Edo aims to boost employment and stimulate its hospitality industry by leveraging the tourism sector.

The Edo State Government is poised to leverage its 72 existing tourism assets to stimulate the growth of hospitality businesses, generate employment opportunities, and foster ancillary ventures within the state.

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According to Mrs Vivian Elabor, Director-General of the Edo State Tourism Agency, this initiative was disclosed to journalists on Wednesday in Benin, in anticipation of the First EdoTourism Summit and Fashion Show, scheduled to take place on June 29th and 30th.

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Elabor highlighted several notable tourism assets, including the Benin moat, Ososo carnival, Kukuruku Hills, and various festivals in Ubiaja, emphasizing their potential to drive economic growth.

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The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is committed to exploring these assets to promote hospitality, create jobs, and support ancillary ventures, Elabor noted, adding that a developed tourism sector can significantly improve the livelihoods of residents by providing access to various opportunities.

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Elabor stressed the importance of preserving the Benin moat, warning residents against dumping refuse in it, and cautioning that offenders will face severe penalties.

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She emphasized that her agency is dedicated to educating the public about the significance of preserving the moats, which were originally constructed by ancestors to protect communities, and expressed concern that many people do not appreciate their value.

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Elabor reiterated that preserving tourist sites is crucial, and that the agency will impose stiff penalties on individuals caught disposing of waste in the moats, emphasizing the need to protect the state's heritage and restore the legacy of the moats.

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The Director-General observed that the 72 tourism sites across the state remain largely underutilized, despite their vast potential for economic growth, and expressed her agency's intention to harness tourism to boost the state's Internally Generated Revenue.

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Elabor stated that reducing the state's dependence on federal allocations is essential, and that tourism plays a vital role in driving economic development, with the agency determined to establish Edo as a leading tourism destination.

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The upcoming summit, themed 'Edo Tourism: The New Frontier Exhibition and Fashion Show,' aims to showcase the state's rich cultural heritage, according to Elabor.

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Kushe Ojekhoa, Director of Administration and Supplies, announced that the 2026 Tourism Summit, Exhibition, and Fashion Show will be held from June 29 to June 30, and revealed that winners of the fashion show will receive cash prizes, while all participants will be rewarded with participation fees.

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Ojekhoa added that the participation fees are intended to encourage creativity and support emerging talents, providing a platform for them to showcase their skills.