Ekiti State is set to host ministers and senior government officials from the Developing-8 (D-8) Organisation for Economic Cooperation at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort from October 28 to 30, 2026.
The meeting is expected to bring together delegates from member countries, including Nigeria, Türkiye, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt and Iran, alongside Azerbaijan, which has also been listed among the participating countries in the announcement.
The event will comprise the organisation’s fifth Ministerial Meeting and sixth Senior Officials’ Meeting.
Adamimogo FM gathered that the Federal Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has begun official correspondence with the Ekiti State Government and other stakeholders to facilitate the successful hosting of the gathering.
A tourism exhibition and guided excursions are also being planned to showcase the state’s cultural heritage, natural attractions, indigenous cuisine and investment opportunities to international visitors.
The choice of Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort is expected to further raise Ekiti’s profile as a destination for international conferences, business meetings and tourism.
The state government, led by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has prioritised infrastructure development, security and tourism promotion as part of efforts to attract investment and stimulate economic growth.
The development of road infrastructure and the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport are among the initiatives expected to support the state’s growing business and tourism prospects.
Commercial flight operations at the airport began in December 2025, providing an additional option for air connectivity to the state.
Ekiti has also received national recognition for its tourism promotion efforts, emerging as Nigeria’s Most Active Tourism State for three consecutive years, according to the state’s tourism authorities.
Adamimogo FM further gathered that the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, is expected to play a key role in showcasing the state’s tourism assets during the international gathering.
Beyond its diplomatic significance, the meeting could provide economic opportunities for hotels, transport operators, cultural performers, food vendors and other businesses linked to the tourism sector.
It could also create opportunities for investment partnerships and promote Ekiti as a destination for future international events.
While the Federal Government has not publicly stated the specific reasons for selecting Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, the planned meeting presents an opportunity for the state to showcase its tourism potential and hospitality to an international audience.
The event is expected to strengthen Ekiti’s visibility as a destination for tourism, investment and business engagement.
