Ekiti state Sets to put Nigeria on global scope through Tourism

Olabisi Longe 

Ekiti State: A Non-Oil Producing State Depending on Natural Resources Through Tourism — As Emphasised by Wale Ojo‑Lanre

Introduction

Nigeria’s economy has historically relied on crude oil revenue, yet many states in the federation do not possess petroleum resources. One of such states is Ekiti State — a landlocked state in the South-West geopolitical zone. Without oil wells or large-scale mineral extraction industries, the state has long depended on agriculture, education, and civil service. In recent years, however, a new economic direction has emerged: tourism driven by natural and cultural resources.

According to Wale Ojo‑Lanre, Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, the state’s greatest wealth lies not underground in crude oil but above ground — in its mountains, waterfalls, forests, cultural heritage, and rural hospitality. He consistently stresses that tourism is not merely leisure but an economic sector capable of job creation, investment attraction, and community empowerment.

This report  was made with  great emphasis recently when the Ondo state correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists was on valentine tour to some tourists sites in the state had a one on one chat with the DG saying Ekiti State’s reliance on natural resources for economic growth through tourism, the philosophy behind this approach, its benefits, and the future prospects of a non-oil economy built around nature.

Ekiti as a Non-Oil Producing State

Unlike oil-producing states in the Niger Delta, Ekiti lacks petroleum deposits. This reality forced the state to seek alternative economic pathways early in its existence. Traditionally, the economy revolved around:

Cocoa farming

Palm produce

Kolanut

Civil service employment

Education sector activities

However, these sectors alone could not generate the level of internally generated revenue (IGR) required for rapid development. As population increased and government allocations fluctuated, the need for economic diversification became urgent.

That is where tourism emerged as a strategic alternative.

The Tourism Philosophy of Wale Ojo-Lanre

Wale Ojo‑Lanre believes tourism is misunderstood in Nigeria. According to him, tourism is an economic value chain affecting transportation, hospitality, crafts, real estate, and investment. 

In his vision:

Tourism is not just sightseeing; it is an economic ecosystem.

He has repeatedly argued that states like Ekiti — without oil — actually possess an advantage because they are compelled to develop sustainable industries rather than depend on extractive resources.

The Ekiti government has therefore pursued a tourism development master plan aimed at transforming the state into a major destination by leveraging natural beauty, heritage, and culture. 

Natural Tourism Assets of Ekiti State

Ekiti is often called the “Land of Honour and Integrity,” but geographically it could also be called the land of hills and springs. The state possesses an unusually high concentration of natural attractions.

1. Warm Springs and Waterfalls

The state is famous for unique hydrological features, particularly warm springs and waterfalls found in several communities. These sites represent rare ecological formations in West Africa and attract both researchers and tourists.

Tourism officials have also advocated that Nigeria’s numerous waterfalls can generate revenue and employment if properly developed. 

2. Rocky Landscapes and Mountains

Many towns in Ekiti are built around ancient rock formations. New natural amphitheatre-like rock sites continue to be discovered, demonstrating the geological uniqueness of the region. 

3. Forests and Ecological Wonders

In 2025, a rare ecological phenomenon called the “Tree of Love” was discovered — a symbiotic tree formation described as an ecotourism wonder. 

Such discoveries strengthen the argument that Ekiti’s natural environment itself is an economic asset.

4. Cultural Heritage

Tourism in Ekiti is not only environmental but also cultural. The state promotes festivals, crafts, and traditions to revive values and attract visitors.

Tourism as Economic Replacement for Oil

The major argument of Wale Ojo‑Lanre is that natural tourism resources can generate renewable income, unlike oil which is exhaustible.

Revenue Generation

Tourism generates money through:

Hotels and accommodation

Transportation services

Local markets

Cultural performances

Guide services

Because visitors spend money across multiple sectors, the economic effect multiplies across communities.

Employment Creation

Tourism creates direct and indirect jobs such as:

Tour guides

Drivers

Artisans

Food vendors

Event organizers

Security personnel

Rural tourism particularly encourages self-reliance and entrepreneurship in local communities. 

Rural Development

Unlike oil, which concentrates wealth in specific extraction zones, tourism spreads income geographically. Villages hosting attractions benefit from infrastructure development like roads and electricity.

Communities therefore become protectors of their environment since it becomes their livelihood.

Environmental Sustainability

Oil extraction damages ecosystems. Tourism, by contrast, encourages conservation. When natural resources become economic assets, people preserve forests and wildlife rather than destroy them.

Government Policies Supporting Tourism

The Ekiti State government approved a comprehensive tourism master plan to harness natural beauty and historical heritage for economic prosperity. 

The objectives include:

Creating world-class tourist infrastructure

Attracting domestic and international visitors

Encouraging private sector investment

Promoting cultural identity

Public-private partnerships are also encouraged to finance development projects. 

Challenges Facing Tourism Development

Despite its promise, tourism in Ekiti faces challenges:

Infrastructure — Access roads and transport require improvement

Funding — Tourism development needs capital investment

Marketing — Many attractions remain unknown internationally

Mindset — Nigeria historically prioritizes oil over tourism

Security perception — Even safe areas need strong publicity

However, these are considered solvable policy challenges rather than natural limitations.

Why Tourism is Suitable for Ekiti

Tourism suits Ekiti for several reasons:

The state is peaceful and environmentally rich

Cultural traditions remain intact

It has a cool climate compared to many regions

It lacks heavy industry, preserving its landscape

Essentially, Ekiti’s weakness — absence of oil — becomes its strength.

Future Prospects

If properly implemented, tourism could:

Replace federal allocation dependence

Increase internally generated revenue

Reduce youth unemployment

Position Ekiti as a national recreation hub

The strategy aligns with global trends where countries without oil prosper through tourism — examples include Rwanda, Kenya, and Morocco.

Ekiti State represents a model of economic diversification in Nigeria. Without petroleum resources, it is compelled to rely on what nature provided — mountains, springs, forests, culture, and heritage. Through the vision of Wale Ojo‑Lanre, tourism is being reframed from entertainment to economic infrastructure. He affirmed 

His position is clear: Ekiti does not need oil to prosper; it needs organisation, planning, and appreciation of its natural wealth by all irrespective of your colour, religion , education background or political inclination .

Tourism in Ekiti therefore serves three purposes simultaneously:

Economic survival

Cultural preservation

Environmental protection

In a country seeking alternatives to oil dependency, Ekiti offers an example of how natural resources — when sustainably managed — can become a renewable economic engine. The state’s future may well demonstrate that prosperity does not always come from drilling the earth, but from valuing the land in all ramifications.

Tourists Guide...

At sunrise in the quiet hills of Ekiti State, the forest surrounding the famous Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort slowly awakens. Mist rises from the valley, birds begin their chorus, and the sound of flowing water merges with the rustle of leaves. Before the arrival of buses and private cars carrying visitors, one man is already on duty — Chief Ayo Ademilua, not just  a tourist guide , Communication And Community Management Director  at the site  whose storytelling transforms an ordinary excursion into a sensory and cultural experience.

For many visitors, the trip to Ikogosi begins as curiosity about a geographical wonder: the meeting of warm and cold springs flowing side by side. But under Ademilua’s guidance, it becomes something deeper — a journey into ecology, tradition, science, and heritage.

The First Encounter: Awakening the Senses

Standing at the entrance gate, dressed in a neat uniform and a welcoming smile, Ademilua greets tourists with a warmth smile that mirrors the spring itself.

“Welcome,” he says gently, pausing as the wind passes through the trees. “Before we even see the water, listen.”

He raises a hand — and the group falls silent.

There is a layered soundscape: water flowing, leaves whispering, distant bird calls, and the faint hum of insects. Ademilua explains that the experience of Ikogosi begins not with sight but with hearing.

According to him, many visitors rush to take photographs, but he insists they first feel the place.

“Nature speaks before it shows,” he tells them Ademilua commands the electric car drivers to conveyed the group near to the warm spring site.y

The group walks slowly down the stone path. The air changes temperature as they descend the valley — cooler in shaded areas, slightly warmer near the spring channel. Ademilua draws attention to this subtle shift, encouraging visitors to notice the environment through their skin as much as their eyes.

By the time they reach the water, anticipation has already been built through sensory awareness.

The Wonder of Two Waters

At the meeting point, Ademilua pauses dramatically. Before them, two streams run together — one warm, one cold — flowing in parallel without immediately mixing.

He asks visitors to dip their hands in.

Gasps erupt almost instantly.

Children laugh, adults stare in disbelief, and phones appear to capture the moment.

“This,” Ademilua explains, “is not magic — but it feels like it.”

He proceeds to describe the geological mystery in simple language: underground heating processes cause one stream to emerge warm, while another remains naturally cool. The rock formations beneath the earth guide both waters to the same surface location.

But beyond the science, he introduces the legend.

Storytelling and Culture

Under a shaded tree, Ademilua narrates the local oral tradition associated with the spring. According to community belief, the two waters represent a union — often interpreted as harmony between opposing forces.

He avoids presenting the story as myth alone; instead, he frames it as cultural philosophy.

“In our tradition,” he says, “nature teaches relationships. Difference does not mean conflict.”

Visitors often lean in during this part of the tour. The site stops being merely a natural formation and becomes a cultural text.

He explains how generations of local residents respected the spring long before tourism developed. Elders considered the place sacred, a reminder of balance in life.

A Guide Who Teaches Through Experience

Unlike guides who recite memorized scripts, Ademilua adapts to his audience. With school children, he turns the tour into a classroom; with international tourists, a cultural seminar; with families, a storytelling adventure.

He invites tourists to walk barefoot briefly along the designated safe section of the channel. The alternating temperatures become a tactile lesson — a literal feeling of contrast and coexistence.

Visitors often describe the sensation as therapeutic.

He then points out the vegetation around the stream: ferns, moss, and moisture-loving plants thriving because of the micro-climate created by the springs.

“This place is not only water,” he says. “It is an ecosystem.”

Environmental Awareness

At a clearing overlooking the valley, Ademilua changes tone slightly — from storyteller to conservation advocate.

He explains that tourism brings responsibility. Littering, noise pollution, and environmental neglect can damage fragile ecosystems.

Rather than lecture, he asks a question:

“If this place disappears, what story will we tell the next generation?”

The message resonates. Visitors who earlier focused on photographs begin to look at the forest differently — as something to protect.

He explains how the surrounding trees regulate temperature, prevent erosion, and maintain water purity. Without them, the springs would not remain stable.

Human Connection and Memory

Many tourists remember Ademilua not just for facts but for the way he connects the experience to everyday life.

He tells couples the spring symbolizes partnership.

He tells students it represents coexistence in diversity.

He tells elders it reflects continuity of heritage.

By personalizing the meaning, each visitor leaves with a different interpretation — yet all feel emotionally attached to the site.

Economic and Community Impact

During the walk back, Ademilua highlights the human community behind the attraction: artisans selling crafts, food vendors preparing local dishes, and staff maintaining the grounds.

He explains tourism is livelihood for many families. Respect for the environment therefore equals respect for people.

Visitors often respond by buying local crafts — not out of obligation, but appreciation.

The Final Moment

The tour ends where it began — near the entrance — but the atmosphere has changed. What was once curiosity has turned into reflection.

Ademilua offers a closing remark:

“You came to see water, but you experienced nature, culture, and people.”

Many visitors linger, reluctant to leave. Some shake his hand warmly; others request photographs with him.

Conclusion

In an age where tourism often becomes hurried sightseeing, Ayo Ademilua practices a different philosophy — experiential interpretation. Through sensory awareness, storytelling, environmental education, and cultural explanation, he transforms a natural site into a living narrative.

At the Ikogosi Warm Springs, the attraction is not only the meeting of warm and cold water. It is also the meeting of science and tradition, environment and humanity — guided by a voice that ensures visitors do not merely observe but understand.

For those who encounter his tour, the memory lasts longer than photographs. They depart not just informed, but connected — carrying with them the feeling that nature, when explained with care, can speak to every sense and every culture.

A Visit to Arinta Waterfall, Ipole-Iloro — Nature’s Roaring Theatre Near Ikogosi

A few kilometres away from the famous Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, tucked inside a quiet agrarian community, lies another natural spectacle — the majestic Arinta Waterfalls. Unlike the gentle curiosity of the warm spring, Arinta does not whisper; it announces itself long before it is seen.

The journey begins on a narrow road leading into Ipole-Iloro, a peaceful Ekiti town surrounded by cocoa farms and thick vegetation. Motorcycles and small vehicles stop at a modest entrance, beyond which the path must be completed on foot. The air gradually cools as visitors descend through a forest trail shaded by towering trees and tangled roots. The smell of wet earth intensifies — a sign that water is near.

Then comes the sound.

At first, it is a distant rumble, like approaching thunder. With every step downward, the sound grows louder until conversation becomes impossible. By the time the rocky valley opens, the waterfall appears suddenly — a white curtain crashing down layered rocks in multiple cascades.

Arinta is not a single drop but a series of descending stages, each with its own pool and rhythm. Water strikes stone with a force that sends mist into the air, lightly soaking visitors who stand too close. Children scream in excitement, while adults instinctively pause, stunned by the scale of the natural performance.

Local guides explain that the waterfall flows year-round, but its personality changes with the seasons. During rainy months, it roars with intimidating power; during dry periods, it softens into a calmer, more accessible stream. Yet even at its gentlest, the site retains its commanding presence.

The rocks surrounding the cascade are ancient and darkened by years of flowing water. Moss clings to their surfaces, making footing delicate. Visitors carefully navigate the terrain, encouraged by guides who know the safe paths. Some sit on flat stones to feel the cool spray on their faces; others take photographs, trying unsuccessfully to capture the full height in a single frame.

Beyond its beauty, Arinta carries cultural meaning for the Ipole-Iloro community. Elders regard it as a symbol of continuity — water that never stops flowing, much like life itself. Local stories describe the waterfall as a place of reflection where people historically came to think, pray, or make important decisions.

Vendors near the entrance sell palm wine, roasted corn, and local snacks, turning the visit into both ecological and cultural immersion. Tourists who came from the warm spring often notice the contrast: Ikogosi offers mystery and calm, while Arinta delivers energy and motion.

Standing at the base of the cascade, the mist covering clothes and cameras alike, one realizes the attraction is not only visual. It is tactile, audible, and almost emotional — a reminder of nature’s power just beyond human settlement.

As visitors climb back toward daylight, the roar fades slowly behind them, replaced again by birds and rustling leaves. But the memory lingers — a thunderous echo carried out of the valley.