Ayo Olopon Tourism Festival Kicks Off in Ekiti: A Celebration of Culture and Tourism
The vibrant Ayo Olopon Tourism Festival is officially underway in Ekiti State, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region and promoted by the Ayo Olopon Group in Sweden in partnership with the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism. This grand initiative aims to blend tourism, culture, and community spirit, positioning Ekiti as a rising tourist destination.
The festival is being hosted at Elegant Lounge & Bar behind Damlek Event Hall, along Federal Housing road, Oke Ila, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Ambassador Oladele Ayotunde, the Ayo Olopon Group Festival Director in Nigeria, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The Ayo Olopon Festival is vital for celebrating our unique heritage while attracting visitors to Ekiti. By highlighting traditional games and cultural practices, we not only preserve our history but also illuminate the potential of our local tourism industry.”
The festival features around 40 enthusiastic contestants competing in various traditional games, performances, and exhibitions that display the diversity of Ekiti’s culture. Participants of all ages are engaged, ensuring the events resonate with family-friendly entertainment, community participation, and educational engagement.
Amb Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq, the Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism, emphasized the importance of the Ayo Olopon Festival, stating, “This festival signifies a major step toward promoting tourism in Ekiti State. It serves as a platform for cultural exchange and strengthens our identity, drawing both locals and visitors into the heart of our traditions.”
Highlighting the festival’s potential to boost the local economy, Hon. Ijidale, DG Local Content, Hon. Ademola Adetolapapa, Board Chairman of Ekiti Solid Minerals, Hon. Maxwel Olu Ajayi, SA Youth, and Peculiar Ekiran, SA Tourism Development, joined in support of the event. Their contributions highlight the collaborative effort needed to maximize the benefits of tourism for local communities.
With activities continuing today, locals and tourists alike are invited to partake in the festivities, explore local crafts, enjoy traditional music, and cheer for their favorite contestants in the games. The Ayo Olopon Tourism Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, igniting pride in the Ekiti heritage while paving the way for future tourism initiatives.
