GOV. OYEBANJI’S TOURISM MAGIC – UGELE CAVE SET TO BECOME NIGERIA’S NEXT GLOBAL WONDER

By Olugbolade Ogboro-Cole

Governor Biodun Oyebanji is not waiting for anyone to put Ekiti on the map. He is doing it himself. And the Ugele Cave in Ikere Ekiti is his latest arrow.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, at the Hike Ekiti Mountains 8.0 – Ugele Rock Shelter Settlement, Ikere Ekiti, on Monday, saw his passion for tourism take center stage. The verdict from stakeholders was unanimous: Oyebanji means business.

The Deputy Governor, delivering the Governor’s message, declared that Ugele Cave surpasses famous caves with its superlative features—stones naturally fitted like cushions, and enclaves resembling windows that allow ventilation from all angles, making it a perfect safe haven. Its serene atmosphere is also ideal for meditation and spiritual development. According to the Governor, these are the parameters that tourism enthusiasts look for when seeking exploration. His government is open to support, knowing the impact of the tourism sector as a money spinner.

He noted that the Ugele Rock Shelter Settlement is not ordinary but history carved by nature—heritage carved in stone, a sacred convergence of geology, culture, and ancient human civilization.

Recalling that some community members once resisted development for fear that their ancestral heritage would be taken over by the government, he assured them that the essence of opening up the site was not to displace or take over their land, but to give them a better life. Once opened, the site will become a beehive of activities where everyone will benefit, so they should not entertain any fear.

He charged them to embrace progress by welcoming visitors to the site, adding that the government will always protect their interests.

In her words, after delivering the Governor’s address, Afuye promised to present a full development proposal to her boss, whom she described as a lover of good things. She expressed hope that within one year the site would reach its realization point, but reiterated the need for the community to encourage tourists and visitors to the cave for their own progress and, by extension, that of the state.

The Director General of the Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, who has traveled to 86 countries, remarked in his speech that no one has properly marketed Nigeria’s tourism sector like him, given the potential it holds. He noted that tourism is not failing Nigeria; rather, Nigeria is failing tourism. But with a governor like Biodun Oyebanji, Ekiti is changing the narrative from a workable policy to a master plan.

Ambassador Ojo-Lanre stressed that Ekiti was created by God specifically for tourism because it is an epitome of natural wonders, and that potential alone can be a silent source of internally generated revenue for people in communities and, by extension, the government.

He thanked Governor Oyebanji for understanding the weight of tourism, revealing that two key policies—the Tourism Policy and the Tourism Development Master Plan—are ready for implementation.

He disclosed that the Deputy Governor summoned him to her office four times just to learn how to market Ugele. “Thirteen percent of revenue goes to the people, not the government. Collaborate, make money, and stop fighting progress,” he concluded.

In his remarks, the Ogoga of Ikere Kingdom and Chairman of the Council of Obas in the state, Oba Adejimi Adu Agirilala II, praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration for exposing the treasures the state inhabits, coupled with his dogged political will to transform these sites into money spinners for the host communities and the state at large.

He called on the government to help construct befitting road networks to the site so that the full potential of the cave can be harnessed, just like Olumo Rock, concluding that even pure water sellers will benefit.

Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a tourism administrator and enthusiast, promised to bring the Chairman of La Campagne Resort to Ugele within two weeks, stating: “Ekiti is lucky to have a governor and deputy governor who don’t shy away from developing something beneficial.” He predicted that “Ugele may become bigger than all of Ekiti’s hills and rocks combined” when fully harnessed, but urged community residents not to be hostile to visitors or investors whenever they come. He also charged them to always keep the site clean, as that is a major criterion tourists consider before and after visiting.

The President of Discover Ekiti Club, Opeyemi Adebayo, who led the hikers to the site, noted the immense support and contributions of the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy to the club, and urged participants to gear up for the hike.

A daughter of the soil, Princess Taiwo Adegboye, thanked the state Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for beaming his searchlight on the site because it will further open up the state for prosperity. She assured the community’s support in the upcoming election for the continuity of projects within the local government area.

Similarly, some of the hikers who took part in the exploration added their voices. They commended the state government through the office of the Director General of the Bureau of Tourism, led by Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, for giving tourism the much-needed attention it deserves. They called on the government not to relent but to keep supporting the sector with befitting infrastructure.

One of the hikers, Mrs. Iyabo Titilola Olaolorun, who is the daughter of a pioneer climbing instructor, noted that she has been climbing mountains since childhood and said: “Ekiti is incredibly rich in tourism. Students must be brought to Ugele to study rock formations. I commend Governor Oyebanji for this vision.”

Also, a former Big Brother star, born in Ado Ekiti, Kayode Oladele, popularly called “Kbobo,” who left the state for a decade and returned to see massive development, explained: “Natural tourism like Ugele needs visibility. This government is empowering youth like never before.”

In her words, another hiker and tourism enthusiast, Dr. Aderonke Ogunleye, said: “Despite my age, I came to belong. Ekiti State is trying. This hike is a step in the right direction. I encourage everyone to join.”

From then on, it was a jolly walk for the enthusiasts and a tough walk up the hill for the beginners, but strict safety measures were put in place for both groups to enjoy their visit. Strong ropes were tightly secured to provide support as they went up the hills, manned by professional tour guides, with security personnel stationed at strategic posts, and the Red Cross and nurses deployed to various spots in case of emergency.

The icing on the cake was the merriment spot at the second level, where hikers were treated to sumptuous roasted plantain and yam spiced with mouthwatering stew, along with refreshing cold palm wine.

Earlier, the head of the custodians of the cave, Chief Laurence Awe, the Olotin of Ikere, going down memory lane, explained that the cave was discovered by their ancestors who migrated from Ile-Ife and settled in the cave temporarily before expanding after a direct order from Ifa. When they entered the cave, they found it designed like a typical sitting room setting. They also inquired from Ifa about steps to take that could aid their population, which resulted in the celebration of “Odun Omo-Wewe” celebrated once a year. Since then, according to Chief Awe, the community has known peace and their population has soared.

In all, hikers at the event resolved that Governor Biodun Oyebanji is turning Ugele Cave into Ekiti’s next goldmine – and the world is watching.