Ekiti State has secured a major diplomatic milestone after being selected to host the 5th Ministerial Meeting and the 6th Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Developing-8 (D-8) Organisation for Economic Cooperation.
​The high-level international convergence is scheduled to take place from October 28 to October 30, 2026, bringing together ministers, diplomats, and senior government delegations from the eight member nations: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye.
​According to official details released by state authorities, the three-day international gathering will be anchored at the iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort in Ikogosi-Ekiti:
​Reactions from government officials underscored the selection as a validation of ongoing infrastructure, tourism, and security investments across the state.
​Speaking on behalf of the state government in Ado-Ekiti, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, described the hosting rights as a testament to the state’s growing appeal for international business tourism.
​”The selection of Ekiti State by the D-8 Organisation highlights our readiness to host the world,” Ojo-Lanre stated. “Under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Ekiti has transformed into a safe, welcoming, and strategic environment for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). Hosting this summit will open doors for economic partnerships, destination marketing, and investments across tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure.”
​Adding to the federal coordination effort, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, noted that federal agencies are working closely with state officials to deliver a seamless event.
​”Nigeria is proud to showcase Ekiti State to our D-8 partners,” Musawa said through a ministry spokesperson. “This meeting showcases the rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and investment potential present across Nigeria’s subnational economies.”
​State authorities noted that hosting the international diplomatic body will directly stimulate local commerce. The gathering is expected to generate immediate revenue opportunities for hospitality operators,
