Edo Has 72 Untapped Tourism Assets — Okpebholo Government Reveals New Plan

The Edo State Government has announced plans to develop and promote the state’s 72 identified tourism assets as part of efforts to grow the hospitality sector, create jobs and attract more business opportunities.

The Director-General of the Edo State Tourism Agency, Mrs Vivian Elabor, disclosed this on Wednesday in Benin while speaking on the upcoming Edo Tourism Summit and Fashion Show scheduled for June 29 and 30.

Elabor said the state is ready to maximise the potential of its rich cultural and historical sites, including the Benin Moat, Ososo Carnival, Kukuruku Hills, festivals in Ubiaja and other heritage attractions across Edo.

According to her, developing the tourism sector will provide residents with more opportunities to improve their livelihoods through hospitality, entertainment and other related businesses.

“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,” she said.

She also called on residents to protect important heritage sites, particularly the historic Benin Moat, warning that anyone caught dumping waste in the area would face penalties.

The tourism agency boss explained that many residents do not fully appreciate the importance of the moats, which were built by ancestors as a means of protecting communities and preserving Edo’s history.

She said the government is focused on creating awareness and restoring the value of the sites to make them attractive for tourism and economic development.

Elabor noted that many of Edo’s tourism locations remain largely untapped despite their potential to contribute significantly to the state’s economy.

She added that the government plans to use tourism as a way of increasing internally generated revenue and reducing dependence on federal allocations.

“Tourism has a critical role to play in driving economic development, and we are determined to make Edo a leading tourism destination,” she said.

The upcoming summit, themed “Edo Tourism: The New Frontier Exhibition and Fashion Show,” is expected to showcase the state’s culture, heritage and creative talents.

The Director of Administration and Supplies at the agency, Kushe Ojekhoa, also confirmed that the 2026 Tourism Summit, Exhibition and Fashion Show will take place from June 29 to June 30.

He added that winners of the fashion competition would receive cash prizes, while other participants would be rewarded with participation fees to encourage creativity and support emerging talents.