The founder of Discover Ekiti Tourism Club and lead organizer of the annual Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari Event, Michael Peculiar Ekiran has commended Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his immeasurable support for the success of the 5th edition of Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari held on Easter Monday where tourists across the Nigeria explored the Seven Wonders of Nature on Esa Cave, along New Road, Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
In a statement in Ado Ekiti, founder of Discover Ekiti Tourism Club, Mr Michael Peculiar Ekiran, appreciated the Governor for his support towards ensuring the success of the programme which attracted over 200 hikers to Ekiti.
Mr Michael Peculiar Ekiran noted that the success recorded in the 5th Edition would not have been possible without the strategic collaboration with Iyin Ekiti Youth Forum under the leadership of the National President Hon. Abayomi Ogundipe Ibrahim (Agarawu)
He also specially appreciated the founder of Isreal Adesokan Foundation Hon. Adedeji Adesokan (Jaru) for his support towards the After Hiking Picnic of the event.
Mr Michael Peculiar Ekiran equally appreciated other Iyin Eminent indigenes who supported the event through the collaboration of Iyin Ekiti Youth Forum such as HE.Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Mr jide Agbaje, Pastor Tokunbo Olofin, Mr Ayodele Akinlua, Prince Victor Adewusi (VOA), Otunba Adeosun Deji, Major Tajudeen Awe, Member House of Assembly, Hon. Femi Akindele and Hon. Demola Obanise.
Ekiran said: “Our collaboration with Iyin Youth Forum and the support of Israel Adesokan Foundation
towards the 5th edition of Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari really help the event to become a bountiful exercise and an unforgettable inspiring experience for participants
Ekiran revealed that the event attracted tourists from states across Nigeria such as Lagos, Abuja, Delta State Gombe, Kwara, Plateau, Ondo State and Oyo State.
He further explain that the main vision of the annual Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari event is to showcase, project and market Ekiti Tourism Potentials to the world as a choice destination for mountain tourism adventures and since 2019 we have been committed to this course
He said “At Discover Ekiti Tourism Club, we believe mountain tourism could be the next white oil. Ekiti has a strategic destination advantage that can be globally branded as one of the best destination for Mountain Tourism Exploration if well developed Ekiti can have one of the best mountain tourist resort in the world, its patronage if well packaged and promoted will lead to socioeconomic development of host communities and increase in Ekiti IGR”
He appealed to Ekiti State Government to officially declare the destination for Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari 5.0 Esa Caves and Mountain in Iyin Ekiti as a Special Tourism Zone backed by law this will help in conserving the area for future Mountain Tourism Development
After this event we will continue our ongoing advocacy with relevant stakeholders on community based Tourism Development towards ensuring Esa Cave get the necessary attention it needs for sustainable Tourism development
Finally he appreciated Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Adeola Ajakaiye for his royal blessings towards the event. He also appreciate the Traditional Custodians of Esa Caves Rt. Hon (Cheif) Posi Omodara The Oisagan of Ibedoyin quarters, Iyin Ekiti and The Olujoro of Ijoro Quarters in Iyin Ekiti Cheif Adedayo Oladunjoye James for their support towards the success of the event