At the 7th edition of the Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari – Hike & Dine in the Clouds, an event organised by the Discover Ekiti Tourism Club in collaboration with the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development and the Efon-Alaaye-in-Council, Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, alongside other dignitaries, joined hundreds of hikers and adventurers.
The event successfully attracted more than 1,000 tourists, nature enthusiasts, and celebrities to the majestic Mountain of Clouds—Sagbonke Mountain—in Efon-Alaaye. Speaking at the event, the governor described tourism as a vital sector of the economy.
Oyebanji elaborated on the proper and strategic exploitation of tourism to significantly enhance the state’s revenue base, reiterating his administration’s commitment to prioritising the renovation and modernisation of the sites to attract local and international visitors.
In a bid to position Sagbonke Mountain as a source of global tourist attention, Governor Oyebanji directed the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, Investment and Cooperatives, the Commissioner for Arts and Culture, and the Director-General, Bureau of Tourism Development, to develop a comprehensive investment plan for the mountain.
The governor also expressed optimism that Ekiti would soon take its pride of place among Nigeria’s leading tourist destinations, urging stakeholders, including investors and cultural custodians, to collaborate with his government to achieve the vision of making Ekiti a global tourism hotspot.
“I thank God for all the endowment he has blessed us with. The last speaker said this place was discovered four years ago, and I keep asking myself what we have been doing with our endowment. God has given us what can fetch us money. I talked to the Commissioner for Investment about how we can turn these assets around. This is a massive asset for Ekiti State, and Efon people are noted for self-development. I am throwing this challenge back to you; this asset should not be wasted. Let us sit down and collaborate with the government and find a way of developing this.”
Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, commended the impressive turnout and praised the momentum behind Ekiti’s eco-tourism revolution. Similarly, Michael Peculiar Ekiran, Founder of Discover Ekiti Tourism Club and Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism Development, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the state government, corporate sponsors, and the Efon community for their invaluable support.
Also at the event were former House of Representatives member and convener of THE BAOWALK Congressman Bimbo Daramola, the lawmaker representing Efon Alaaye, Hon Olowookere Bosede, Commissioner for Trade, Mrs Tayo Adeola, Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Prof Ojo Bakare, and Senator Babafemi Ojudu, among others.
“The Sagbonke Hill of Efon Alaaye, I’m told, had always been a place of interest since the days of Papa Obafemi Awolowo, who, I think, proposed to have a residence around there way back in 1956. It is noteworthy to find a Governor in Biodun Oyebanji who wants to revive this reality,” Daramola noted.
The 2025 edition’s sponsors include Adron Homes, Rite Foods, Voki, Batoil, Dan Pharmacy, Fure Bio Water, Olu Olu Foods, and The Tusk Hotel Abuja.
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The 7th Edition of the Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari has not only etched unforgettable memories but also cemented Efon-Alaaye and the Mountain of Clouds as a rising star in Nigeria’s eco-tourism landscape, heralding a new dawn for tourism in Ekiti State. More importantly, the Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari calls on Nigeria to upgrade and invest in its tourism destinations as this holds significant potential for economic, social, and cultural gains for local communities and the nation.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the Sagbonke Mountain, Efon Alaaye, leading the 7th edition of Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari
Upgrading tourism destinations directly creates jobs in hospitality, transportation, tour guiding, and site management. Indirectly, it stimulates employment among local artisans, food vendors, retailers, and service providers who cater to tourists’ needs.
Enhanced tourism sites also attract more domestic and international visitors, increasing spending within the country. This reduces capital flight and injects money into local economies, boosting government revenues through taxes and fees.
Revenue from tourism can also be reinvested in critical infrastructure, such as roads, airports, water supply, electricity, and communication networks. Improved infrastructure benefits tourists, enhances the quality of life for local residents, and supports other sectors.
Further, tourism development stimulates entrepreneurship, especially among SMEs involved in accommodation, crafts, food services, and transportation. This broadens the economic base and supports inclusive growth.
Upgraded tourism destinations highlight Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and historical sites. This fosters pride among local communities and encourages the preservation of cultural practices and sites. Tourism also provides an incentive for communities to maintain and showcase their unique identities, which can also attract niche cultural and heritage tourism markets.
