The Edo State Government says it is ready to explore 72 tourism assets across the state to boost hospitality business, create jobs and open up other economic opportunities.
Director-General of the Edo State Tourism Agency, Mrs Vivian Elabor, disclosed this on Wednesday in Benin while addressing journalists ahead of the first Edo Tourism Summit and Fashion Show scheduled for June 29 and 30.
Elabor listed some of the tourism assets to include the Benin moat, Ososo carnival, Kukuruku Hills, festivals in Ubiaja and other cultural attractions across the state.
She said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo was determined to use tourism as a driver of economic growth.
Elabor 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.”
She also warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the Benin moat, saying the government would impose stiff penalties on offenders.
According to her, the agency has intensified efforts to educate residents on the need to preserve the moats, which were originally built by ancestors to protect communities.
She said: “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.”
Elabor said the 72 tourism sites across the state remained largely underutilised despite their economic potential.
She added that the agency was also targeting tourism as a major contributor to Edo’s Internally Generated Revenue.
According to her: “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.”
Elabor further revealed that the summit, themed: ‘Edo Tourism: The New Frontier Exhibition and Fashion Show’, is aimed at promoting the state’s culture and heritage.
Also speaking, the Director of Administration and Supplies, Kushe Ojekhoa, said the 2026 Tourism Summit, Exhibition and Fashion Show would hold from June 29 to June 30.
Ojekhoa added that winners of the fashion show would receive cash prizes, while all participants would be paid participation fees to encourage creativity and support emerging talents.
