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INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH IN BUSINESS

COPY RIGHT © 2013 Institute of Interdisciplinary Business Research 280

JANUARY 2013

VOL 4, NO 9

IKOGOSI WARM WATER RESORTS: WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW?

Hairul Nizam Bin Ismail (PhD)1

, Ojo Kayode Ayobami2; Kasimu Mohammed A

3; Gafar

Olanrewaju Y4; Okoloba Victor

5; Mohammed S.Alfa

6

Faculty of Built Environment1,2,3

; Human Resources Management Department, FPPSM4 &

Faculty of Science, Department of Mathematical Science5,6

Universiti Teknologi, Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Malaysia.

Abstract

The ikogosi springs as a tourist destination, have many values ranging from cultural,

environment, historical monument, the people and other forms of tourist elements which makes it

to be a wonder to behold. The data collected was done through interview of 500 respondent‟s

including the host community and the staff of the Ikogosi Springs water resort. Participant /direct

observation was carried out to have indepth knowledge, the research findings, affirmed that little

is known about the efficacy and potency of the natural springs curative powers and therapeutic

properties in curing, hypertension, guinea worm, hook worm, kidney stone, rheumatism, body

rashes and pimples by either drinking or bathing with it. And therefore, the study compel

government to speed up the assistance towards showcasing the potency and efficacy of Ikogosi

springs through partnership with host communities as veritable backup options for more intensive

community participation in line with tourism development.

Keywords: Tourism potentials, Voluntourist, potency, efficacy, Ikogosi warm and cold spring

1. Introduction

In their convergence views, Chung & cheng, (2011); Akintunde (2001) and Omoruan

(1996) explained that records on international tourism show that of all foreign exchange earners,

tourism come next to crude oil in some countries such as Saudi Arabia, Israel, and United State,

Spain etc. Ogbuewu(2003) buttressed the fact that Nigeria would be making a lot of money “by

developing the tourism sector “ rather than reliance and depending solely on crude oil revenue

because of its potential to generate foreign exchange, encourage even development, promote

tourism based rural enterprises, generate employment and accelerate rural urban integration and

cultural exchange.

In the world, various countries are looking for alternative means of sustaining their

economy to reduce the level of poverty, and environmental degradation as the population

increases but Nigeria is solely dependent on her petroleum resource for revenue, thus calls for

alternative means to pull Nigeria from its economic backwardness; voluntourism is one of such

alternatives.

Tourism has grown faster than any other trade in the world (Carton & Santos, 2009; Agbu,

2002); it is an important factor in World trade and a major element in the balance of payment of

many countries. The international tourism has long been a major source of foreign currency

earning (Ayodele, 2002). In 1998, International tourism accounted for eight (8) percent of the

World total Export earnings and thirty seven (37) percent of export and travels accounted for

US$504 billion putting it ahead of all other categories of International Trade (WTO, 2000).

Although tourism plays an important role in the economy of some countries, tourism in

Africa is yet to reach its full economic maturity (Nwosu, 2002). It has been observed that tourism

in Nigeria still suffers from neglect because the local, state and federal governments of Nigeria

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are still indifferent to tourism development despite the preferred status accorded the sector (Edun,

2009). Based on this, Nigeria as a country has several potentials that have not been given

attention. Therefore, developing and organizing spring could metamorphose into community fairs

and become special events that could attract all and sundry within and outside to come and festive

with them. At the same time, it creates a sense of community pride and unity as well as an ideal

occasion to showcase their local artists and craftsman and to demonstrate their skill as well as

exhibiting and disposing their products. The successful organization of Ikogosi fairs will motivate

voluntourists and people to spend their money thus propelling the economy of local and state

government as well as improve investment, infrastructure and improvement on social well-

being.(Getz, 2000; Ellis, 2003; Chung & Cheng, 2011; Tsai et al, 2006;)

Although, the service of voluntourists are not paid for, but the people are becoming more

and more aware that the involvement of this group of people usually pump in significant capital

and resources {both human and physical} and help to propel local and national economic values,

improve overwhelming recognition at international level, paying tribute to self- sacrifice for the

community development and better orientation. To be precise, the involvement of voluntourists

in Ikogosi spring will in great measure contribute positively to the state, bring about socialization,

enhance improved leadership skill and trait, create fun, friend, feel needs and recognition of the

wonders of the cold and warm water, accomplishment of satisfaction and general improvement

(Reeve,2001) that equips tourists with unquantifiable experience, loyalty and intention to revisit

(Pearce & Kang, 2009; Weaver & Lawton, 2010; McKercher et al, 2012; Bob & Tony, 2012) .

It should be noted that this niche tourism represent a complete shift from normal tourism

activities that have been characterised with exploitation of the host community to the activity that

is community driven, community friendly and community inclined with the special emphasis on

how they can give back to the community or environment physically, financially intellectually

((Lyons & Wearing, 2008, McGehee & Andereck, 2009; Richard, 2011; Vodopivec &Jaffe, 2011;

Mustonen, 2006, Novelli, 2005). The trait has endowed the voluntourists to be a weapon of

development (McKercher & Denizcio, 2010; Sirakaya et al 2012) that are been triggered by the

zeal and willingness to render positive and possible assistance to any communities they found

themselves (Ikogosi inclusive) as well as recreating and sight seen.

It was gathered that there is nowhere in the world where cold and warm water meets,

except at the Ikogosi spring. Any other one would be man-made, which is artificial. Ikogosi is a

miracle of nature and a sacred place where God exhibited his power of creativity”. And, if such a

place had been in Europe or America, the whole world would be trooping there because such a

site would have been turned into a tourists' delight.

Meanwhile, some scholars have established that the warm spring is one of eight warm

springs in the world but added that it might have the distinction of being the only one in its very

natural state, nestled in a valley and surrounded by green vegetation and rolling hills

(Adora,2010; Edun, 2009; George, et-al, 2009; Cooper, 2008). It is believed that it is so easy for

one to be charmed by the natural beauty of the Ikogosi warm spring, being so close to nature, with

uncommon warm and cold water oozing from different sources, flowing separately to join in a

pool while each retains its thermal identity, but the question of when government would transform

the natural site still hangs in the balance?.

This tourism potential and others makes Nigeria a hospitable nation and the local norms and

values combined with peaceful environment full of loving and friendly people makes her good

and well tantalizing tourism destination.

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1.1 Ikogosi at a glance

The small town of Ikogosi-Ekiti in Ekiti State in Western Nigeria is situated between lofty, steep-

sided and heavily wooded, north-south trending hills about 27.4 km east of Ilesha (Osun State) ,

and about 10.5 km southeast of Effon Alaye ( Ekiti State). It is located just north of the 7o 35'N

latitude and slightly west of the 5o 00' E longitude. The elevation of the general area is between

457.0-487.5m1. There are rainy season (April–October) and the dry season (November–March).

Temperature ranges between 21° and 28°C with high humidity. The south westerly wind and the

northeast trade winds blow in the rainy and dry (Harmattan) seasons respectively. Tropical forest

exists in the south, while savannah occupies the northern peripheries.

Ikogosi spring resort is one of the beauties of Nigeria in terms of natural endowment. The

water runs down a hilly landscape where the warm springs form a confluence with other cold

springs from adjoining hills and merge into one continuous flowing stream at 70 degrees. Located

in the western part of Nigeria, known as Ekiti state, Ikogosi is a small community in terms of size

and population.

Ikogosi has a good local natural environment combined with rich culture and history and

these form the basis of what makes the community a tourists‟ destination (Godfrey and Clarke

(2000). However, it is an awesome site where two different springs flow side by side without

disturbing each other: while one is cold, the other is warm and they maintain a temperature of

about 38 degrees. The whole landscape in the area is beautified by green vegetation. The

measurement of the whole area of the spring is about 32 hectares and it is prevented from erosion

by tall evergreen trees in which these trees form a cover for relaxation of the tourists. Apart from

being a resort for relaxation, it also serves as a cure for some diseases in the body. The following

pictures show the nature of Ikogosi warm and cold resort:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainy_season

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_season

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savannah

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Figure 1: Meeting point between cold and warm spring indicated by signpost Ikogosi

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Figure 2: Ikogosi Spring Flow

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Figure 3: Warm spring, Ikogosi, Ekiti

State.

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Figure 4: Source of the cold spring, Ikogosi, Ekiti State.

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Figure 5: Tourist Chalet, Ikogosi, Ekiti State.

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Figure 6: Fajuyi Memorial Park, Aerial View, Ekiti State.

At Ikogosi Warm Spring, warm and cold springs ooze out of hills from different sources,

flow side by side and meet the first of such occurrence in the whole world. The natural quiet

environment is left untouched for tourism appeal. Rogers et al. (1969) described the geological

setting of the spring and its physical and chemical properties discussed in relation to that of the

surrounding rocks. Parameters evaluated for were physio-chemical characteristics of the water

samples, mineral levels of water and soil sediments, estimated number of bacteria of the coil form

group present in 100 ml of water sample, and isolated micro-organisms (bacteria and fungi) from

water and related cold and warm soils.

The springs was selected for study because of the potency, efficacy, motivating factors,

voluntourism/ts consumption and interest which geochemists, food chemists, ecologists, and the

public show towards such environments. Further, a great number of people within and outside

Ikogosi Ekiti still consume the spring water untreated because it is believed that the water has a

lot of therapeutic properties such as ability to cure hypertension, guinea worm, hook worm,

kidney stone, rheumatism, body rashes and pimples by either drinking it or bathing with it.

1.1.1 Historical Background

Traditionally speaking, there are many stories from the indigenes of this town regarding the

origin of the warm spring. A version of the stories rests more on the traditional belief of the

people that both springs (Warm and Cold) were wives of the same husband who turned to springs

water in the wake of rift and rivalry between them. The hot and ill-tempered first wife believed to

have turned to the popular warm spring while the cool-tempered second wife turned to cold spring

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water. The husband became the undulating hills that encompass the springs. It is well established

that some of the Villagers still worship the springs as their deities (Adesina, 2008)

According to the high chief, Eighty six year old Chief Daniel Ogunkuade, a retired teacher and

the Ologunde of Ikogosi Ekiti, who had authored a book about the warm spring, revealed that it

was a white Baptist priest, who first enlightened the community several years ago that the place

would one day put it on the world map. The white man had approached elders of the community

to allow him enter the then thick forest that was dreaded by indigenes to know how exactly the

place was. “Oral history narrated by our fore fathers established the belief that the area where the

spring is located was occupied by powerful spirits, who made some strange murmuring in the

night. For this reason, it was only hunters and strong herbalists within and outside the town that

used to visit the place for religious purposes.

The report also pointed out that there is scientific proof about the origin of the place that

could not be wished away in favour of the traditional belief. According to it, “The possible and

plausible scientific explanation is that, the deeper a body of water goes underground, the hotter it

becomes and if by chance it is forced back to the surface through some earth fault the temperature

will be relatively high.

2.0 What U Don’t Know?

Generally, the availability of tourism products and services combined with abundant

tourism destination stimulate tourism development in any Nation. In this vein, Nigeria has

abundant tourism potentials that could make her the leading tourism provider in Africa. The

numerous attractions ranging from cultural and historical heritage to places of natural beauty,

scenery environment, waterfalls, springs, coastal areas, rocks, mountains accommodation,

recreational facilities, lovely destinations and entertainment facilities which spread all over the 36

States including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, among others (Adora (2010), coupled with

all year round favourable weather condition thus make Nigerian tourism a science and art of

business attraction to the visitors needs and major target for tourists all across the world Smith

(2010). All these potentials could be found in all the 36 states, including the federal capital

territory Abuja.

Nigeria´s Ikogosi springs is a wonder to behold because its potentials is directly associated

with the quality of life as it offers voluntourists /visitors the privilege to take a break away from

their daily routine and to ascertain the veracity of the springs having therapeutic properties such

as ability to cure hypertension, guinea worm, hook worm, kidney stone, rheumatism, body rashes

and pimples by either drinking it or bathing with it as well as the use of the warm spring for the

battery of their vehicles instead of the normal battery water. The evergreen tall trees which

surround the spring provided the canopy under which the visitors can relax and the surrounding

vegetation around it is marvellous as the two streams one very hot, the other very cold converge

to form a warm spring. This warm spring runs down a hilly landscape where it forms a confluence

with another cold spring from an adjoining hill and merges into one continuous stream.

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See Figure: Diagrammatic sketch of Ikogosi springs

To tourists, it is regarded mainly as a place to catch fun (McKercher & Denizcio, 2010;

McGehee & Andereck, 2004; Tazim & Steve, 2004; Tsai, et al, 2006) but to indigenes of the town

and many people who are spiritually conscious, it means more than that as it is believed that this

gift of nature has healing properties. As a result of this, people all over Africa come for prayers

and take home some water to heal whatever ailment they have. Stories of its efficacy are never in

short supply in the community. Before the advent of Christianity, the people of the community

were said to worship the goddess of the water and had a strong belief in the myth around it.

Efficacy

Self-Efficacy as a medium of executing a course of action requires individual sense of

control of what transpires within a confined territory (McGehee, 2002, Santos & Yan, 2008) and

the notion of self- efficacy spur the efficacy of the spring because the higher the level of physical

and emotional strength of volunteers, the greater the zeal to perform at higher level (France, et-al,

2007; Beaton & Funk, 2008, Chen etal,2008). The role of self-efficacy towards behavioural

intention in the field of tourism according to ( Lam & Hsu,2004) has proved to be highly

supportive in Chinese village, therefore, if the State government could implement more friendly

legislation, security and sensitize the voluntourism in Nigeria through Ikogosi spring, it will be a

toast of all tourists thus corroborate that good policy formulation can enhance more positive

behavioural performance (Greenslade & White, 2005; Wang & Pfister, 2008;) because the

voluntourists who feet secure about the provision and presence of community facilities and

services will be willing to visit the spring thereby establishes the significance of self – efficacy

as a driven tool to increase participation/ visitation to the wonderful spring of cold and warm in

Ikogosi, Nigeria ( Zahra & McIntosh 2007, Campbell & Smith, 2006).

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Confirming the traditional belief that the place has some spiritual advantages (Efficacy), it

was on record that several couples who were looking for children during the early days did go to

the place to pray for children and after a few months were blessed with children. The great

worshipers of the gods of the warm spring is of the opinion that the deity in the springs answer all

the prayer which resulted in caving a special point of contact (special demarcation of a place as

prayer point) where members of the family and other devotees used to offer „ewa (beans) and

akara (bean cake) as sacrifices to the spring after their worship

However, research shows that most water resorts contain minerals in solution. Water that

contains iron is said to cure anaemia while water containing salt is argued to help in rheumatic

and neuralgic condition and the radioactive springs are claimed to cure depression (Douglas,

Douglas and Derret 2001). In other words, Ikogosi water is said to contain a therapeutic effect

which helps in curing diseases such as rheumatism and guinea worm therefore, ikogosi is a

destination for tourists to visit from all over the world.

Potency The octogenarian also revealed that, the spring water has therapeutic effects on ailments

like rheumatism and guinea-worm. A historical update about the spring on a visit to the Ekiti

West Local Government Secretariat in Aramoko Ekiti also corroborated the position of the old

man that Baptist priests actually developed the place. .A great number of people within and

outside Ikogosi in Ekiti State still consume the spring water untreated because it is believed that

the water has a lot of therapeutic properties such as ability to cure hypertension, guinea worm,

hook worm, kidney stone, rheumatism, body rashes and pimples by either drinking it or bathing

with it. People who have access to the spring use it for the battery of their vehicles instead of the

normal battery water. The warm water is also used for other domestic chores.

The potency of the warm spring in Ikogosi is another motivating factor that could have

increase the patronage to the springs but the level of awareness by outside world is so minimal

with little infrastructural facilities thus discourage the intention to re visit initially. The recent

acquisition of the springs by the state government has increased the volunteer‟s motivation to visit

the wonder spring. The word motivation is conceived as a set of needs that cause a person to

participate in tourism based activity ( Bob & Tony, 2012; Park & Yoon, 2009, Sirakaya, et al,

2008).

In voluntourism research and tourism generally, the common motivational factors found to

influence voluntourist are grouped under “What they don‟t know” and “Now that they know”

which invariably connotes push and pull factors. Push factors are internally driven motivation

which include the desire for escape, relaxation, rest curiosity, relationship autonomy, education,

novelty, resident supports, emotion, benefits and self enhancement Kyle, 2011; Wang & Pfister,

2008; Woosnam & Norman, 2009 Chen et al, 2008; Manfeld, 199; (all these are attainable in

Ikogosi spring based on its new looks and potency) while pull factors are externally driven

motivational factors like advertising, imaging, branding, packaging destination and location

advantages (Sin, 2009, Mowen & Sujan, 2005, Soderman & Snead, 2008). Therefore, the

potency of Ikogosi springs being consumed by indigenes untreated is believed that the water has

a lot of therapeutic properties such as ability to cure hypertension, guinea worm, hook worm,

kidney stone, rheumatism, body rashes and pimples by either drinking it or bathing with it. People

who have access to the spring use it for the battery of their vehicles instead of the normal battery

liquid composition as well as using it for other domestic chores.

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Chemical and Physical Composition

The chemistry and algae flora of the ikogosi spring (cold and warm) separated upstream but

subsequently merged. A vivid comparism of the stream revealed a great difference in temperature

, solid, colour, total alkalinity, turbidity, conductivity, total hardness, taste, Aqua life, Ca, SiO3,

S04,Mg, CL-, and dissolve Oxygen. There exists some similarity in their PH, Fe, Na, K, and PO4

& NO3 (Roger, et al, 1969; Prescott, 1975; Reynolds, 1984; Oladipupo, et al, 2005; Adeyeye &

Fagbohun, 2011). In the cold spring, while total alkalinity, conductivity and silicate increased in

the wet season, the total hardness decreases slightly and other variables exhibited fluctuate with

the season. The warm spring alkalinity and total hardness increases while dissolve in oxygen and

PH decreases in the wet season thus resulted into none effect of parameter of warm spring

throughout the season.

It is highly ridiculous that the springs are odourless, tasteless, clear appearance (Roger, et

al, 1969; Adegbuyi et al, 1996 ;Adeyeye & Fagbohun, 2011;), very rich in species with a total of

84 taxa‟s; 51 were surprisingly accommodated by warm spring, 33 in the cold spring, 44 at the

point of meeting (confluence) and 40 beyond the confluence. The dominant algae in the cold

spring comprises of Rhizoclonium hieroghyphicum & Navicular spp while warm spring is

characterized by blue-green algae ( Janssen et-al, 1994; Reynolds, 1984; Kadiri, 1993) such as

Lyngbya birge,Synechococcus acqualis and oscillatoria spp and at the confluence region, it has

Rhizoclonium hieroghyphicum. Finally, the downstream shows intermediate characteristics

between warm and cold springs.

The measured average temperature of the water is 38oc which was attributed to the

circulation of normal groundwater to the depth of one to several thousands of feet (Welz, 1985;

Prescott, 1975; Beaty, 1988) while such circulation of groundwater has a potential filtering effect,

it also offers the possibility of water pollution through weathering of the basement rock. Chemical

species such as Mg, Co3, Ca, Na ,K, Fe which have some salutary health effects as well as toxin

such as Fb, Cd, So4 and could be easily introduced into the water through leaching thus calls for

atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) analysis for metals analysis of the stream for

commercialization purpose (Welz, 1985; Beaty, 1988)

3.0 Now That U Know.

Government has shifted attention to the neglected Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, where

experts are now working on how to develop the centre to international standards, capable of

hosting local and international conferences, retreats and meetings. The resort development which

is promoted and sponsored by the state government through the new Tourism development drive

is professionally revamped/rehabilitated and opened up to acceptable standards, so as to attract

and receive attention from strategic investors and partnerships through the Public- Private-

Partnership scheme, leading to an international business and leisure destination with modern

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facilities, such as heliport, 18-hole golf course, canopy walk, family arcades and other sporting

facilities. Among the efforts of government in making Ikogosi world tourist centre includes the

following:

The rehabilitation, reinstatement and management operation of the Ikogosi warm springs

and resorts assets,

Positioning Tourism as a catalyst and driver for the economic development of the State,

Increment and prompt release of budgetary provisions for tourism development.

The environmental transformation of the state capital (Ado Ekiti) to a clean and green

State capital city,

Integrate the Host communities in the new Tourism development drive,

Facilitate stakeholder's strategic partnership and participation towards achieving expected

quality services consistently in the hospitality industry.

The government is also determined to develop and commence the implementation of the

Tourism Master Plan and Blueprint for Ekiti State during this period.

Another, major positive development witnessed at Ikogosi in recent times was the

establishment of the Ikogosi Bottling Plant of the Warm Spring Waters Nigeria Limited

(WSWNL), which produces “GOSSY” Spring Water. The company, which is a joint project

between UACN, the Ekiti State Government and some private investors bottles natural spring

water taken from the warm spring of the Ikogosi hills under the brand name of GOSSY.

Facilities

At the Warm Spring resort centre; there are modern facilities which could interest tourists to

repeat their visit time without number. There are four V.I.P tastefully furnished chalets and four

western chalets, there are also 32 States chalets flashy furnished, and 8 cabins for Students on

excursions. The chalets are well kept and maintained by trained and qualified housekeepers. The

architectural design of the infrastructures is superb, as the chalet is in small letter d shape.

A multi-purpose and well- furnished conference hall is conspicuously located at the centre of the

resort facing the yet to be developed sport centre. A fascinating restaurant is adjacent to this

conference hall. The restaurant is equipped with modern facilities and qualified catering officers

with wealth of experience in African and inter-continental foods. The modest Warm swimming

pool is designed for both local and inter-national tourists. This beautifully designed swimming

pool is well standardized and equipped with relevant materials. Kiosks (for snacks and soft

drinks) are there for swimmers too. Tourists are encouraged to relax at the swimming pool with

the provided amenities. This is a true natural beauty in Nigeria and like the people of the

community used to say „‟Ikogosi is where God lives‟‟ (Hospitality Nigeria, 2010)

3.1 What about the People {Host Community Perception)

However, considering the quality of this research topic and to really know the views /

perception of host residents, 500 residents and staff of Ikogosi springs were interviewed with the

following parameters strictly followed Proper identification of the compound within the

community, Listing and numbering of the identified compound with reference to population. The

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type of interview that was conducted is a semi-structured interview supported by researcher

observation as an addendum that helps in backing up and finalizing the findings. A semi-

structured interview is one of the most regularly used interviews in qualitative research methods.

Being an open personal interview, it includes among others, a few numbers of some qualitative

procedures and different types of materials representing a particular situation. (Veal, 2006;

Stephen & Smith 2010), having collected relevant information published materials in Government

Organizations and Ministries, these includes the National Commission for Museums and

Monuments in Ekiti, the king‟s Palace, State Cultural Centre, National Population Commission at

Ekiti and Department of Research and Statistics of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning

and Budget Bureau of Ekiti State. Other necessary information was collected from textbooks,

official documents, journals, internet and newspapers, to further enrich the research.

Residents’ Intuition: Survey Analysis and Implications

The responses of the villagers based on their knowledge of the presence of Ikogosi spring were

overwhelmingly acknowledged as 100% interviewed affirmed it as a historical and religious

monumental endowment for their community by nature. A survey of 500 residents of the resort

carried out indicated that over 98% are open to welcome strangers and tourists into their

respective homes thus showing how accommodative the residents of Ikogosi are (Wearing, et at,

2010; Gursoy, et al, 2010) thus establishes the chain of voluntourism that is, communities serves

as the basic element in the supply of accommodation, catering, information, transport facilities

and service (economic returns &improvement). As the interaction goes on, and the level of inflow

of tourists continue to be on the increase, coupled with the fact that infrastructure is in place, the

local people would start to bring up ideas of setting up tourism businesses such as hotels,

restaurants and the likes which is one of the motivating factors, Then, the destination becomes

popular giving room to more tourism businesses alongside with good attitudinal behaviour of

residents Choi & Murray, (2010) which in turn encourages tourists to the area. As the process of

voluntourism development continues, as a matter of fact, government and cooperate bodies would

start to pick interest in the areas thereby investing a huge amount of money to maintain, sustain

and retain the destination as a major tourist region (Godfrey and Clarke 2009). This among others

would lead to the creation of civic centre, parks, street improvement, good road networks and

other facilities that will enable the area to be totally tagged as a tourist destination/ region. The

increase in all these facilities provides opportunities for even a small city to develop as a tourist

destination. The conclusion drawn here is that, the residents of Ikogosi are highly hospitable and

accommodative and even ready to allows visitors to stay in their abode so as to be able to interact

culturally and enhance cross fertilization of ideas, thought and understanding.

It was observed that the residents are security inclined and values the natural gift of nature

endowed their community by regularly protecting the area alongside with the tourist that come

there to see the springs, 98% of the interviewee attested to this fact. The researcher also observed

the local security outfit‟s presence around the spring without distraction or disturbing the tourists

flow, enjoyment and relaxation.

The fact that, the community is made up of Muslim, Christian and Traditional religions does

not negate their belief in the potency and efficacy of the warm spring as 86% of the people

interviewed confirmed the magical power, efficacy and potency of the wonder spring to cure

hypertension, guinea worm, hook worm, kidney stone, rheumatism, body rashes and pimples by

either drinking it or bathing with it.

The estimated distance of the spring to the community and adjourning villages is

approximately stratified as appropriate range according to the interview, as almost 60% affirmed.

This, this was also observed by the researcher as there are good accessibility to the springs with

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various network of roads and walkways directing the tourists to various places of interest within

the springs

A corps (NYSC) member, met on the site in company of her friends and other various

groups, whose mission was just to celebrate friend‟s birthday anniversary were highly astonished

to see and feel the hotness / warmness of the spring as majority of them claimed to have read and

heard about „warm spring‟ from people while in school until they got here this afternoon and felt

the water, “its a fact not exaggeration as exclaimed by one of them”.

Based on the level of natural endowment in Ikogosi, a question emerged as to know the

level of tourism development in Nigeria. 54%, Interviewee was of the view that the development

of tourism is slow in Nigeria and it has suffered a great neglect and setbacks. Nigeria is blessed

with several tourism potentials, such as water resources and mountains, but little is done to

harness it to a world-class standard. They did not fail to revealed that the government attention

has been concentrating on crude oil as the only means of revenue generation, leaving behind the

necessities of tourism which, if channelled properly, will serve as a second source of revenue

generation for Nigerian economy, 31% said it is quite clear that tourism development in Nigeria

is on the increase due to private investors and the fact that the government have started to see the

advantages of investing in the tourism industry in Nigeria (Ikogosi inclusive), while the remaining

15% apportioned it on the master plan that was put in place to drive tourism in Nigeria and they

further emphasized that master plan is the basis for development and it requires the process of

utilizing available tourism resources for maximum use.

The future expectation of Ikogosi springs in term of physical, economic and social impact on

the residents well-being was asked and about two third of the interviewed said the springs will

make Ekiti state attractive to both local and international tourists in the next two or three years

judging from the spate of developmental works going on and the policies, programmes and

enthusiasm of the present administration while the remaining one- third are diplomatic in their

approach but gave suggestion of creating data bank to ascertain the pattern; how many people go

in there to enjoy the facilities, how many resides within, and how many people come there for

short-term stay, (Data bank on demand and supply basis). Let‟s know the facilities that are there

and the infrastructure that needs to be provided. Then, let us equally know the yawning of the

people along this line so as to have accurate information which will help the government to know

where to focus attention and thereby investing resources in such area. All this in place, the future

expectations will be good and secured.

4.0 Conclusion

It is however obvious that Nigeria is endowed with many natural tourist attractions

spread across the country. This can go a long way in providing economic break through,

eradicate poverty and divert our attention from oil to tourism development and management.

Meanwhile, governments, individuals and corporate organizations should show interest in

developing these natural assets for socio-economic development so that Nigerian Government

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can compete favourably with other developed countries in terms of foreign exchange earnings

derivable from tourism.

Based on the research findings, it is concluded that voluntourism is a valuable

contributor to community sustainability and therefore, the government should speed up the

assistance towards showcasing the potency and efficacy of Ikogosi springs and make it a heaven

on earth through partnership with host communities as a backup options for more intensive

community participation in line with tourism development. Government should rise to their

responsibility by giving all needed support to the tourism industry in Nigeria in general and

ikogosi springs in particular so that our dear nation will be a force to reckon with the likes of

Malaysia, Spain, France, Greece, Brazil and other tourism nations.

Tourism development and planning of Ikogosi has recently been acknowledged from three

different levels, namely the national, local and personal attractions. The central government

coordinates and manages the tourist regions in the whole country, possibly through policy

development, national standard and institutions. Also, it involves the developing and planning of

individual tourist attractions, services and facilities to serve the tourists‟ need. At the local level,

it equally involves the planning and management of tourist destination and these factors are

equally important to that of the national level (Godfrey and Clarke 2000). The Ikogosi springs as

the destination is blessed with many values ranging from cultural, historical and even

environmental and if call for proper and adequate maintenance so as to more attract tourists. The

majority of tourists are concerned about the destination in which they will spend their holiday.

So, the natural environment of the host regions, their buildings and tourist institutions, their

people, culture and history and other forms of tourist elements are what the tourists want to

experience in the destination which are all present in the study area with good conduct,

hospitability, friendliness and zeal to interacts, learn, exchange of ideas, thought, cross - cultural

relationship, cultural immersion. (Wearing, 2001; Gray & Campbell, 2007; Raymond & Hall,

2008; Nunkoo & Ramkissoon, 2010; Lee et al, 2010; George, Mair and Reid 2009, Kyle,2011,

McKercher et al, 201) and this in turn improve the economic stand well- being of the people.

5.0 Recommendations

The growth of Ikogosi spring can equally contribute to the increase in tourism marketing.

Marketing Ikogusi resort, through proper application of marketing concepts and ideology

involving host community to attract tourists to particular destinations through activities which

usually comes in form of resort, festival, fairs, city, region or country. Marketing strategy as

proposed is a process of planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion and

distribution of ideas, goods and services to create exchanges that will satisfy individual, tourist

and organizational goals. Referring to the definition in the concept of tourism marketing, it

revolves around planning for tourism from the demand and supply concept in order to satisfy both

the host communities {Ikogosi} (suppliers of tourism) and the visitors {Voluntourists} (Godfrey

and Clarke, 2000, Middleto, et al, 2009).

Media promotion and other advertising agents is another form of awareness proposed for

Ikogosi resort. This shall lead to the promotion of socio-economic activities and expansion of

tourism industry as an export industry thus, encouraging new spending within the local or host

communities.

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In addition to the socio-economic benefits, tourism development tends to appreciate local

cultures, promote solidarity from cultural exchange give rooms for comprehendible feelings of

both the host communities and the tourists (Kolb 2006). However, this will be based on the

increase in Ikogosi springs awareness all over the world. It has been a general believe, that “social

and economic” tourism play a vital role in the sustainability of the global tourism. Because social

tourism usually explains how satisfied a tourist is at any destination, which may propel him /her

to revisit. Also recommended are

1. There should be qualified counsellors to offer counselling services to tourists in

Ikogosi springs.

2. There should be co-recreational activities which also care for people with

disabilities.

3. These natural assets should be harnessed through economic liberalization policy

to provide counselling services and investment opportunities in areas such as:

- Heritage/cultural tourism resources development of slave trade relics

- Establishment of museums and preservation monument.

- Improvement of the picnic and camping sites.

- Additional Building of tourist lodges.

- Re-branding and re- packaging of the spring is highly recommended.

- Architecturally aesthetic gate with local materials blended together with modern accessories

to captivate / motivate the tourist

6.0 Contributions of the paper to knowledge

1. It will inform all voluntourists all over the world of wonder spring in Ikogosi, Ekiti, Nigeria

and their usefulness in terms of the springs potency and efficacy.

2. It will make it known to the Government, corporate organization & individuals that tourism

is an economic booster that serves as a means of generating more revenue and poverty

alleviation if based on voluntourism platform

3. It will provide information for policy makers and recreation planners for effective

management of Ikogosi springs and the likes throughout the world.

Acknowledgement : The authors would like to acknowledge and thank the universiti Teknologi

Malaysia ( UTM), Centre for Innovative planning and Development (CiPD), International

Doctorial Fellowship (IDF) and Prof Alan .A Lew, Editor in chief, Tourism Geographies.,

Department of Geography, Planning & Recreation, Northern Arizona University for their

supports.

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