The 6th Edition of Ekiti Mountain Hike Safari was celebrated with pomp and pageantry as Governor Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti state led top government officials, dignitaries from all walks of live and tourists to explore Abanijorin Cave and Mountain in Iyin Ekiti.
Some of the dignitaries that hiked the mountains with the governor includes Director General NIHOTOURT, Dr Nura Kangiwa, Representative of NTDA DG,Senator Babafemi Ojudu, wife of Oluyin, Olori Adeniyi Ajakaye, Speaker, Ekiti Assembly, Mr Adeoye Aribasoye, commissioners, popular Nigerian actor Yomi Fash Lanso, Oguntoye Twins of Twins creation and others
Local tourists including students from different states who explored the caves Rock tunnel, amphitheatre and others on the mountain expressed delight in the development and urged Ekiti state Government o make the mountain hike a continuous exercise for economic development.
They commended the Discover Ekiti Tourism Club and Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism development for the initiatives especially in makinde artificial staircase and other facilities for easy movement on the mountain as well as refreshments to replenish the energy.
At the peak, hot pounded yam was served with varieties of soup and bush meat and palm wine while hip hop singer Elekiti boiz and other upcoming artists entertained the participants.
Governor Oyebanji in his speech said Ekiti has the potentials to re-awake the economy of the nation and promised to harness the tourism potentials in the state for economic development and boost boost creative industry.
The governor who acknowledged and appreciate Minister of Tourism Mrs Lola Ade John for being part of the event also used the occasion to demand for the Federal Government’s support in the bid to develop the State’s Tourism Development Master Plan targeted to reshape the economy and improve the revenue base of the State.
He added that the Multiplier effects of the Ekiti Development Master plan are enormous as it would create more job opportunities for the people, a healthy environment and as well improve the revenue base of the state.
The Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John in her speech said she admire the beauty of Ekiti tourist sites and promised to Federal Government collaboration to develop and expand revenue generation and job creations.
Mrs Lola-Ade John who added that sher visit was to encourage and promote the Eco tourism sector of the state added that the future of tourism in Ekiti looks promising and urged participants to use the opportunity to develop the sector in the state.
The duo of Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a former adviser to the President and Alhaji Nura Kangiwa Director General Nigeria Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Alhaji Nura Kangiwa in their separate remarks commended the state government for the temerity of purpose and determination to harness the tourism potentials in the state for economic development
Kangiwa who has been in the state for about three days said, he has used the opportunity to explore some of the tourism sites in the state and advised that the government should not relent in her focus to annex the potentials.
Also, the Director General of the Bureau of Tourism Development in Ekiti State, Barr. Wale Ojo-Lanre said that the economic importance of hiking cannot be underrated saying it boost tourism revenue and also promote employment opportunities for people.
He added that hiking would also preserve the natural heritage for future generations to enjoy and see the beauty of nature.
The tourism boss who implored the people to explore the Abanijorin mountain said it has seven caves, Rock tunnel, amphitheatre and breathtaking vista.
He appreciated the Minister of Tourism , Director General of NIHOTOUR Alhaji Nura Kangiwa and the State Governor saying their presence signifies a shared commitment to advancing the growth and development of tourism sector
Governor Oyebanji, Minister of Tourism and her team had earlier visited the Palace of Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye where they were told about the various potentials endowed particularly, the history behind the mountain “Okuta Aba ni Jorin” asking for government’s development.
