By Onyekachi Victoria Philip
The proposed development of Arinta Waterfall Resort in Ipole-Iloro, Ekiti State, is expected to create new employment and business opportunities in the state while increasing economic activities around one of its major natural attractions.
The project by La Campagne Tropicana is expected to introduce hospitality, agriculture, recreation, wellness and cultural tourism activities around Arinta Waterfall.
The development followed an investment tour of Ekiti State led by the founder of La Campagne Tropicana, Ambassador Wanle Akinboboye, alongside a 14-member technical and investment delegation.
During the visit, the delegation inspected Arinta Waterfall, Ikogosi Warm Springs and other tourism assets as part of efforts to identify investment opportunities within the state’s tourism sector.
Located in Ipole-Iloro and a few kilometres from Ikogosi Warm Springs, Arinta Waterfall is known for its seven cascading levels, quartzite rock formations, thick vegetation and surrounding hills.
Despite its natural attraction, the waterfall has remained relatively underdeveloped in terms of tourism infrastructure.
The proposed resort is expected to change this by introducing luxury chalets, spa and wellness facilities, adventure activities, agricultural experiences and a 250-capacity event hall.
The project is also expected to generate business activities through daycation packages, accommodation, restaurants and lounges, water-based services, agricultural production, spa and wellness treatments, retail operations, African fashion and locally sourced crafts.
Its agricultural component could provide opportunities for farmers and suppliers in the host communities, while artisans and other local businesses could benefit from increased demand for indigenous products and tourism-related services.
The project is therefore expected to create an economic chain extending beyond the resort itself, with opportunities for employment, transportation, food supply, agriculture, hospitality and other visitor-related services.
The resort is expected to attract families, corporate organisations, domestic tourists, international visitors and members of the African diaspora.
Its proximity to Ikogosi Warm Springs could also strengthen tourism activities in the area by encouraging visitors to explore multiple attractions during their stay in Ekiti.
The development comes as the Ekiti State Government continues efforts to attract investment into its tourism sector by promoting its waterfalls, hills, caves, warm springs and other natural and historical attractions.
Akinboboye had reportedly added that during the investment tour that natural attractions must be developed into destinations capable of generating economic value.
The proposed Arinta project is expected to provide an opportunity to implement that approach by developing commercial activities around an attraction that has existed for generations.
Meanwhile, environmental protection is expected to remain an important consideration in the project because the waterfall, forest and surrounding landscape form the foundation of its tourism appeal.
An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) has been conducted for the project in line with Nigerian regulatory requirements and international frameworks, including the IFC Performance Standards and Equator Principles.