A few days ago, a friend asked me a simple but thought-provoking question about my recent involvement in activities surrounding Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s second-term campaign: “What does tourism have to do with political campaigns?”
I smiled—not because the question was off the mark, but because it touched on something many people rarely consider. As our conversation went on, he began to see the connection clearly. By the end, he admitted, “You’re right—campaigns are about movement, and that movement creates value.”
He’s not alone in his initial doubt. Many still think of tourism only in terms of waterfalls, resorts, mountains, museums, festivals, or leisure travel. But tourism is far broader than that. His question actually opens the door to an important but often overlooked truth: political campaigns are not just about rallies, slogans, and speeches—they are also powerful drivers of economic activity.
Campaigns bring people together. And wherever people gather, money flows. Hospitality services come alive, transport systems get busier, and local businesses experience a surge in demand. From accommodation and food to entertainment, printing, fashion, fuel, and media—every sector feels the impact.
That’s exactly what is happening in Ekiti State right now. As Governor Oyebanji’s second-term campaign gains momentum, it is doing more than energizing supporters—it’s breathing life into the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
Hotels are filling up. Bars and lounges are seeing more customers. Taxi drivers and okada riders are busier than usual. Local food spots, especially pounded yam joints, are attracting larger crowds. Printers and branding experts are thriving. Petrol stations are recording increased sales as campaign convoys move across the state. Even nightlife, pharmacies, salons, fashion designers, makeup artists, photographers, DJs, and event planners are benefiting from the ripple effect.
This is tourism in action.
Tourism is not just a concept confined to textbooks—it’s a living, breathing economy built on movement, experience, and interaction. A major political campaign, therefore, is more than a political event; it is a large-scale gathering with real economic impact.
In Ekiti today, this is playing out clearly. People are coming in from different towns, local governments, and even neighboring states. They need places to stay, food to eat, transport to move around, and services to support their activities. Each of these needs creates opportunities for local businesses.
A campaign ground, then, is not just a political space—it is also a temporary marketplace for tourism-driven economic activity. Everyone involved, from hotel owners and food vendors to transporters and entertainers, becomes part of this ecosystem.
Governor Oyebanji’s campaign has, in essence, evolved into more than political mobilization—it has become a channel for economic stimulation across Ekiti. It is boosting small businesses, increasing daily income, and even creating short-term employment opportunities.
Recognizing this, the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development has taken deliberate steps to highlight and harness the tourism value within such mass gatherings. Their goal is clear: wherever people gather in Ekiti, tourism should be visible; wherever visitors arrive, hospitality should be activated; and wherever crowds move, local businesses should benefit.
Through initiatives like the “Visit Ekiti” campaign, the Bureau continues to promote the state’s attractions, support hospitality operators, encourage better service standards, and showcase the economic benefits of major events. For them, tourism isn’t limited to scenic sites—it’s an ecosystem that includes food, culture, entertainment, transportation, and community enterprise.
This perspective explains why campaign activities are now being viewed as opportunities for destination promotion. As visitors attend rallies and political events, they are also being introduced to Ekiti’s rich culture, history, and natural attractions.
Imagine campaign venues featuring mini tourism showcases—highlighting destinations like Ikogosi Warm Springs, Arinta Waterfall, and other iconic sites. Picture cultural performances giving each rally a distinct Ekiti identity, or food vendors proudly serving local cuisine as part of the experience. That’s how politics can support tourism without diminishing its essence.
Campaigns shouldn’t leave behind only posters and memories. They should leave behind economic value—income for businesses, increased visibility for the state, and a stronger sense of cultural pride.
What we are seeing in Ekiti today reinforces a simple idea: politics moves people, but tourism turns that movement into economic value. Politics draws attention, but tourism transforms that attention into lasting visibility for a destination.
The signs are everywhere—fully booked hotels, busy food spots, active transport systems, thriving small businesses, and an overall buzz of economic activity. The impact is real and visible.
So, what does tourism have to do with political campaigns? In Ekiti, the answer is clear. When campaigns bring people together, stimulate demand, and support local businesses, they become powerful tools for driving tourism and economic growth.
Governor Oyebanji’s second-term campaign is not just mobilizing supporters—it is also energizing Ekiti’s tourism economy.
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