By Abba -Eku Onyeka
Abuja
The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Ola Awakan, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to using community-based tourism to drive economic diversification, during a visit to Ekinrin-Adde in Kogi State.
Mr. Awakan joined indigenes and stakeholders at the 2026 Omo Atata and Ekinrin-Adde Day celebrations, a week-long cultural festival that blends heritage, community recognition, and development initiatives.
Rooted in the traditional New Yam celebration, the festival serves as a homecoming for indigenes and a platform to honour excellence across generations. Activities included a youth carnival by student bodies, essay competitions across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, hiking competitions, and an awards ceremony for distinguished sons and daughters.
During courtesy visits to the palaces of the community’s two first-class rulers, His Royal Majesty Olu Anthony Bamigbaye Idowu, CON, Ahemaworo I, the Olu-Adde, and His Royal Majesty Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju, the Egbo L’ona I, the Akinrin, Mr. Awakan stressed the central role of local communities in sustainable tourism.
“Tourism is community-based. Without the involvement of traditional institutions and local stakeholders, it cannot thrive,” he said, adding that NTDA will work with the community to elevate the festival’s profile nationally and internationally.
The Authority also pledged to showcase Ekinrin-Adde’s cultural narratives on NITOUREY, its new digital streaming platform designed to amplify African tourism stories to global audiences.
The delegation inspected Akogba Mountain, a natural attraction known for its perennial spring and unique summit features. The tour was led by veteran journalist and indigene, Prince Babajide Kolade-Otitoju. NTDA said it plans to promote the site and support a mountain hiking event to attract visitors.
Mr. Awakan further noted that NTDA will explore including the festival in Nigeria’s national tourism calendar and will collaborate with stakeholders, including the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), to boost visibility and participation.
The Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA) said proceeds from the festival have funded projects in healthcare, security, water supply, and rural electrification. The celebrations ended with a grand finale attended by traditional rulers, government officials, and diaspora members.
The visit comes as Nigeria seeks to expand non-oil sectors, with tourism identified as a key pillar to diversify the economy and create sustainable livelihoods.
