The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Ola Awakan, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to promoting community-based tourism as a key driver of economic diversification during a visit to Ekinrin-Adde, Kogi State. Awakan made the commitment while participating in the 2026 Omo Atata and Ekinrin-Adde Day celebrations, a week-long cultural festival that showcases the community's heritage while promoting development initiatives and recognising outstanding individuals.
Traditional Institutions Central to Tourism
Speaking during courtesy visits to the palaces of the Olu-Adde of Ekinrin-Adde, His Royal Majesty Olu Anthony Bamgibaye Idowu, Ahemaworo I, and the Akinrin of Ekinrin-Adde, His Royal Majesty Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju, Egbo L'ona I, the NTDA boss stressed that local communities and traditional institutions remain central to sustainable tourism development. "Tourism is community-based. Without the involvement of traditional institutions and local stakeholders, it cannot thrive," he said.
He disclosed that the Authority would collaborate with the community to promote the festival on both national and international platforms, while also featuring Ekinrin-Adde's cultural heritage on the NTDA's newly launched digital streaming platform, NITOUREY, to showcase African tourism stories to global audiences.
Akogba Mountain Development Plans
As part of the visit, Awakan inspected the Akogba Mountain, a natural tourist attraction renowned for its perennial spring and distinctive summit features. The tour, led by veteran journalist and community leader Prince Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, explored opportunities to develop the site into a major tourism destination through curated tourism packages and mountain hiking events.
The NTDA also announced plans to work towards including the Ekinrin-Adde Festival in Nigeria's national tourism calendar and to partner with stakeholders, including the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), to increase the event's visibility and attract more visitors.
Festival Activities and Community Impact
The annual festival, rooted in the traditional New Yam celebration, featured a youth carnival, essay competitions for pupils and students, hiking contests, and an awards ceremony recognising distinguished sons and daughters of the community. The Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA) highlighted several community projects funded through the festival, including improvements in healthcare, security, water supply, and rural electrification.
The celebrations concluded with a grand finale attended by traditional rulers, government officials, and members of the diaspora, reinforcing the festival's role in preserving cultural heritage, fostering unity, and driving community development.
Tourism as Economic Diversification Tool
According to a statement issued by Blessing Adegun, CIO, Press unit of the NTDA, he added that the Federal Government will continue to identify tourism as a strategic non-oil sector capable of creating jobs, attracting investment, and supporting Nigeria's economic diversification agenda.
