July 1 (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to using community-driven tourism as a catalyst for economic diversification, pledging support for the promotion of the annual Omo Atata and Ekinrin-Adde Festival in Kogi State.
The Director General of the NTDA, Mr Ola Awakan, made the commitment during the 2026 Omo Atata and Ekinrin-Adde Day celebrations in Ekinrin-Adde, describing traditional institutions and local communities as indispensable partners in building a sustainable tourism industry.
The week-long festival, rooted in the community’s New Yam celebration, featured cultural displays, youth carnivals, essay competitions, mountain hiking, and awards recognising outstanding sons and daughters of Ekinrin-Adde.
During courtesy visits to the palaces of His Royal Majesty, Olu Anthony Bamigbaye Idowu, CON, Ahemaworo I, the Olu-Adde of Ekinrin-Adde, and His Royal Majesty, Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju, Egbo L’ona I, the Akinrin of Ekinrin-Adde, Awakan stressed that tourism thrives when host communities actively participate.
“Tourism is community-based. Without the involvement of traditional institutions and local stakeholders, it cannot thrive”, he said.
He disclosed that the NTDA would collaborate with the community to project the festival to national and international audiences while showcasing its cultural heritage on the Authority’s digital streaming platform, NITOUREY.
Awakan also inspected the Akogba Mountain, a natural attraction renowned for its perennial spring and scenic summit, where he expressed the Authority’s intention to promote the site as part of Nigeria’s tourism offerings and support the development of an annual mountain hiking event.
He further revealed plans to explore the inclusion of the Omo Atata and Ekinrin-Adde Festival in Nigeria’s national tourism calendar and strengthen collaboration with the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) to increase awareness and participation.
The Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA) highlighted several community projects financed through proceeds from the festival, including interventions in healthcare, water supply, rural electrification and security.
The celebration ended with a grand finale attended by traditional rulers, government officials and members of the diaspora, underscoring the festival’s growing importance in preserving cultural heritage while driving community development.
The Federal Government continues to identify tourism as a strategic non-oil sector capable of generating jobs, attracting investment and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Caption: His Royal Majesty, Olu Anthony Bamigbaye Idowu, CON, Ahemaworo I, the Olu-Adde of Ekinrin-Adde
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
