Ekiti, naturally endowed with mountains and hills, is often referred to as a land surrounded by rolling hills. Other characteristics of this geographical location include climatic effects such as rainfall, light sun, cloud, and cool bearing wind with harmattan, which bites harder in Oye-Ekiti.

At creation, the people who are found in pockets of settlements on the hills, mountain and moulds in the north-western part of the Yoruba land were referred to as the Okiti people. They are the people who planted their settlements on moulds, hills and mountains.

On Easter Monday, April 21, it was an unforgettable experience for these people who have recently begun to explore these rolling hills in what has been tagged Ekiti Mountain Safari, a yearly celebration of nature, tourism and communal spirit.

This year’s event, tagged ‘Hike and Dine in the Clouds’, began with a trek — over an hour-long hike through a mist-covered trail — leading to the natural amphitheater atop Sagbonke Mountain in Efon Alaaye.

Hundreds of adventure seekers and tourism enthusiasts, particularly, the locals had started walking their way to the top very early in the morning to feel and touch the descending cloud, and possibly, have breakfast.

While some government officials drove their way up, fun seekers who couldn’t undertake the one-hour endurance trek chose to hire bike for the rigorous ride.

Leading the army of hikers and fun seekers Governor Biodun Oyebanji, in company of other top government functionaries, got to the peak of the mountain where tourists hiked and dined in the skyline of the glorious Oke Sagbonke, the hill that ‘pulls off your chin and raises your gaze to the heavens.’

Awaiting them at the summit was a spectacle of sights and sounds. A handful of vendors marketing different cultural items and agricultural produce were also on the hill top promoting their wares.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the mountainous landscape, visitors were treated to inspirational talks, vibrant cultural performances, music, dance, and food and wine.

Oyebanji described Sagbonke Mountain as a ‘hidden treasure’ that must not remain untapped.

Inspired by the economic potential of the location, Oyebanji directed key government stakeholders — including the Commissioners for Investment Trade, and Industry, Mrs Ontario Adeola; Commissioner Arts and Culture, Prof Rasaki Ojo Bakare and the Director-General of the Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre — to develop a comprehensive investment plan for the site.

He urged the agencies to work out a sustainable way of making the place active all year round.

“So within the next few weeks, they will come to me with that road map. Now, that I’ve come here today, we must ensure that this place is active,” he said.

He noted that standing at the peak of the mountain and taking in the view, he was reminded of the natural endowments that Ekiti state possesses.

“Sagbonke is a hidden treasure with the potential to become a globally recognised destination,” he added.

“Our goal is to make Ekiti a top destination for local and international tourists, and to create jobs and revenue opportunities for our people in the process. Ekiti is truly blessed. Let us work together to transform our tourism sites into economic asset,” he said.

“Tourism is a key pillar of economic development,” he stated. “Ekiti is richly blessed with natural attractions that, if properly harnessed, can generate significant revenue, create jobs, and position the state as a top destination for local and international tourists.”

By promoting tourism, Ekiti aims to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.

Through the hike Ekiti mountain safari event, the government intends to project and promote the state to the world as a choice destination for mountain tourism adventures.

Attract global, national and local tourists that will visit Ekiti and have a thrilling and magical experience hiking, touring and exploring Ekiti hills and mountains.

Attract investors and developmental partners who will show interest in investing in the state’s tourism potential and advocate for the government’s political will towards providing Infrastructures that will help upgrade these tourists attractions to destination sites with facilities that will help attracts repeated patronage of tourists and adventurers.

Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Ojo-Lanre, who commended the governor for his visionary and unwavering interest in enhancing the natural and human endowments of Ekiti, described the event as a direct response to one of the major demands made by the 20-strong Efon delegation who visited the governor two months ago.

He stated that holding this edition of Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari in Efon is not just a location decision—it is a value-added action. “It uplifts the town, injects pride into its people, and enriches the tourism tapestry of our dear state,” he added.

He stated that hiking is not merely a leisure activity but a multi-billion naira economic stimulant. “Research shows that hiking, when properly harnessed, can pump over 2 billion naira into the Ekiti economy annually through transportation, accommodation, food, entertainment, and local commerce. Countries like Switzerland, New Zealand, Peru, Nepal, Canada, and South Africa generate millions of dollars in revenue yearly from hiking tourism. Why not Ekiti? Why not now?

“This year’s edition has pulled over 1,000 hikers from across Nigeria and beyond, including over 200 proud sons and daughters of Efon, thanks to the tireless mobilisation by Olu Olu, Bose Olubo, and President Efon. It’s more than just a hike—it’s a movement of bodies and an awakening of enterprise. Behind every footstep lies a ripple of economic activity. Behind every breath taken in these hills is a fresh gust of opportunity,” he said.

Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperative Omotayo Adeola said it is an enchanting experience to be on the mountain top. “I believe when tourists get here they will be enchanted and beautiful. Ekiti is blessed and I pray that as we promote what we have in Ekiti, a lot of people will be coming to Ekiti to experience what we have seen today,” she noted. 

An opinion also shared by the General Manager of the Bureau of Tourism Development, Babasoji Awe, who commended the state’s effort at driving tourism.

Traditional ruler of Efon Alaaye, Oba Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare, who led other royal fathers and community members to the summit, expressed joy at hosting the iconic event. He hailed the Safari as a boost to the cultural pride and economic potential of the Efon kingdom.

Since 2019, Ekiti State has embraced mountain hikes and related tourism to leverage its natural endowments and stimulate economic growth. What sets the safari apart is its commitment to showcasing the intrinsic beauty of Ekiti’s mountains, hills, and caves.

From Ofin Mt and Iyin-Ado Ekiti hills, where it started in 2019, hikers have been at the astonishing Olosunta Mountain in Ikere Ekiti.

By the third year, the destination for Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari was the astonishing Abanijorin Cave and Mountain along Old Ado Road, Tungba, Iyin Ekiti (a newly discovered tourist attraction that has the following natural attractive features: a combination of more than seven caves, a naturally formed amphitheater in form of a cave, a rock tunnel and amazing rock formations that is ideal for mountain tourism tours, exploration and adventures).

By the fourth edition, the destination was Arinta Waterfalls, a natural wonder to behold located in the ancient city of Ipole Iloro Ekiti, a few minutes to Ikogosi Warm Spring, an astonishing settlement surrounded by undulating mountains, thick evergreen forest and flowing rivers.

Arinta waterfalls are a wonder spectacle to behold, cascading down rocky hills from a great height to form a flowing pool of spring water amid natural forest vegetation.

Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari organised by Discover Ekiti is a destination branding and community place marketing outdoor mountain tourism adventure event that is strategically positioned to project, promote and market Ekiti to the World as one of the best choice destination for mountain tourism adventures. 

The state has used the initiative to attract tourists and generate revenue through various activities such as hiking, lodging, and local commerce.

Through guided hikes and immersive experiences, participants have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the awe-inspiring captivating hills, mountains, and rock formations, traverse the scenic ridges, and explore the hidden gems nestled within stunning caves and extraordinary geological features.

This initiative also serves as a tool for grassroots development, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.