“The magnificent rock is home to a natural cave that has stood the test of time. For ages, this cave has provided refuge, shelter and protection to our ancestors during times and war and uncertainty”
Beauty, wonders of Ugele Cave, Ekiti’s newly opened tourist attraction centre
By John Odunayo
The dignitaries, hikers and tourism enthusiasts who climbed the Ugele Hill to access the Ugele Cave on Easter Monday said they enjoyed themselves fully and relished every moment on the hill and the sight of the cave.
The Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, and the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, shed light on the Ugele Hill and Cave at his community, Ikere Ekiti.
The monarch, dressed in a t-shirt, fez cap and the royal staff spoke at a brief ceremony at the foot of the hill to mark opening of the hill and cave to the public as a tourist centre by Ekiti State Government.
The hill, which was before now climbed once a year for celebration of Odun Omo by the custodians, has, henceforth, become a tourist centre, following intervention of the state government though the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development.
Among features of the hill are a cave which has a natural sitting room (Yara Igbalejo), spacious relaxation room (Yara Igbafe) and an inner room (Gbagede Binukonu).
Hundreds of dignitaries and hikers were on the occasion, led to climb the hill to access the cave for appreciation of the tourism potentials by the governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye; the Director-general, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre; and a tourism enthusist and former Political Adviser to the President, Senator Babafemi Ojudu.
The hiking activity tagged, ‘Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari’, was organized by Discover Ekiti Tourism Club in collaboration with Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development.
Oba Adu-Alagbado, who took pride in the potentials 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 all for their wisdom and for all they had done”.
The monarch hailed the state government on efforts on the Ugele Hill/Cave, which he described as a heritage that would put the community’s name on the world tourism map, as he urged the state government to construct the road leading to the area and the hill to serve as attraction to tourists.
Governor Oyebanji, who cut the tape to declare the hill and cave open as tourism centre, pledged to sustain his administration’s priority attention to development of tourism as relaxation hub, job creator and revenue earner.
He said, “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 world class tourism centre while preserving the cultural heritage and traditional features.
“Immediately we begin action here, people will appreciate the tourism potentials. 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.
The Director-general, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, said that opening the Ugele Hill/Cave as tourists centre would bring out the glory of the place as its potentials 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 commitment to development and transformation of the tourism potentials in the state, assuring, “We are going to develop tourism”.
In his remark, Senator Ojudu, said that the Ugele hill and cave if developed as tourist site would benefit both the poor and the rich.
Ojudu promised to assist with a broad development plan that would transform and develop the rock and cave to acceptable international standards and tourism destination.
The Chairman, Ikere West Local Local Council Development Area, Rufus Olorunfemi, who said the magnificent rock which was home to a natural cave that had stood the test of time, said, “For ages, this cave has provided refuge, shelter and protection to our ancestors during times and 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 centre will showcase our rich culture and heritage and bring people together,” the council chairman said.
Also at the event were the Chairman, Ikere Local Government, Olu Adamolekun Egbejoda; Ekiti State Commissioner for Special Duties, Adeniyi Dolamu; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts and Culture, Prince Adebanji Adelusi; the Dean of Students, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, Prof. Dayo Daramola; President, Discover Ekiti Tourism Club, Opeyemi Adebayo; Kay Bobo of Big Brother Nigeria fame; and the Olofin of Ikere Ekiti, High Chief Lawrence Awe.
PHOTOS: Sources include FEMI ARTDAGUNODO
