The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Ola Awakan has described the Ekinrin-Adde Cultural Festival as a living example of how indigenous cultural celebrations can drive Nigeria’s tourism development and economic diversification agenda.
Speaking at the 2026 Ekinrin-Adde Cultural Festival, themed “Preserving Our Heritage, Promoting Tourism, Building Prosperity,” the NTDA boss extended his Felicitation to the traditional institution, the people of Ekinrin-Adde, the Kogi State Government, and all stakeholders who have sustained the cultural heritage over the years.
He described the festival as more than a celebration, noting that it represents Nigeria’s history, identity, values, and collective spirit, stressing that culture remains the foundation upon which sustainable tourism thrives globally.
According to him, the Ekinrin-Adde Festival serves as a living museum of traditions, customs, folklore, indigenous knowledge, music, dance, cuisine, and craftsmanship that have been preserved over generations, describing these cultural assets as valuable economic resources capable of creating jobs and attracting investment.
The Director-General said that as Nigeria continues to diversify its economy beyond oil, cultural tourism offers one of the most sustainable pathways for economic transformation, social cohesion, and community development.
He listed the festival’s significance to include preserving indigenous heritage, promoting unity and peaceful coexistence, engaging youths in cultural education, catalysing local economic growth, and showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity to the world.
