NTDA Director General Mr. Ola Awakan paid a strategic courtesy call on the traditional rulers of Ekinrin-Adde in Kogi State during the vibrant 2026 Omo Atata and Ekinrin-Adde Day Celebrations, reinforcing the Authority’s dedication to community-based tourism as a cornerstone of national development.
The week-long festival pulsed with cultural vitality: youth carnivals, essay competitions, the cherished new yam tradition, a thrilling hiking competition on the iconic Akogba Mountain, and an inspiring awards night that celebrated indigenes across diverse fields for their excellence and contributions. The grand finale culminated in a mesmerizing sacred dance by the Oloris—a ritual performance reserved for the Obas—evoking deep ancestral reverence.
“Omo Atata,” translating to “the child you truly cherish,” embodies a profound ethos of recognition, pride, and communal belonging, weaving personal achievement into the collective tapestry of heritage. Awakan engaged with His Royal Majesty Olu Anthony Bamigbaye Idowu, CON, Ahemaworo I, the Olu-Adde of Ekinrin-Adde, and His Royal Majesty Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju, Egbo L’ona I, the Akinrin of Ekinrin-Adde, highlighting synergies to elevate the community’s offerings.
Nestled amid rich traditions and the majestic Akogba Mountain—a natural beacon drawing adventurers and seekers alike—Ekinrin-Adde is carving a distinctive niche on Nigeria’s tourism map. Through such partnerships, NTDA is not only preserving living cultures but actively transforming them into sustainable economic assets for local empowerment and global appeal.
