The 7th Edition of the Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari, set for Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, has earned a significant endorsement from His Royal Majesty, Oba Adesanya Aladejare Agunsoye III, the Alaaye of Efon Kingdom. This royal backing highlights the event’s importance in advancing eco-tourism and adventure tourism in Ekiti State.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration continues to position tourism as a crucial economic pillar for the state. His strategic investments in tourism infrastructure, alongside his support for initiatives like the Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari, have been praised for unlocking the state’s tourism potential.
In anticipation of the event, Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre, Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, led a pre-tour of the Mountain of Clouds, the venue for the event. This tour, which included members of the Discover Ekiti Tourism Club and local stakeholders from Efon Alaaye, aimed to assess the route and ensure a smooth experience for participants.
The Discover Ekiti Tourism Club, led by its First Female President Opeyemi Agbaje Adebayo, issued a statement recognizing the tireless efforts of Governor Oyebanji and Ambassador Lanre. The club praised their commitment to showcasing Ekiti’s tourism potential, particularly in promoting Efon Ekiti and the Mountain of Clouds as a leading adventure tourism destination.
The community support from the Efon Alaaye Local Government, the Efon Alaaye Development League, and the Alaaye of Efon Kingdom has also been crucial in transforming Efon-Alaaye into a prominent eco-tourism hub. Their continuous efforts to enhance the region’s tourism appeal were acknowledged at the event.
This year’s safari, which promises to attract hiking enthusiasts, nature lovers, and eco-tourism advocates from across Nigeria, will further elevate the Mountain of Clouds as a premier adventure destination in the country.
The Discover Ekiti Tourism Club, founded in 2018 by Michael Peculiar Ekiran, who also serves as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism Development, has been pivotal in promoting eco-tourism in the state. The club launched the Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari in 2019, and since then, the event has become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated eco-tourism experiences.
With the continued support of Governor Oyebanji, Ambassador Ojo Lanre, and the Efon Alaaye community, the Mountain of Clouds is poised to be a leading adventure tourism spot in Nigeria.
