………Stakeholders seek investment, technology-driven promotion of Ipole-Iloro attraction
The natural splendour of Arinta Waterfall in Ipole-Iloro, Ekiti State, took centre stage on Sunday as stakeholders in the tourism sector renewed calls for increased investment, digital promotion and sustainable development of the iconic attraction.
The call formed part of activities marking the 2026 World Tourism Day, celebrated at Arinta Waterfall with the theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”
The event brought together government representatives, traditional rulers, journalists, community leaders, tourism stakeholders and residents, with discussions focusing on how technology and strategic investment could transform Arinta into a destination capable of attracting visitors and investors from across Nigeria and beyond.
Representing Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the celebration, the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, said the state government remained committed to supporting communities interested in developing their tourism assets.
Ojo-Lanre described tourism as an important economic sector capable of creating employment, generating revenue and opening new opportunities for businesses and communities.
He said the choice of Arinta Waterfall as the venue for the celebration was deliberate, noting that bringing the event to the site would expose its tourism and investment potential to a wider audience.
According to him, Ekiti is open to investors willing to establish businesses around its tourism ecosystem, particularly as the state has a significant population of students and young people who patronise tourist destinations.
“Ekiti is open for tourism investment and the return on investment is very high because there is demand. We have universities here in Ekiti and their students are always enthusiastic about visiting tourist sites. Arinta Waterfall is one of them. We are very open for investment,” he said.
The Director-General also emphasised the growing role of digital technology and artificial intelligence in the tourism industry, saying social media, virtual tours, online booking systems and other digital platforms could help take Ekiti’s tourism attractions to a global audience.
ARINTA UNVEILED AS TOURISM LABORATORY
A major highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of Arinta Waterfall as a “tourism laboratory”, an initiative aimed at exploring how digital technology and artificial intelligence can be deployed in promoting tourism assets.
The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Youth Inclusion, Mr. Ayo Ojo, said the initiative would provide an opportunity to demonstrate how modern technology could change the way tourism destinations are presented and experienced.
He described Ipole-Iloro as a community with strong tourism potential and hospitable people, stressing that the destination could serve as a gateway for showcasing Ekiti’s natural and cultural heritage to the world.
The initiative is expected to encourage the use of social media, digital mapping, virtual experiences and other technology-driven tools to promote Arinta Waterfall and related tourism attractions.
NUJ SEEKS STRONGER MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, called for greater media attention to the tourism potential of Ipole-Iloro and other destinations across the state.
Babatuyi, who chaired the occasion, said journalists had a responsibility to tell the story of tourism beyond the beauty of tourist sites by highlighting the economic opportunities they could create for host communities.
He urged journalists to use their various platforms to promote Arinta Waterfall, attract visitors and draw the attention of potential investors to the area.
According to him, sustained publicity could contribute to increased tourism traffic, local business growth and employment opportunities.
MONARCH SEEKS INFRASTRUCTURE, PRIVATE INVESTMENT
The Olupole of Ipole-Iloro Kingdom, Oba Ezekiel Oladele, expressed appreciation to the state government for choosing Arinta Waterfall for the World Tourism Day celebration.
The monarch called for greater investment in infrastructure, professional management, environmental protection and other facilities needed to unlock the full potential of the attraction.
He said the proper development of Arinta could create jobs for young people, increase income for residents and stimulate economic activities within the community and the wider state.
Oba Oladele also advocated the deployment of digital tools, including online booking platforms, virtual tours, digital maps, social media and artificial intelligence, to promote Arinta Waterfall beyond Nigeria.
While seeking increased development, the monarch stressed the importance of protecting the forest ecosystem and cultural heritage surrounding the attraction.
He also appealed to farmers operating around areas designated for the protection and development of the tourism corridor to comply with relevant government directives, warning that indiscriminate farming and deforestation could threaten the natural environment supporting the waterfall.
INVESTORS URGED TO EXPLORE EKAMETA TOURISM POTENTIAL
The Secretary-General of Ekameta ICDA, Hon. Adeniyi, also called on investors to explore the tourism opportunities within the Ekameta axis.
He noted that the area was endowed with natural attractions capable of contributing to revenue generation, employment creation and community development if properly harnessed.
The World Tourism Day celebration consequently became more than a showcase of Arinta Waterfall’s natural beauty, providing a platform for stakeholders to examine the economic, technological and investment possibilities surrounding the attraction.
With the renewed emphasis on artificial intelligence, digital promotion and private-sector participation, stakeholders believe Arinta Waterfall and Ipole-Iloro can gain greater visibility as part of Ekiti State’s emerging tourism economy.