Jorind Vol9 No2 Dec Chapter4

JORIND 9(2) December, 2011. ISSN 1596 – 8308. www.transcampus.org., www.ajol.info/journals/jorind

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TOURISM POTENTIALS OF EKITI STATE, NIGERIAB. Kayode

Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NigeriaE- mail: [email protected]

AbstractTourism potentials of Ekiti State were identified by collecting data using four methods, viz.: collection ofsecondary data, administration of one hundred and sixty questionnaires in the sixteen local governments; oralinterview and; direct observation. The data collected for the study were analyzed using descriptive andinferential statistics. The study revealed that there are natural features, historical and religious monuments.Monuments identified during the study include Oke Ewo War Center, Kosegbe stone, Ero Shrine, Orinlasagod’s shrine among others. Ekiti State has various sites that can be developed to attract both local and foreigntourists.

Keywords: Tourism potentials, Monuments, Natural features, Tourist influx, Oke Ewo War Center, Ikogosiwarm spring

Introduction

In the world, various countries are looking foralternative means of sustaining their economy toreduce the level of poverty, and environmentaldegradation as the population increases Nigeria issolely dependent on her petroleum resource forrevenue, thus a need to find alternatives to pullNigeria from its economic problems; tourism is one ofsuch alternatives.

Tourism has grown faster than any other trade in theworld (Agbu, 2002); it is an important factor in Worldtrade and a major element in the balance of paymentof many countries. The international tourism has longbeen a major source of foreign currency earning(Ayodele, 2002). In 1998, International tourismaccounted for eight (8) percent of the World totalExport earning and thirty seven (37) percent of exportand travels accounted for US$504 billion puttingahead of all other categories of International Trade(WTO, 2000).

Although tourism plays an important role in theeconomy of some countries, tourism in Africacontinent is yet to reach its full economic maturity(Nwosu, 2002). It has been observed that tourism inNigeria still suffers from neglect because the local,state and federal governments of Nigeria are stillindifferent to tourism development despite thepreferred status accorded the accorded the sector(Edun, 2009). Based on this, Nigeria as a country hasseveral potentials that have not been given attention.

Ekiti state is a state in the country endowed with avast land of tourist attraction which visitors will findintriguing and captivating. According to Ayodele(2002), resources such as beautiful climate with goodsunshine, pleasant beach fronts, cultural values andhistoric potentials abound; but for varied reasons,these potentials are neither fully exploited nor turnedto good advantage. Various tourist attractions andmost species of flora and fauna adapted to the stateare threatened not withstanding their economicimportance. Few of these sites have only being arecreation center with array of flora, fauna andtourism features that have being neglected; whilemost are yet to be discovered and developed. Theobjective of this study therefore is to identify thetourism potentials of the state.

Methodology

The study was carried out in Ekiti State of Nigeriawhich is situated in the heart of the tropics of thecountry. It is located between longitudes 4045` to5045` east of the Greenwich Meridian and Latitudes7045` to 805` north of the equator. The state comprisesof sixteen (16) Local Government Areas (L. G.As)with its state headquarters at Ado-Ekiti. The state ismainly an upland zone that rises over 250m above thesea level. Temperature ranges between 210C to 280Cwith high humidity. Two distinct seasons arewitnessed in the state, which are raining season,between April and October and the dry season,between November and March.


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Secondary data, Administration of Questionnaires,Oral interview and Direct Observation are the fourmethods used for data collection for this study.Secondary data on the tourism potentials of the statewere obtained from the State Tourism Board. Thisprovided background knowledge of the touristattractions present in the state and other relevantinformation. A total of one hundred and sixty (160)well constructed questionnaires were administered inthe sixteen local governments (i.e. ten questionnairesper LGA) randomly among the residents. Questionswere asked ‘one on one’ during the oral interview andthe villagers were encouraged to respond as honestlyas possible. Ideas arising from the response of thepeople highlighted important issues of interest.Detailed stock assessments of the places were taken inorder to know what they have in stock.

The data collected for the study were subjected toanalysis using descriptive and inferential statistics.The descriptive statistics included; frequency analysis,cross tabulation and percentages; while the inferentialstatistics included; chi square which was done usingSPSS-PC software. The level of significance valuechosen was P=0.05.

Results

The responses of the villagers based on theirknowledge of the presence of historical and religiousmonument in their Local government areas is shownon Table 1. It was observed that 44.375% of therespondents are of the opinion that there are historicaland religious monuments in their L.G.As, 47.50%said there are no monuments and 8.125% did notrespond. There is significant difference (P<0.05) atP=0.002 in the respondents’ answers to the presenceof historical and religious monuments. The table alsoreveals that 36.250% of the respondents accepted thatthe monuments are well known and 33.125% did notrespond. There is significant difference (P<0.05) inthe opinions of the respondents to whether themonuments are well known or not at P=0.010. Table 2shows the names of historical and religiousmonuments in the state as given by the respondents.Plates 1 show the stone (‘Udidi-mode’) that warriorAli was turned to among other interesting featurespresent at the Oke Ewo War Center at Ilupeju-EkitiOye L.G.A. that can attract tourists.

The various natural features in Ekiti State as given bythe respondents are presented on Table 3. Plate 2shows the source of the warm spring at Ikogosi warmspring center, Ikogosi-Ekiti, Ekiti West L.G.A. amongother sites that can be of interest to tourists; Plates 3shows Arinta waterfalls at Ipole-Iloro-Ekiti, EkitiWest L.G.A.Table 5 shows the estimated distance of the varioustourist sites to the state capital (Ado-Ekiti) and thenature of the roads to the tourist sites. Table 19 showsthe various types of hospitality centres present in theLGAs of the State that can be used by the touristwhile visiting the state.

Discussion

The tourism potentials of Ekiti State show that thereare numerous ecological sites in the state. It has thepotentials to be developed into important touristattraction sites to boost the state’s economy. Thesesites when developed into tourist sites will not onlybring economic remuneration but will promote theimage of the community, the state and the nation andhelp foster international relationship.

From the result, the percentage of those that acceptedthat there are monuments in the state are 44.375%,while those that are of the opinion that the monumentsare well known are 36.250% (Table 1). This showsthat the level of awareness of the presence of theavailable monuments and their importance is verylow. The state has about six historical and religiousmonuments apart from the various palaces of kings(Table 2). These monuments if developed can helppromote tourism din the state and also be sources ofrevenue.

Oke Ewo War Center is an historical monument thatis believed to contain remains of their war center inthe 8th century. Plate 1 shows a stone that the peopleof the community believe that warrior Ali turned towhen he came to attack their community in the 8thcentury. The site has various features that can be ofinterest to tourist if developed and well publicisedsuch as a stone that looks like drum and sounds like itwhen struck with a stone; a Baobab tree (Adansoniadigitata) that looks like a camel among others. Opa-Aje (Staff of wealth) is located in Emure-Ekiti. It is apiece of iron rod, which was found piercing through ahard rock and pointing skyward. The standing ironrod is believed to attract forces of wealth and


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prosperity. The Kosegbe (Cannot be carried) Stone isa strange small oblong stone located along the roadleading to Erinta water falls in Ipole-Iloro Ekiti. Thestone, located in the ruins of an old palace of a king,cannot be carried above the head by anybody howeverstrong the person may be.

Ikogosi Warm Spring tourist center consists of twosprings, one warm and the other cold. The source ofthe Warm Spring (Plate 2) is located on the top of arock within the premises of Ikogosi Warm Springtourist center, while the Cold spring source is about 2miles to the tourist center. The two springs meetwithin the tourist center to give a lukewarmtemperature. Arinta Waterfalls (Plate 3) is located inIpole-Iloro Ekiti, about 4 kilometers from IkogosiWarm Spring with a good road network system. Thewater falls down rocky hills about 50 meters high andflows down to form a pool. The site is yet to bedeveloped into a tourist center.The benefits that would be accrued from the touristinflux into the state if the sites are developed will beof tremendous effect on the region as a whole becausetourist influx into an area affects the area positively.The State Tourism Board has not been keeping properrecord of tourist into the state until 2009 when thedata of tourist influx to Ikogosi warm spring wasproperly kept. A total of 15,622 tourists comprising of6,745 children and 8,868 adult visited Ikogosi warmspring in year 2009 (Table 4). Despite the numeroustourist sites in the state, they are yet to be developedto attract people from far and near, both from withinand beyond, this is clearly shown by the record oftourist influx into the state (Table 4). Themanagement and publicity of the developed site(Ikogosi warm spring) in the state is poor and low; itshould be properly publicized to increase theawareness and influx of tourists to the state.

The estimated distances of the state capital to thevarious tourist sites (Table 5) shows that the farthestsite is Agbonna hill, at Okemesi-Ekiti (66km). Thisimplies that the sites are not far from the state capitaland can be easily accessed from the state capital orany part of the state. These roads are majorly tarredand motorable thereby making it easy for tourists toaccess the sites.

From Table 6 which shows the various types ofhospitality centres present in the L.G.As of EkitiState, it was observed that all the L.G.As of the State

has one type of accommodation or the other fortourist. This is very helpful for development oftourism in the state because accommodation fortourists is another important consideration in makeplanning for tourism apart from transportation.Whatever structures need to be put up must not be outof place within the local community. Quality comfortshould be the guiding principle and luxury. The viewhas been canvassed that tourism planning should takeinto account the wishes of the local resident (Pigram,1990). Also Clark (1988) stated that for long-termedstability of the tourist industry, residential input andpositive residential attitudes are essential, and localattractions should only be promoted when endorsedby residents. If tourist development integrated into thelocal setting, host and visitor can interact even if forshort time. Since the state has different types ofaccommodation facilities, the various tourist sites inthe state can therefore be developed.

Conclusion

Ekiti State is indeed a potential tourist paradisebecause there is fertile ground for both local andforeign tourist who want to visit her tourist attractionin order to appreciate the extent to which nature haveblessed her. It possesses several historic relics andmonuments, natural features, numerous species offlora and fauna endemic to the state. Despite thesenumerous potentials, it was discovered most of themare unidentified and are undeveloped (Agbonna hills,Oke Ewo war center among others) orunderdeveloped (Arinta waterfall among others),some that are developed are not properly managed,funded and are dilapidated.

There is therefore the recommendation for the Stategovernment to develop these sites to meetinternational standard so that tourists will patronizethe state. This will not only generate revenue for thestate but will provide employment opportunities forthe unemployed populace of the state, and foster theconservation of the wildlife resources and theremaining cultural festivals of the state. The tourismsectors of the state should be properly funded by thegovernment so that the potential tourist sites can bedeveloped and maintained. The forest reserves shouldbe properly managed by the appropriate departmentand the management plan and maps for the reservesshould be planned and developed


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ReferencesAgbu C. 2002. Tourism as the next boom. TheGuardian, September 9, 2002Ayodele I.A. 2002. Essentials of tourismmanagement. El-Shaddai publications, Ibadan,Nigeria. 90ppClark L. 1988. Planning for tourism in a Far NorthQueensland. Unpublished paper presented atConference on Frontiers in Australian TourismCanberra.Edun O.O. 2009. Survey of tourism potentials ofLagos State. B.Sc thesis, Department of Wildlife andFisheries management, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Nwosu V.O. 2002. The ecotourism potential ofprotected areas in Lagos State: A case study of theLekki Conservation Center and the Ologe LagoonForest Reserve. Unpublished.Pigram J.J. 1990. Sustainable tourism – PolicyConsideration. The Journal of Tourism Studies: 1 (2)Pp2-9W. T. O. 2000. Sustainable development of tourism:A compilation of good practices. World TourismOrganization.

Table 1: Responses to historical or religious monument

LGAAre there monuments? Is it well known?

Yes No No answer Yes No No answerADK 8 2 0 6 2 2

MUE 2 4 4 2 3 5

EFY 5 5 0 4 5 1

LAW 5 5 0 5 2 3

AMK 4 6 0 3 2 5

EMR 5 5 0 2 4 4

DEA 1 7 2 1 2 7

DEK 4 3 3 4 2 4

JER 4 5 0 4 3 3

KER 9 1 0 7 1 8

KLE 0 10 0 0 10 0

YEK 2 6 2 2 4 4

GED 6 4 0 2 2 6

SSE 2 8 0 2 5 3

TUN 6 3 1 6 1 3


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YEE 8 2 0 8 1 1

∑X 71 76 13 58 49 53

% 44.375 47.50 8.125 36.250 30.260 33.125

P value 0.002 0.010

X2 36.293 30.534

Remark P < 0.05 P < 0.05

= significant difference at P < 0.05Source: Field Survey (2009)

Table 2: Names of historical and religious monuments/relicMonuments/Relics Location L. G. A.

Oke Ewo War Center Ilupeju-Ekiti Oye

Kosegbe stone Ipole-Iloro-Ekiti Ekiti West

Opa Aje Emure-Ekiti Emure

Orita Ogun Ire-Ekiti Oye

Palaces of Kings Different towns of the state Different L. G. As of the state

Ero shrine Ikun Ekiti Mobe

Orinlasa god’s shrine Ilawe-Ekiti Ekiti South West

Source: Field Survey (2009)

Table 3: Various natural features in Ekiti StateNatural Features Location L. G. A.Orole hills Ikere-Ekiti IkereOlosunta hills Ikere-Ekiti IkereOlota hills Ado-Ekiti AdoOsun River Source Igede-Ekiti Irepodun-IfelodunEsa cave Iyin-Ekiti Irepodun-IfelodunUgele hill Ikere IkereArinta Waterfalls Ipole-Iloro Ekiti WestAgbonna Hills Okemesi-Ekiti Ekiti WestIkogosi Warm Spring Ikogosi Ekiti Ekiti WestErin Ayonigba Sacred Fish River Erinjinyan-Ekiti Ekiti WestEgbigbu Artificial Lake Ayetoro Ekiti Ido-OsiRiver Ooni Efon-Alaaye-Ekiti EfonSource: Field Survey (2009)


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Table 4: Tourist influx of Ikogosi warm spring in 2009Year 2009 Children Adult Total

January 895 903 1,798February 965 736 1,701March 646 501 1156

April 727 1195 1922

May 327 551 878

June 573 582 1155

July 674 572 1246

August 329 913 1242September 293 800 1093

October 161 599 760

November 184 481 665

December 971 1035 2006

Total 6745 8868 15,622

Source: Field Survey (2009)

Table 5: Estimated distance of the State Capital (Ado-Ekiti) to the various tourist sites in Ekiti StateTourist Sites Town L. G. A. Distance

(Km)Drive Hour(Minutes)

Nature ofRoad

Egbe Dam Ebge-Ekiti Gbonyin 39 40 TarredItapaji Dam Itapaji-Ekiti Ikole 53 50 TarredEro Dam Ikun-Ekiti Moba 60 60 TarredUreje Dam Ado-Ekiti Ado 5 5 TarredEro shrine Ikun-Ekiti Moba 60 60 TarredOrole hillsOlosunta hills

Ikere-EkitiIkere-Ekiti

IkereIkere

1618

1215

TarredMotorable

Oke Ewo war center Ilupeju-Ekiti Oye 30 30 TarredOpa-Aje Emure-Ekiti Emure 42 40 TarredOsun River Source Igede-Ekiti Irepodun-

Ifelodun17 15 Tarred

Esa cave Iyin-Ekiti Irepodun-Ifelodun

12 10 Tarred

Kosegbe StoneArinta Waterfalls

Ipole-IloroIpole-Iloro

Ekiti WestEkiti West

4444

4545

TarredTarred

Agbonna Hills Okemesi-Ekiti Ekiti West 66 65 TarredIkogosi Warm Spring Ikogosi Ekiti Ekiti West 34 35 TarredErin Ayonigba SacredFish River

Erinjinyan-Ekiti

Ekiti West 38 40 Tarred

Egbigbu Artificial Lake Ayetoro Ekiti Ido-Osi 54 50 TarredEfon-Alaaye Hills Efon-Alaaye- Efon 57 55 Tarred


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River Ooni EkitiEfon-Alaaye-Ekit

Efon 57 55 Motorable

Orita Ogun Ire-Ekiti Oye 30 30 TarredOrinlasa god’s shrine Ilawe-Ekiti Ekiti South

West40 40 Tarred

Table 6: Various types of hospitality centres present in the L.G.As of the StateL. G. A. Hotels Motels Guest houses Resort centersADK + + + +MUE + - - -EFY + + + -LAW + + - -AMK + + - +EMR + - - -DEA + - + -DEK + - + -JER + + + -KER + + + -KLE + + + -YEK + - - -GED + + + -SSE + + + -TUN + + - -YEE + + + -

+ present: - absentSource: Field Survey (2009)

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