The position was made known by the Director-General of the NTDA, Mr Ola Awakan, during the 2026 Omo Atata and Ekinrin-Adde Day celebrations, where he reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to supporting communities that protect their cultural identity and harness tourism as a tool for sustainable development.
Awakan said the long-term success of Nigeria's tourism industry depends largely on the active participation of local communities and traditional institutions, stressing that cultural preservation and community ownership remain central to building attractive tourism destinations.
"Tourism is community-based. Without the involvement of traditional institutions and local stakeholders, it cannot thrive," he said during courtesy visits to the palaces of Olu Anthony Bamigbaye Idowu and Johnson Kolade Otitoju.
According to the NTDA Director-General, the Authority plans to collaborate with the Ekinrin-Adde community to elevate the Omo Atata Festival into a nationally recognised cultural tourism event. He added that the festival would also be promoted to international audiences through NITOUREY, the Authority's digital streaming platform dedicated to showcasing African tourism stories.
The week-long celebration demonstrated how community-led tourism can contribute to rural development beyond cultural entertainment. Activities such as youth carnivals, essay competitions, hiking expeditions and award presentations recognising distinguished sons and daughters of the community were designed to promote cultural identity, encourage youth participation and attract visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.
One of the major highlights of the visit was the inspection of Akogba Mountain, a scenic natural attraction known for its perennial spring and striking landscape. The NTDA delegation, guided by veteran journalist and community leader Prince Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, assessed the site's potential to become a leading destination for eco-tourism and adventure tourism, particularly for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Awakan said the Authority would explore the development of an annual mountain hiking event centred on the attraction while also working with the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) to include the Omo Atata Festival in Nigeria's national tourism calendar.
The Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA) noted that proceeds and support generated through the annual festival have already contributed to several community development projects, including improvements in healthcare, security, water supply and rural electrification.
According to the association, the achievements demonstrate how tourism can extend beyond cultural celebration to become a practical source of community development and improved livelihoods.
The grand finale of the festival attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders and members of the Nigerian diaspora, reflecting the growing importance of community tourism in promoting cultural preservation, empowering local residents and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
For the NTDA, the success of Ekinrin-Adde provides a practical example of how Nigeria's rich cultural heritage, indigenous festivals and natural attractions can be transformed into viable tourism products that generate income, create jobs and support inclusive development at the grassroots.