The Federal Government has restated its commitment to advancing programs that would empower Nigerian youths across all sectors, while also expressing readiness to partner with relevant bodies and organisations on youth development initiatives.
This was disclosed on Thursday by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, during the unveiling of an initiative tagged ‘Visit Ekiti’ in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. The initiative was introduced to highlight the nature, culture, and beauty of Ekiti, focusing on its potential for youth empowerment and economic growth.
Speaking at the event, the team lead of the project, Ayo Ogunro, explained that ‘Visit Ekiti’ was designed to blend culture with tourism in a way that benefits the younger generation and attracts global attention to the state.
“It’s not just about tourist attractions alone; it will also attract investors to Ekiti state. Visit Ekiti will plan movement for tourists. Movement, such as information on accessibility to roads, villages and all other information needed for tourism, will be provided on the platform in order to help tourist enthusiasts plan.
“Ekiti is open for business, for discovery, and for wonder. For too long, our majestic story—the story of the globally unique Ikogosi Warm and Cold Springs, the spectacular Arinta Waterfalls, and our rich cultural heritage—has awaited its spotlight.
“Visit Ekiti is more than a tourism campaign; it is our strategic blueprint for economic transformation. It is the engine that will create jobs, empower our communities, and draw investment into world-class resorts and eco-tourism ventures,” Ogunro stated.
The Minister of Youth Development, represented at the occasion by Dr Adedamola Ogunmola, commended the vision behind the project, describing it as a step towards using culture and tourism to drive economic development.
“The launch of Visit Ekiti is not just the unveiling of a company. It is the unveiling of a dream: a dream to showcase the rich cultural heritage, the breathtaking landscapes, and the profound history of Ekiti to Nigeria, Africa, and the world.
“Tourism is more than leisure; it is a vehicle for economic growth, job creation, and cultural preservation. By investing in tourism, we invest in our people, our youth, and our future,” he said.
Olawande noted that prioritising the creativity, energy, and innovation of young people was crucial to tourism development, stressing that youth must be active participants in the sector.
“This is a vision that aligns perfectly with the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. Our young people are not only custodians of our cultural values but also the drivers of new ideas that can transform heritage into wealth,” he added.
According to him, the Ministry is laying a foundation where Nigerian youth are not just beneficiaries of development but creators of change. He explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to create opportunities for growth, innovation, and prosperity.
“Tourism development, job creation, and youth empowerment. They are central pillars of that agenda. Visit Ekiti embodies these priorities by showing how cultural heritage and enterprise can be woven into the national fabric of hope, resilience, and renewal.
“Going forward, the Ministry of Youth Development is eager to explore partnerships with Visit Ekiti in ways that will directly benefit our young people,” the Minister said.
