Ayodele Olawande praises Nigerian youth, saying their creativity can unlock Ekiti’s tourism potential and drive economic growth

Ayodele Olawande has praised Nigerian youth, describing their creativity as a vital force in driving the growth of the country’s tourism sector.

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The Minister of Youth Development spoke in Ado-Ekiti during the unveiling of Visit Ekiti, a new platform designed to showcase the state’s cultural heritage and natural attractions to the world.

Represented by Adedamola Ogunmola, Olawande said the initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to create opportunities for growth, innovation and prosperity.

He described Ekiti as a state rich in cultural and natural treasures, stressing that the Visit Ekiti project would not only promote local pride but also generate jobs and economic opportunities for young people.

“Tourism thrives on the ingenuity of young people, whether as guides, marketers, cultural curators or entrepreneurs. With Visit Ekiti, these treasures will be polished, packaged and presented to the world,” Olawande said.

Creative Director of Visit Ekiti, Ayodeji Ogunro, said the project was more than a tourism campaign, describing it as a “strategic blueprint for economic transformation” that would attract investment and empower communities.

The initiative received praise from lawmakers and stakeholders who hailed it as a laudable effort capable of transforming the state’s economy.

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By placing young people at the centre of tourism growth, Olawande believes Ekiti can rise as a premier destination in Nigeria and Africa