By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
Ekiti State has been described as the hub of Tourism in Africa and the world at large.
The Director General of Ekiti State tourism development Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre disclosed this when he played host to journalists in his office in Ado Ekiti.
Wale Ojo Lanre while fielding questions in the state capital said Tourists will have a long time satisfactory experience should they visit Ekiti and will surely want to make Ekiti their personal Tourist country.
Barrister Wale Ojo Lanre said Ekiti is blessed and home to many cultural Heritage and historical sites that connects the past with the present and possibly the future.
” When you take a look at the name itself, Ekiti is derived from tourist perspective “Okiti” that is the rolling hills. You can’t but marveled at the historical sites housed in the state.
When you take for instance the site of the controversial “Esu” the only place where you can still find the warm and cold spring is located at Ikogosi which has been attracting visitors from far and near.”
Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre who also stressed the need for cultural preservations maintained that their is hardly any state in Nigeria that can boast of tourist sites like Ekiti.
“We have the Egbe dam, “Ojubo Ogun the god of iron” in Ire Ekiti, go to Ikere and see the Olosunta rock, Arinta waterfalls, Abajorin cave in Iyin Ekiti, Okuta gbokuta leri at Oke Ila here, infact your journey as a tourist is not complete if you are yet to visit Ekiti State”
The Director General also praised the state Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for responding to the yearnings and aspirations of the people by presenting and preserving the culture of the people of Ekiti.
“Through the many programs of the state Government, Ekiti has been exported to the world through Tourism even our local delicacy “Iyan” is now an acceptable food all over the world.
“No matter where you eat pounded yam if you are yet to eat Ekiti pounded yam where it is produced traditionally then you are missing something huge” He maintained that anyone interested in visiting places of interest must surely pick Ekiti which her people are also very accommodating and hardworking.