D-8 Countries Pick Ekiti to Host International Ministerial Meeting

Ekiti State has scored another major international recognition as the Developing-8 (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation is set to hold its 5th Ministerial Meeting and 6th Senior Officials’ Meeting at the prestigious Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort from October 28 to 30, 2026.

The development is another feather in the cap of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, whose administration’s commitment to security, infrastructural development, tourism promotion and an investment-friendly environment continues to attract national and international attention to the State.

Investigations by our correspondent revealed that the Federal Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has initiated official correspondence with the Ekiti State Government and relevant stakeholders towards ensuring the successful hosting of the international gathering.

The meeting is expected to bring together ministers, senior government officials and delegates from D-8 member countries, including Nigeria, Türkiye, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran and Azerbaijan.

Our correspondent further gathered that a special tourism exhibition and guided excursions are being planned to showcase Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage, natural attractions, indigenous cuisine and investment opportunities to the visiting international delegates.

The choice of Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated natural tourism destinations, is particularly significant, as it further strengthens Ekiti’s emerging profile as a centre for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).

Industry observers believe the development is a welcome endorsement of Ekiti’s growing destination appeal and the Oyebanji administration’s efforts to position the State as a peaceful, hospitable and investment-friendly environment.

The administration’s investments in road infrastructure, security coordination, tourism development and the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport have continued to strengthen the State’s development prospects.

The commencement of commercial flight operations at the airport in December 2025 has also added a new dimension to Ekiti’s connectivity and potential for business tourism.

Ekiti’s tourism credentials have equally received national recognition, with the State emerging as Nigeria’s Most Active Tourism State for three consecutive years, reflecting its sustained efforts in destination promotion.

For the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, led by Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq., the forthcoming D-8 meeting presents another opportunity to project the State’s tourism assets before an influential international audience and advance the Governor’s vision of transforming tourism into a productive economic sector.

Beyond the prestige of hosting international dignitaries, the gathering is expected to create opportunities for hospitality businesses, transportation operators, cultural performers, food vendors and other participants in the tourism value chain.

It could also open fresh avenues for investment partnerships and international destination marketing.

Although the Federal Government has not publicly attributed the choice of Ikogosi to any particular achievement, the development provides another opportunity to demonstrate the value of Governor Oyebanji’s emphasis on peace, security, infrastructure and tourism development.

For Ekiti, the message is clear: the State is steadily moving beyond being merely a destination to visit to becoming a destination to meet, invest, connect and do business.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

LUREM MEDIA, 95, Sango-Eleyele Road, Idi Ito Bus Stop, Ibadan. Tel:- +234 814 829 9122, +234 803 643 1555 . Email:- news@nationalinsightnews.com, nationalinsight@yahoo.com

© 2026 National Insight by LUREM MEDIA, Nigeria