism entrepreneurs. He arrived in Ekiti State alongside his business partner, Mr. Mohammed Fazzani, an intercontinental aviation investor. The high-powered team also included economists, technical experts, and a media crew.
The investment delegation arrived at the instance of the governor’s strategic vision. The state designed the tour to expose the team to its rich cultural assets, hospitality, and enabling infrastructure. Members of staff from the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, led by Director-General Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, received the visitors at the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti.
In line with the local culture of hospitality, the visitors entered the premises amidst immense colour and cultural grandeur. The Bolarinwa Oselusi Cultural Troupe treated the guests to traditional drumbeats, songs, and dances. This vibrant reception highlighted the true depth of Ekiti cultural tourism.
Visibly impressed, Ambassador Akinboboye described Ekiti as a state with rare hospitality consciousness. He noted that the reception proved that the state administration understands the power of first impressions. He confessed that Ekiti stood out as one of the most impressive destinations he had encountered regarding cultural packaging.
At the bureau, Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre presented the official Ekiti tourism map. The presentation exposed the hidden wealth of the state, including its hills, caves, waterfalls, warm springs, and historical sites. He explained that the name “Ekiti” comes from “Okiti,” which means hills, making the state a natural paragon of tourism.
According to the director-general, Ekiti’s tourism assets are largely virgin, authentic, and waiting for serious investors who understand the value of destination development.
The administration assures investors that the return on investment is fast, sustainable, and inestimable. The state possesses the peace, the infrastructure, and the leadership commitment required to drive the sector.
Barrister Ojo-Lanre also highlighted key investment advantages under Governor Biodun Oyebanji, including the following: An expanding network of tertiary institutions. A rapidly improving road network and the new Ado-Ekiti flyover. The high-tech Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport. The completed Ekiti State Tourism Policy and Master Plan.
Speaking after the presentation, Ambassador Akinboboye commended the governor’s deliberate efforts to lay the fundamentals for a tourism economy to blossom.
“Honestly, I must confess that I am not only impressed by the evidence of tourism assets in Ekiti as exposed by Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre; I am overwhelmed by the efforts of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in planting the fundamentals for the tourism economy to grow and in creating an atmosphere that protects investors and their investments,” he said.
Ambassador Akinboboye commended the creation of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development as a standalone entity. He noted that tourism is a multi-sectoral economic engine that should not be buried under unrelated ministries.
The seasoned entrepreneur emphasized that attractions alone do not generate wealth.
“Attractions do not generate wealth until they are transformed into destinations,” Ambassador Akinboboye said.
He assured the state that his team came for serious investment and sightseeing. He pledged to work with the government to convert selected assets into profitable, experience-driven hubs that advance Nigeria’s destination development.
Before the site tour, the delegation experienced Ekiti food tourism. The team enjoyed local pounded yam with worowo soup, richly garnished with egusi, iru, bush meat, and fresh palm wine. Mr. Mohammed Fazzani praised the meal as one of the most delicious Nigerian dishes he had ever eaten.
The delegation paid a courtesy visit to Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a distinguished journalist and prominent Ekiti son, who joined the excursion. The team first visited the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport. Head of Airfield Services, Mr. Fakorede Ayodeji, explained that passenger traffic is increasing steadily, proving that the airport is a major gateway.
The team then visited the Fajuyi Memorial Park, which is currently undergoing major rehabilitation. The site honors the courage of Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi. The delegation noted that the completed park would serve as a major heritage and educational tourism site.
Next, the team proceeded to the breathtaking Arinta Waterfall at Ipole-Iloro. The waterfall fascinated the visitors with its seven distinct layers and serene environment. The final stop of the day was the world-renowned Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, where warm and cold springs flow side by side without mixing.
Throughout the tour, the founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort carefully assessed the sites. He identified areas where his corporate expertise in experiential tourism could add significant value.
The visit ended on a highly optimistic note. Both parties agreed that the state possesses enormous untapped potential waiting to be converted into sustainable economic growth.
Ambassador Olawanle Akinboboye pledged to return soon with deeper technical engagement to help transform these unique attractions into world-class destinations. This landmark collaboration proves that the state’s economic strategy is actively attracting credible global partners. Under the current administration, the local tourism economy is firmly set for an explosion.
