As early as 7am, hundreds of adventure seekers and tourism enthusiasts, particularly the locals, had started walking their way to the Sagbonke Mountain top in Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State last Monday. Men, women, young and old who ordinarily would have been at the Galilee celebrating the rise of Jesus of Christ, joined the race to get to the peak of the mountain by foot before the arrival of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. 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. For most of the people that made it to the peak of the mountain, it was a unique way to celebrating this year’s Easter Monday.
Symbolically, Ekiti State Government unveiled another of its hidden treasure capable of becoming a globally recognised destination as thousands of adventure seekers and tourism enthusiasts converged on Sagbonke Mountain in Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State for the 7th edition of Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari. It is an initiative by the Discover Ekiti Tourism Club in partnership with Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development led by Wale Ojo-Lanre.
Leading the army of hikers and fun seekers Governor Biodun Oyebamji, in company of other top government functionaries last week Monday, 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.’ A handful of vendors marketing different cultural items and agricultural produce were also on the hill top promoting their wares.
Inspired by the economic potentials of the location, Oyebamji directed the relevant government officials to develop a comprehensive investment plan for the site and others like it across the state.
“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.
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.
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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.
Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale 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 annually 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 mobilization 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.