Ekiti State, popularly known as ‘The Fountain of Knowledge’, is a state in the south-western part of Nigeria that is worth visiting. The state is recognised as one with the highest number of professors in Nigeria. However, that’s not its only allure; it also offers beautiful ecotourist destinations, among other scenic environments you can visit while on vacation.
It’s where the Egbe Dam is located; it sits on the Ose River and is a hub for agriculture and tourism. It provides pipe-borne water, fishing, and various irrigation systems for farming.
Because you can enjoy relaxing at the serene, peaceful Arinta Waterfalls in Ipole Iloro, watching the soothing cascading waters, along the Akure expressway, you can also take time to visit the popular fresh mountain waters of Erin Ijesha Waterfalls, partly in Ekiti State, famous for its seven tiers. These places are good for guided walks and picnics, where you can enjoy with family and friends.
Ekiti State is home to Ero Dam/Lake, an artificial attraction and a worthy tourist attraction. It is 11 kilometres wide and supplies piped water to more than 100 towns and villages in the state. It is also used for fishing by indigenes and visitors as well.
You can visit Fajuyi Memorial Park in Ado Ekiti, the state’s capital. It’s the burial place of the late Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi of renowned memory. Historians can take a guided tour to learn about the history of a governor of the Old Western State, Fajuyi, who was killed during the coup of 1966 and given a heroic burial for his patriotism and sacrifice.
Because you can enjoy the enigmatic Ikogosi warm spring. Tagged as the meeting spot of warm and cold springs from different sources, with each maintaining its temperature. There is a traditional belief about these springs. It is said the king had two wives who turned into the springs. The ill-tempered wife became the hot spring, while the cool-tempered wife became the cold spring. The king became the rolling hills surrounding the springs. The springs are also said to have therapeutic effects on some diseases.
Olosunta and Orole Hills in Ikere are precipitous hills that can be visited to relax in nature. The natives of this town believe that the Olosunta and Orole deities live in the hills. They are credited with feats such as providing children to barren women and protecting Ikere from warfare. Ikere is reported to be the only unconquered town during inter-tribal wars in the state.
Ekiti State is known for its many festivals. Festivals like the yearly Udiroko Festival held in Ado, the Ogun Festival held in Ire and other parts of the state around August/September, the yearly Olosunta Festival in Ikere, the yearly Ijesu Festival all over the state, and the yearly Iromo Festival in Igede, among others.
You can taste the state’s special delicacies. The most popular food in Ekiti State is pounded yam (Iyan), accompanied by various delicious soups, such as Pounded yam and Worowo soup (a leafy vegetable prepared with tomatoes, pepper, locust beans, or egusi).
