In a warm and vibrant cultural reception, Ekiti State played host to the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, who arrived at the Akure Airport for a working visit to Ekiti State as part of the national Destination 2030 digital tourism stimulation initiative.
On behalf of the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, a high-powered delegation was dispatched to receive the Minister. The delegation was led by Nigeria’s first Professor of Choreography and Performance Aesthetics, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare, Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, and included Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, the Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development.
The atmosphere at the Akure Airport was electrifying as the Ekiti State Performing Arts Troupe mounted a cultural welcome, thrilling the Minister with traditional music, vibrant dance steps, and chants that reflect the rich heritage of Ekiti land. As the Overland aircraft landed safely, the Minister and her entourage were enveloped in the graceful rhythms and colourful display of Ekiti’s cultural identity.
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Prof. Bakare, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Nigeria Forum of Commissioners for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, formally introduced members of the welcoming team. Among them were Mr. Sola Arowosola , Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy; Mr. Peculiar Ikiran, Special Assistant on Tourism Development; Prince Adebanji Adelusi, Director at the Ministry; and Miss Dolapo Ogunleye-Adewumi, a Tourism Officer at the Bureau of Tourism Development.
In a brief address, Prof. Bakare conveyed the warm regards of Governor Oyebanji to the Honourable Minister, explaining that the Governor, though unavoidably absent, had ensured a befitting and symbolic welcome as a testament to Ekiti State’s commitment to arts, culture and tourism development.
The Minister, visibly impressed and visibly moved, joined the cultural troupe in a celebratory dance and expressed her deep appreciation to the Governor and the good people of Ekiti State for the warm, energetic reception.
Speaking on tourism Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre assured the Minister that her visit would expose her to the untapped tourism wonders of Ekiti, stating, “Ekiti is a cultural and eco-tourism gem waiting to be discovered, and you will see wonders here.”
The Honourable Minister is in Ekiti State as part of the Destination 2030 initiative – a federal government-driven programme aimed at digitizing, branding, and promoting Nigerian tourism destinations for global visibility and investment readiness by the year 2030. The initiative seeks to integrate digital innovation with cultural and heritage tourism to reposition Nigeria as a compelling global destination.
Ekiti State is proud to be part of this historic drive, aligning with its vision to harness its rich cultural legacy and natural endowments for economic growth, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.
Office of the Director General,
Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development
