Ekiti State took the shine at the just concluded Akwaaba African Travel Market at the Eko Hotel and Suites Expo Centre in Lagos, marketing its rich educational tourism potential, terrific tourism attractions, culture and food with its pounded yam which is regarded as the best in the country.

Monday September 23 was a beautiful day for Ekiti State as the state left no stone unturned in its drive to promote its rich tourism potential as one of the leading tourism destinations in Nigeria.

The Governor, Mr Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, a consummate politician has repositioned the state as one of the leading tourism destinations in the country since coming on board, consolidating on the achievements of his predecessor in the area of tourism growth and development.

The state tourism delegation led by the Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Amb. Wale Ojo-Lanre,showcased its educational tourism as the state with the highest number of professors in Nigeria with six universities and numerous polytechnics, unique wildlife, vast tracks of unspoiled nature ranging from tropical forest, magnificent waterfalls, conducive hilltop holidaying climates.

Also, the DG, Mr. Ojolanre was honoured with African Travel 100 Global Leaders Award for his hard work in positioning Ekiti as the choice destination in Nigeria.

Speaking at the travel expo in Lagos, Ojolanre explained that apart from the state rich tourism potential like the Ikogosi spectacular warm and cold water springs, the Fajuyi Memorial Park, the amazing Arinta Waterfalls among others, the state has set sight on exploring its rich educational tourism and market it to the world.

He disclosed that the Are Afe Babalola University is the fastest growing University in West Africa with its state of the art facilitates especially in medical sciences and research.

He said in December the state will be unveiling its state Agro Airport which will further open access to the state and create opportunities for the evacuation of its Agro products.

Worthy of mention again is the unique feature of the Ikogosi Spring flowing abreast the warm spring with another cold spring which meets the warm spring at a confluence, each maintaining its thermal properties. It is this fantastic attributes that makes the spring a tourist attraction in Nigeria.
Research suggested that the warm spring has a temperature of about 70°C at the source and 37°C at the confluence.

At the end of a well packaged presentation, the delegates at the expo we entertained by the state cultural dance group.