By Jimoh Babatunde
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has identified community tourism as a major pathway to unlocking Nigeria’s tourism potential, with Ekinrin-Adde in Kogi State emerging as a model for grassroots-driven destination development.
Director-General of the NTDA, Mr. Ola Awakan, made the declaration during the 2026 Omo Atata and Ekinrin-Adde Day celebrations, where he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting communities that preserve their cultural heritage while using tourism to drive local development.
According to Awakan, sustainable tourism begins with local communities and traditional institutions, noting that destinations thrive when residents actively preserve their culture, protect natural attractions and welcome visitors.
“Tourism is community-based. Without the involvement of traditional institutions and local stakeholders, it cannot thrive,” he said during courtesy visits to the palaces of Olu Anthony Bamigbaye Idowu and Johnson Kolade Otitoju.
He disclosed that the NTDA would partner with the community to position the Omo Atata Festival as a nationally recognised cultural tourism event while projecting its heritage to international audiences through NITOUREY, the Authority’s digital streaming platform dedicated to African tourism stories.
Beyond its colourful cultural displays, the week-long festival showcased how community-led tourism can stimulate rural development. Activities including youth carnivals, essay competitions, hiking expeditions and awards celebrating distinguished indigenes reflected a deliberate effort to engage young people, strengthen cultural identity and attract visitors.
A major highlight of the visit was the inspection of the scenic Akogba Mountain, renowned for its perennial spring and unique landscape. Guided by veteran journalist and community leader Prince Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, the NTDA delegation explored the site’s potential as an eco-tourism and adventure destination capable of drawing hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Awakan said the Authority would work towards developing a mountain hiking event around the attraction, while exploring the inclusion of the Omo Atata Festival in Nigeria’s national tourism calendar in collaboration with the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN).
The Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA) said proceeds and support generated through the annual celebration have contributed to community projects in healthcare, security, water supply and rural electrification, demonstrating how tourism can directly improve livelihoods at the grassroots.
The grand finale, attended by traditional rulers, government officials and members of the diaspora, underscored the growing recognition of community tourism as a tool for preserving cultural heritage, empowering local people and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
For the NTDA, Ekinrin-Adde offers a practical example of how communities can transform indigenous culture, festivals and natural attractions into tourism assets that deliver lasting social and economic benefits.
