In furtherance of the tourism vision of the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development has established a dedicated Tourist Information Desk to assist visitors coming to the state for the Ekiti Festival of Arts and Culture, EKIFEST 2026.
EKIFEST 2026, scheduled to hold in Ado-Ekiti from August 11 to 15, 2026, will bring together cultural performers, artists, tourists, creative entrepreneurs, hospitality operators and other stakeholders from within and outside Ekiti State.
The Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq., said the establishment of the Tourist Information Desk had become necessary to provide visitors with accurate, timely and practical information throughout the festival.
According to him, the desk will assist tourists with information on accommodation, transportation, travel arrangements, tour operators, festival venues, tourism attractions and other services required for a comfortable and rewarding stay in Ekiti State.
Ojo-Lanre explained that EKIFEST should not be viewed merely as a cultural festival restricted to performances, exhibitions and competitions, but as a major tourism product capable of stimulating economic activities across several sectors.
“EKIFEST is beyond a cultural festival. It is a tourism product, a destination-marketing platform and an economic opportunity for Ekiti State,” he said.
“When visitors travel to Ekiti for the festival, they patronise hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tour guides, photographers, craftspeople, food vendors and other service providers. Their movement activates a chain of economic activities and strengthens the tourism and hospitality sectors.”
The Director-General added that the Bureau had held engagements with travel agencies, tour operators, hoteliers, tourism associations and relevant national organisations as part of efforts to promote EKIFEST 2026 and attract visitors to the state.
He encouraged visitors attending the festival to extend their stay beyond the cultural arena by exploring major tourism attractions across Ekiti State, including Ikogosi Warm Springs, Arinta Waterfalls, Ugele Rock Shelter, Oke Sagbonke, Abanijorin Rock and other natural, historical and cultural destinations.
The Tourist Information Desk will also provide information on available tourism packages, routes to attractions, accommodation facilities, hospitality services, community festivals and opportunities within the state’s growing tourism economy.
The desk will be coordinated by Mr Olaoluwa Jinadu, Director of Tourism, alongside designated officers of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development.
Residents, tourists, travel professionals, investors, families, students, journalists, photographers and lovers of culture are invited to visit Ekiti, experience EKIFEST 2026 and participate in the tourism economy of the festival.
Come for the culture.
Stay for the hospitality.
Explore the attractions.
Experience Ekiti.
For tourism information, enquiries and assistance, please contact:
Olaoluwa: +234 803 970 0797
Kenny: +234 705 255 1806
Adebobola: +234 814 766 8993
Signed:
Babasoji Awe, Esq.
General Manager
Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development