Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has been recognized as the Best Tourism Governor of 2024 by the Travellers Awards in collaboration with the Akwaaba African Travel Market.
The honour, presented by Africa Travel Quarterly (ATQ) Magazine—organizers of the prestigious annual event—places Oyebanji among a distinguished group of tourism-focused leaders across the continent.
According to the award committee, Governor Oyebanji will officially receive the accolade during the Akwaaba Travel Market event, which is slated to take place on September 15 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
President of ATQ Magazine, Ikechi Uko, revealed that Oyebanji secured an overwhelming 89.5% of votes cast by tourism professionals from various West African nations. He attributed the landslide support to the governor’s groundbreaking contributions to tourism development in Nigeria.
Oyebanji is notably the first Nigerian governor to launch a comprehensive State Tourism Policy alongside a dedicated Tourism Development Master Plan. He also established a specialized Bureau of Tourism Development, which operates under his direct oversight—further demonstrating his administration’s commitment to transforming the sector.
Organizers noted that the upcoming award ceremony will gather tourism experts, investors, cultural figures, and government officials from across Africa and beyond, highlighting the significance of the accolade on a continental scale.
Reacting to the recognition, Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, described it as a clear endorsement of the governor’s strategic vision for the industry.
“This award confirms the unwavering dedication of Governor Oyebanji to repositioning tourism in Ekiti,” he said. “From natural landmarks like Ikogosi Warm Springs and Abanijorin Rock to our rich culinary heritage and participation in global tourism events, Ekiti has emerged as a key destination in Nigeria’s tourism landscape.”
He emphasized that the bureau remains committed to delivering on the governor’s agenda with urgency, professionalism, and excellence.