The 7th Edition of the Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari, themed ”Hike and Dine in the Clouds, ” by the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, was held on April 21, 2025, at Sagbonke Hill (the mountain of clouds) in Efon Alaaye. At this breathtaking destination, hikers experienced mist-covered trails and conquered high-altitude peaks. Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji flagged off the event, which drew over 2000 hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The programme was designed to promote eco-tourism and showcase the natural beauty of Efon's mountainous landscape. Efon Alaaye is more than just a town. Providence has uniquely positioned it with its peculiar landscape. It is an entry point and gateway to Ekiti State, the Land of Honour. Describing tourism as a vital sector of the economy, the Governor emphasised his administration’s commitment to repositioning Ekiti’s tourism sector to world-class standards.
This landmark event brought Sagbonke Hill to the limelight, igniting the interest of visitors, investors, and tourism experts. Sagbonke Hill is a breathtaking natural beauty and a tourism, religious, and economic blessing.
Building on this momentum, Thursday, 21st August, 2025 was another set day for the Hike and Leisure in the Clouds fiesta organised by the Efon Alaaye Development League as part of activities to mark 2025 Efon Day. Defying the light showers, young and old hikers gathered in the premises of the ancient palace of His Royal Majesty, Obalufon Alayemore Alaaye of Efon kingdom, at the Erekesan Square, Efon Alaaye, as early as from 7:00am. The medical team of the Ekiti State Ministry of Health was present for basic health assessment of hikers before the exercise and provided medical care as necessary safety guide during the hiking.
Equipped with backpacks and walking sticks, the trek began through the famous and spiritual Oni River ( known widely for its healing and therapeutic power since the days of Apostle Ayo Babalola).
Participants briefly stopped at the river, and Prince Adeyemi-Adejolu narrated the story about the river. The journey continued, and the ascent of the hill began some kilometres after the river. It was a great adventure to pass through the hilly bush path, and it took about one hour and 30 minutes to arrive at Sagbonke Hill.
Indeed, nature is kind to Efon-Alaaye. The amphitheatre-like terrain of the hill peak is well-tended by farmers. Hikers had a helicopter view of Efon Alaaye and neighbouring towns like Erinmo, Erin Ijesha etc from the hill.
The natural amphitheatre provided a naturally air-conditioned and lush environment that allowed me to appreciate the unique environment and the natural endowments. Descending the hills through the old road leading to Federal Government Girls College, Efon Alaaye was equally inspiring.
The area is blessed with rocks, natural springs of water and vegetation. There were sounds of gushing waters from the rocks and grounds oozing water out too, with birds singing and the sounds of creeping creatures. It is indeed the display of splendour in God’s manifold creative power!
The second but real hiking experience to the mountain of clouds is memorable and life-changing. Sagbonke Hill has become a go-to destination for older adults and young ones interested in hiking for health reasons.
The 2025 Efon Day Hike and Leisure event's success demonstrates the potential of tourism to boost the local economy and promote cultural heritage. It is my pleasure to have been part of the real hiking event in company of visiting and experienced hikers/tourists from Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt.
Programmes of this nature will hopefully contribute significantly to the economic and social development of Efon Alaaye and Ekiti State. It is a worthy experience that should be repeated as often as practicable.
Olapeju Babafemi,
22nd August, 2025
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