Discoveries: The Rich Tourism Potentials

Discoveries: The Rich Tourism Potentials in Ondo State, Nigeria  
By Oluwatoyin Ajayi

Ondo State is predominantly occupied by the Yorubas who speak various dialects; such as Akoko, Apoi, Idanre, Ikale, Ilaje, Ondo, Owo and a minority speaking the Ijaw language. The state is popularly called the sunshine state, blessed with so much beautiful and exciting tourist centres:

Idanre Hills

Idanre lies within the Equatorial region of Nigeria in West Africa. According to research, the area is situated between Latitude 9 8’ North of the Equator and Longitude 5 8’ East of the Meridian. Idanre covers a land area of 619 square miles, about 1,584.6sq.km. It is one of the histo-cultural and natural endowments, with hills and rocks that fortified the village. These villagers are exclusively occupied by idanre people, who are predominantly farmers.

Idanre Hills, also known as Oke-idanre are one of the most awesome landscapes, not only in the State, but also in Nigeria. So, for our foreign tourists, who are searching for that amazing place to visit in Nigeria, here is one.

As a natural and cultural landscape, it has several folk stories, myths and legends tied to these Hills, which are told to tourists and visitors. At the foot of the Hills, there are three settlements joined together to form the new metropolis of idanre: Alade, Atosin and Odode, all falling within a radius of about 3km.

Some of the information shared is that over the years, the Hills have become their abode for security against invaders and looters who might either carry them away into slavery or rob them of their valuable possessions. To therefore ensure maximum security up the Hills, only four extremely difficult routes, steps or staircases were constructed through the four available natural passes leading to the top of the Hill. They are: Ajin, Arokunso, Aghagha staircase and Ufona Road or Egbe. Just as a friend and colleague had said; “if you really want to lose weight, try those stairs”, which I strongly agree to.

Igbokoda Waterfront

Akure is the largest city and capital of Ondo, a city located in the southwestern region of Nigeria. The city has a population of approximately 387,087. It is a modern town, which is also endowed with beautiful places to visit. There is more to learn about the culture, customs and traditions of the people.

Igbokoda Waterfall is one of the biggest territorial waters in the country, having about 142km lengths and is a true hot-spot for tourists and travelers. It also a great fishing site for fishermen and an ideal picnic venue for vacationers looking for a bit of tranquillity.

Araromi Beach

The latest tour to Ondo happened this year by our exclusive crew XploreNigeria. The Araromi Beach was the target this time.

 It is said that civilization started around the shoreline in Araromi, Ondo State. The Araromi Beach has the longest coastline in West Africa. The beach indeed is one of the finest beaches in the country, because of the serenity and the peaceful coexistence of the people of Ilaje. 

Igbo Olodumare

Igbo Olodumare is located at Oke Igbo, which has an evergreen forest that is beautiful and thick. Usually, movie producers shoot here, have picnic and generally do other fun things here.

It is a mystifying place, just as it name implies “The Forest of the Almighty” This mysterious forest was first brought to notice by two great of works: ‘Ogboju Ode ninu Igbo Irumole and Igbo Olodumare’, of D.O. Fagunwa, who is a native of Oke Igbo. These works was later translated into English by Wole Soyinka, the nobel laureate.

The forest is two-hour journey from Akure. At the entrance, there sits a bizarre-looking village, which people regard as the age ‘guard’ of the ancient forest. It is indeed a forest, as it is only the whispering rustle of tree leaves, the birds singing and sounds of animals. Some tourists even tag the place as “A Wild Forest.”

Deji Of Akure Palace

According to history, this palace was built around 1150AD by the first traditional ruler of Akure kingdom, Oba Asodeboyede, who came from Ile-Ife and was one of the grandchildren of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race.

The Deji of Akure’s Palace is the traditional home of the town’s ruler. This is where you will find the cultural heritage that explains the people’s story perfectly. It represents the historical, cultural and architectural depths of the people. Although, we cannot categories it has a tourist center, but it is a nice place to visit. And despite its old age, the palace stills retains it traditional, and cultural values till present.

→Which other exciting places have you discovered in Ondo, Nigeria? Kindly share, using the comment box below↓