Speaking at the majestic Mountain of Clouds (Sagbonke Mountain) in Efon-Alaaye, Ekiti State, on Easter Monday,the governor described tourism as a vital sector of the economy.
According to Oyebanji, if properly harnessed ,tourism could significantly enhance the state’s revenue base, adding that his administration remains committed to prioritizing the renovation and modernization of the sites to attract both local and international visitors.
Expressing his amazement at the breath-taking natural beauty of the Sagbonke mountain, Governor Oyebanji described the location as a hidden treasure with immense potential to attract global attention.
He directed the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, Investment and Cooperatives; Commissioner Arts and Culture as well as the Director-General , Bureau of Tourism Development to develop a comprehensive investment plan for the mountain.
While expressing optimism that Ekiti would soon take its pride of place among Nigeria’s leading tourist destinations, the Governor urged Stakeholders, including investors and cultural custodians to collaborate with his government to achieve the vision of making Ekiti a global tourism hotspot.
“I thank God for all the endowment he has blessed us with. The last speaker said this place was discovered four years ago and I keep asking myself what have we been doing with our endowment. God has given us what can fetch us money. I was talking to the Commissioner for Investment that how do we turn these assets around, this is a massive asset for Ekiti State, and Efon people are noted for self-development, and I am throwing this challenge back to you, this asset should not be wasted, Let us sit down and collaborate with government and find a way of developing this
Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, hailed the overwhelming turnout and praised the growing momentum behind Ekiti’s eco-tourism revolution. Michael Peculiar Ekiran, Founder of Discover Ekiti Tourism Club and Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism Development, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the state government, corporate sponsors, and the Efon community for their invaluable support.
Sponsors that fueled the success of the 2025 edition include Adron Homes, Rite Foods, Voki, Batoil, Dan Pharmacy, Fure Bio Water, Olu Olu Foods, and The Tusk Hotel Abuja, among others.
The 7th Edition of the Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari has not only etched unforgettable memories but also cemented Efon-Alaaye and the Mountain of Clouds as a rising star in Nigeria’s eco-tourism landscape—heralding a new dawn for tourism in Ekiti State.
Also at the event were, former House of Representatives member and convener of THE BAOWALK congressman, Bimbo Daramola, the lawmaker, representing Efon Alaaye, Hon Olowookere Bosede, Commissioner for Trade, Mrs Tayo Adeola, Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Prof Ojo Bakare, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, among others.
Reliving his experience, Daramola said ” the Sagbonke Hill of Efon Alaaye, I’m told had always been a place of interest since the days of Papa Obafemi Awolowo, who I think proposed to have a residence around there way back in 1956, it is noteworthy to find a Governor in Biodun Oyebanji who wants to revive this reality.
“At the top of the hill, the feeling is incomparable to any, the picturesque location gives a cool breeze thats “heavenly” the breathtaking sight and scenery, the luxuriant luscious greenery, the foliage of the area attests to the fertility of the area, already there is a huge Pineapple plantation on the way up, I am told the producers of the popular Chivita comes there to buy ”