Tag: Ekiti

Dozens of rock climbers mainly youths led by Governor Biodun Oyebanji and other top government functionaries explored the rocky hills of Abanijorin Cave and Mountain at Iyin-Ekiti last Monday. It was part of activities marking this year’s Mountain Hike Ekiti 2024 tagged Mountain Safari 6.0 orchestrated by the Discover Ekiti Tourism Club in collaboration with the Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre led Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports

For over an hour, Ekiti State Governor Mr. Biodun Oyebanji undertook a rare adventure on the enchanting landscape of Abanijorin cave and mountain at Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti state. He led enthusiastic team that included Senator Babafemi Ojudu, wife of Oluyin, Olori Adeniyi Ajakaye, Speaker, Ekiti state Assembly, Mr Adeoye Aribasoye and other hikers on the hillwalking. Also at the event was the Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John.

The Governor did not just go on hiking, but also demonstrated his strong passion for culture and tourism promotion by pounding yam on the mountain top. The event was this year’s Mountain Hike Ekiti 2024, which was preceded by a 2-day intensive training workshop at the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Conference Centre organised by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) for tour operators in the state. 

Speaking on return from the hilltop, Governor Oyebanji sought Federal Government’s support in the development of Ekiti State’s Tourism Development Master Plan targeted to reshape the economy and improve the revenue base of the State. He described tourism as the next revenue earner after oil and agriculture, adding that Ekiti has the potentials to re-awake the economy of the nation. Governor Oyebanji explained 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 Governor expressed pride in witnessing the boundless enthusiasm of participants as they delved into the scenic marvels of the Abanijorin Cave and Mountains, reaffirming his commitment to promoting Ekiti as a premier tourism destination.

But, the high point of the hiking was the pounding of yam on the hill top by Gov. Oyebanji, which is a demonstration of his love for Ekiti culinary. This symbolic act not only highlighted the governor’s connection to his roots but also underscored the significance of food tourism in promoting and preserving Ekiti’s unique culinary traditions.

Interestingly, pounded yam, a delicacy made from boiled yam tubers holds a special place in the hearts and palates of Ekiti people. It is not just a meal but a symbol of communal identity and unity, often shared during festive occasions, gatherings and ceremonies. The choice of Abanijorin Rocks, as the setting for this culinary spectacle adds another layer of significance to the event. As one of Ekiti’s natural wonders, the rocks stand tall as a testament to the state’s breathtaking landscapes and adventurous spirit. By bringing the traditional practice of pounding yam to such a majestic location, Governor Oyebanji not only paid homage to Ekiti’s agricultural heritage but also invited locals and tourists alike to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings while indulging in the region’s culinary delights.

The Ekiti Mountain Hike served as a platform to promote food tourism and recognise the economic potentials of showcasing Ekiti’s gastronomic offerings to a wider audience. In an era where travelers seek authentic cultural experiences and unique culinary adventures, Ekiti’s traditional cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques, presents a compelling draw for visitors seeking to explore the rich tapestry of Nigerian culture.

Again, beyond its cultural significance, Gov. Oyebanji’s act of pounding yam atop Abanijorin Rocks sends a powerful message about the importance of preserving and celebrating indigenous food in the face of modernisation and globalization.

The Minister for Tourism, Mrs Lola-Ade John who flagged off the training workshop at Ikogosi on Sunday, said her visit to Ekiti state was to encourage and promote the Eco-tourism sector of the state. She observed that the beauties of Ekiti tourist sites needed to be tapped and explored to the world, promising Federal Government’s collaboration. According to the minister, the future of tourism in Ekiti looks promising and urged participants to use the opportunity to develop the sector in the state.

She commended the collaborative spirit demonstrated in orchestrating Mountain Safari 6.0, emphasizing its significance in spotlighting Ekiti’s tourism potential on a global scale. She stressed the imperative of preserving the region’s natural habitats and cultural landmarks for future generations, noting that events like these are catalysts for sustainable development and cultural preservation.

Ekiti State Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Deputy Governor, expressed delight in witnessing the infectious enthusiasm of participants as they immersed themselves in Ekiti’s natural wonders. She lauded the organisers for their dedication to showcasing the region’s diverse landscapes and promoting eco-friendly tourism practices. She reaffirmed government’s unwavering support for initiatives that strengthen economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye appreciated the inclusivity of Mountain Safari 6.0, which brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds to celebrate Ekiti’s rich heritage. He stressed the pivotal role of collaboration between government, private enterprises and local communities in harnessing tourism’s potentials as a driver of socio-economic progress and cultural exchange.

For Senator Babafemi Ojudu, the adventurous spirit displayed by participants was commendable as they traversed the trails of Abanijorin Cave and Mountains, while extoling the significance of events like Mountain Safari 6.0 in promoting outdoor recreation, health and wellness, emphasizing their positive impact on individual well-being. Senator Ojudu commended the organisers for their commitment to showcasing Ekiti’s natural treasures and fostering community engagement. Earlier, Governor Oyebanji in company of the Minister of Tourism and her team had visited the Palace of Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye. The Palace briefed the delegation on the great potentials and the historical facts about the mountain “Okuta Aba ni Jorin” while seeking government’s development.

In his remark, Director General Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre said the economic importance of hiking cannot be belittled saying it boosts tourism revenue and also promotes employment opportunities for people. He added that hiking would also preserve the natural heritage for future generations to enjoy. Ojo-Lanre who implored the people to explore the Abanijorin Mountain, said it has seven caves, rock tunnel, Amphitheatre and breathtaking vista. He appreciated the State Governor, Minister of Tourism, Director General of NIHOTOUR saying their presence signifies a shared commitment to advancing the growth and development of tourism sector.

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On Sunday at the opening ceremony of the intensive training programme for tour operators, which attracted over 45 participants, Alhaji Kangiwa disclosed that tour operating alone contributes more than 118 million jobs across the globe, which translates to 3.8% global employment as reported by World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). He said that records also have it that for every 30 new tourists created, one new job is created in every industry of the sector. “In fact, it is estimated that tourism will continue to grow to 414 million jobs and 11.6% of total employment by 2028,” he added. 

Kangiwa noted that the choice of Ado-Ekiti to host the intensive training programme for the Nigeria Tour Operators is symbolic owing to the endowed tourism resources of Ekiti state’s cultural heritage. This, he said, includes hospitality, cuisines, natural beauties of Ikogosi Cold and Warm Spring Resort, Abanijorin Rock for sightseeing, mountaineering, hiking, conservation research, eco-tourism and agro- tourism amongst other human benefits.

“From the foregoing, the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR)  being the apex body backed by the Act of the Parliament to pursue and professionalise the sector, is poised to pursuing its mandate to train, certificate and register sector operative and practitioner personnel towards creating jobs, generating employment for self-reliance, reducing unemployment, restiveness and improving national economy,” he said. 

He urged the sector workforce to take advantage of NIHOTOUR training programmes to start a professional career or up-skill and advance from craft to managerial levels to build individual and organisation personnel capacity. Our training modules, he added, are stakeholders validated to meet challenges of specific occupational trades skills standards and quality service delivery for the tourism sector.

Continuing, he said: “It is my desire that at the end of this intensive training programme, the participants will put the additionally knowledge, skills and competence acquired to practice to identify tourist destinations, package tours, link up with international tourist destinations managers and tour operation consultants to put Nigeria on global tourist map.”

Among corporate bodies that supported and sponsored the mountaineering included Rite Foods as the lead sponsor, VOKI, Sterling, Midas FM, Pulle, GOGE AFRICA, atqnews.com, Tribune and People.

Driven by the desire to preserve Nigeria’s tangible heritage, especially those facing extinction, Ekiti state-born Product Concept Creator and Developer, Mr Micheal Aderemi Agbetuyi has embarked on rebranding and standisation of Arin (Dioclea reflexa) game, a popular age-long game among the Yoruba people. His interest in developing the game started in 2017 while on a visit to his home place, Usi in Ekiti state.

Agbetuyi who is worried that most youths are unaware of this ancient game, recalled that growing up as a little child, Arin was a common game among youths in most communities in Yoruba land especially Ekitiland. Today, modernity and urbanization have displaced the game from the people’s sporting activities.

He stated that ‘Arin is a game played by old and young people.  It has since gone into extinction and the youths do not know anything about it. It is only few people that still engage in it in some remote villages. It is a game dying for lack of promotion and sustenance.  I doubt if any of our youths today can identify (Dioclea Reflexa) Arin as a seed being used for a game.’

According to Agbetuyi, the task of embarking on rebranding and standisation of the game began in 2017 during one of his visits to his home town, Usi Ekiti where he saw some kids playing the game. This experience, he said, brought back sweet memories of when he was a little child in the community.

“It brought back the experiences of those periods when we were younger, when anxiety, dexterity, calculation and all sort of expertise must be brought to bear in knocking your opponent seed.

“That was when the process of rebranding, standardization and efforts to globalise the game started. That was when I researched and discovered that the game can actually be played in individual homes, lounge, hotel, and stadium as tournament. If Billiard, Bowling, Beer-pong and other recreational games and sports can attain international recognition, definitely this new game will,” he said. 

But two years later, Agbetuyi had the opportunity of presenting his design project of the game to Ekiti state government through Wale Ojo Lanre led-Ekiti state Arts Council platform for review and possible partnership. That review brought about the second design followed by the construction of another play table, new rules guiding the mode of play and also instructional book on the game. However, the game is yet to receive Ekit state government’s attention. 

“In 2019, I heard of a town hall meeting being put together by the office of then Director-General Ekiti state Art Culture, Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre on revamping of all forgotten events and games notable to Ekiti People. I made sure I attended with the motive of partnering Ekiti government. The town hall meeting was in encouraging and reassuring especially with the personal commitment of the DG to see through for whoever comes up with a worthy proposal or project. With this in mind I went back to the project and came up with the first design.

“I presented the first design to friends and was reviewed. The review brought about the second design followed by the construction of another play table, new rules guiding the mode of play and also instructional book on the game. The game is designed to be played by opposing player of two or more to form a team. The game will soon be unveiled as soon as we are done with the process of naming it,” he said.

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Beyond preservation of heritage, Agbetuyi is inspired by the potentials of the game to create a new line of employment of professional players, and new line of event through tournaments among the teeming youths. He observed that by the time it becomes a national and international game, crave for the seeds will be enormous, although artificial might emerge later, but artificial gold is differentiated from real.

“This will definitely open up a new line of agricultural production in the country. It will also give our teeming youths something to keep them busy. Being Nigeria origin we would have contributed to global game village. A new game tournament will equally be created locally, nationally and globally,” he added.

In order to give the game a global outlook in the event he is unable to get a local support, Agbetuyi initiated a process of naming the game via democratic process whereby people from across the world are free to nominate distinguish global personality with positive impact. The 1st 10 of these nominees will stand to be voted for via the web App: https://www.pcan.ng/. The winner will have his/her name attached to the game.