The Edo State Government has reiterated its commitment to harnessing the state’s 72 identified tourism assets as part of efforts to boost hospitality, create jobs, and stimulate related business opportunities.
The Punch reported that the Director-General of the Edo State Tourism Agency, Mrs Vivian Elabor, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking to journalists in Benin City ahead of the maiden Edo Tourism Summit and Fashion Show scheduled for June 29 and 30.
According to Elabor, notable attractions such as the Benin Moat, Ososo Carnival, Kukuruku Hills, festivals in Ubiaja, and traditional dress heritage are among the tourism assets with the potential to drive economic development in the state.
She said, “The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is ready to explore the existing 72 tourism assets in the state to promote hospitality business, create employment and other ancillary ventures in the state.
“If the sector is developed, residents can improve their livelihood by tapping into the opportunities within the sector.”
The tourism agency boss also stressed the need to preserve the historic Benin Moat, warning residents against turning it into a refuse disposal site. She noted that violators would face severe sanctions.
She said her agency is committed to educating the public on the importance of preserving the moats, which were originally constructed by the ancestors to protect communities.
“Today, many people do not appreciate the value of the moats. The outside world understands the importance of preserving tourist sites, and we want our people to have the same understanding.
“There will be stiff penalties for anyone caught disposing of waste in the moats. We must preserve our heritage and restore the legacy of the moats,” she added.
Elabor further observed that many of the state’s tourism destinations remain untapped despite their vast potential to contribute significantly to economic expansion.
She added that the agency plans to leverage tourism as a key source of Internally Generated Revenue for the state.
“Edo State must reduce its dependence on allocations from the centre. Tourism has a critical role to play in driving economic development, and we are determined to make Edo a leading tourism destination,” she added.
The Director-General explained that the forthcoming summit, themed ‘Edo Tourism: The New Frontier Exhibition and Fashion Show,’ is designed to showcase the state’s cultural richness and tourism potential to a wider audience.
Also speaking, the Director of Administration and Supplies, Kushe Ojekhoa, announced that the 2026 Tourism Summit, Exhibition and Fashion Show would take place from June 29 to June 30.
Ojekhoa stated that winners of the fashion competition would receive cash rewards, while all participants would be paid participation fees as part of efforts to encourage innovation and support emerging talents in the creative industry.
