The Ekiti State Government has commenced efforts to harness the tourism and economic opportunities embedded in the state’s diverse cultural festivals.
The initiative is being driven by the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, which has encouraged communities across the state to formally register their traditional festivals with the government.
The Director-General of the bureau, Wale Ojo-Lanre, disclosed this in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday while receiving organisers of the Epa Festival in Omuo-Ekiti, who formally registered the annual cultural event with the state government.
Ojo-Lanre said the registration of cultural festivals would help the government document and preserve Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage while also giving the festivals greater visibility locally and internationally.
According to him, properly documented and promoted festivals could attract tourists, create business opportunities for local communities and contribute to the state’s economic development.
He explained that the government’s interest was not only in preserving traditional practices but also in transforming them into sustainable tourism assets that could benefit residents.
“Registering cultural festivals with the state government through the bureau will enhance their visibility, preserve cultural heritage and unlock the economic potential of tourism,” Ojo-Lanre said.
The registration of the Epa Festival marks part of the state government’s broader effort to identify, document and promote cultural events capable of attracting visitors and strengthening Ekiti’s position as a tourism destination.
The Epa Festival, celebrated in Omuo-Ekiti, is among the traditional cultural events that showcase the customs, history and identity of the people.
The government is expected to continue engaging communities and festival organisers as it seeks to build a stronger tourism sector around Ekiti’s cultural heritage.
ALSO READ:After 25 Years, Oke-Ako Ekiti Finally Gets New Traditional Ruler
Hope you find the Above publication useful, Calabargist will love to keep you updated via our newsletter by subscribing with your email.
