Edo Targets Tourism-Led Growth Through Digital Innovation, Strategic Partnerships

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning tourism as a major pillar of economic diversification, with plans to leverage digital innovation, strategic partnerships and private investment to unlock the state’s cultural and heritage assets.

The Director-General of the Edo State Tourism Agency, Lady Vivian Elabor, disclosed this at a Summit, Exhibition and Fashion Show 2026 in Benin City, where policymakers, investors, tourism stakeholders, creatives, development partners and cultural ambassadors gathered to discuss strategies for expanding the state’s tourism economy.

Elabor said Edo possesses enormous tourism potential anchored on its rich history, cultural heritage, globally acclaimed arts and crafts, historical monuments, festivals and ecological attractions, noting that these assets provide a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth.

She stressed that tourism has evolved beyond recreation to become a major driver of economic transformation, employment generation, investment attraction and revenue growth.

According to her, “Through strategic partnerships and innovation, we can transform Edo’s tourism assets into globally competitive products and experiences.”

She said the summit was designed to stimulate discussions on digital transformation, investment opportunities, community participation, sustainability and innovation in tourism development as part of efforts to reposition the sector for long-term growth.

Elabor also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for supporting the tourism sector and recognising its importance in the state’s economic diversification agenda.

“I commend His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his unwavering support for the tourism sector and for recognising its importance in the economic diversification agenda of Edo State,” she said.

Representing the governor, the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Barrister Musa Ikhilor, underscored the importance of digitalising Edo’s tourism ecosystem to attract both visitors and investors.

“We need to see how to revive what we have and its potential. We need to digitalise the sector and environment and create a government ecosystem that will attract people,” Ikhilor said, while commending the Edo State Tourism Master Plan.

Also speaking, former Chief of Staff to the Edo State Government, Dr. Taiwo Akerele, urged stakeholders to focus on converting the state’s cultural and historical assets into economic value.

“The real question before us today is not who we are, but how we create greater value from what we already possess. How do we transform our culture into economic opportunity? How do we convert our history into tourism assets?” he said.

Akerele also advocated the abolition of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, proposing instead that street cleaning and waste disposal become routine civic responsibilities.

He further urged the state government to designate two major neighbourhoods under the management of the Edo State Tourism Agency and develop them into centres for nature, recreation, conservation and wellness experiences in line with emerging global tourism trends.

The summit attracted government officials, investors, tourism stakeholders and development partners, and featured cultural displays, exhibitions and a fashion show showcasing Edo State’s cultural heritage and tourism potential.