Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has opened the Ugele Hill and Cave at Ikere Ekiti to the public as a tourist centre in a bid to tap the potential ahead of the development of the natural resource.
The hill, described as a historical beauty and wonder of nature, formerly climbed once a year for the celebration of Odun Omo by custodians, has henceforth become a tourist centre following government’s intervention through the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development.
Among the features of the hill is a cave which has a natural sitting room (Yara Igbalejo), a spacious relaxation room (Yara Igbafe) and an inner room (Gbagbe Binukonu), said to have provided refuge, shelter and protection to the ancestors during times of war and uncertainty.
The Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, and a tourism enthusiast and former Political Adviser to the President, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, on Monday led hundreds of dignitaries and hikers to climb the hill to access the cave for appreciation of its tourism potential.
Oyebanji, represented by the deputy governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, who cut the tape to declare the hill and cave open as a tourist centre, pledged to sustain his administration’s priority attention to the development of tourism as a recreation hub, job creator, and revenue earner.
“Findings have shown us that the potentials in this hill are more than those in other hills, mountains and caves celebrated elsewhere. We are committed to developing this place as a world-class tourism centre while preserving the cultural heritage and traditional features.
“Immediately we begin action here, people will appreciate the tourism potentials more. Between now and the next two years, apart from creating jobs for our youth, this place will be a revenue earner. It will promote commerce. It will also accelerate the development and expansion of this community.
“This is to promote the culture and heritage of this community. Governor Oyebanji is ready to develop this place,” the deputy governor said, assuring the custodians that the government would not take away the heritage from them.
She called on residents to support development efforts and be accommodating to the tourists that would be coming.
The Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, said that opening the Ugele Hill/Cave as a tourist centre would bring out the glory of the place as its potential would be explored and appreciated.
Ojo-Lanre, who said Ekiti was created by God for tourism purposes in view of its numerous tourism potentials, hailed Oyebanji for his commitment to the development and transformation of tourism in the state as he canvassed community collaboration and participation in the development of Ugele Hill and Cave.
The DG said, “The state governor told us that he is ready to spend money on tourism, but that we must do something critical. He told us we should produce a tourism policy and development plan. I am happy to inform you that these two policies are ready now and we are going to develop tourism.”
The Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti and Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, who spoke at the brief opening ceremony, hailed the state government for its efforts on the Ugele Hill/Cave, which he described as a heritage that would put the community’s name on the world tourism map.
Oba Adu-Alagbado, who took pride in the potential of the cave, said, “We have always been here. Ikere is one of the very few towns that was never defeated in war. That is why when you go into that place, you will give kudos to our ancestors for their wisdom and for all they had done.”
The monarch urged the state government to construct the road leading to the area and the hill to serve as an attraction to tourists.
In his remark, Senator Ojudu said that the Ugele Hill and Cave, if developed as a tourist site, would benefit both the poor and the rich.
Ojudu promised to assist with a broader development plan that would transform the rock and cave to acceptable international standards as a tourism destination.
The Chairman, Ikere West Local Council Development Area, Rufus Olorunfemi, said the magnificent rock, which is home to a natural cave that has stood the test of time, noted, “For ages, this cave has provided refuge, shelter and protection to our ancestors during times of war and uncertainty.
“The rock and cave represent resilience, strength and community heritage bestowed by nature. They remind us that even in adversity, there is always hope.
“As we open the cave as a tourist centre, we invite you to experience the beauty of this natural wonder. It is a testament to our commitment to boosting tourism and creating opportunities for our community. We believe that this tourist centre will showcase our rich culture and heritage and bring people together,” the council chairman said.
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