The 7th Edition of the Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari – Hike & Dine in the Clouds has set records and captivated hearts as more than 1,000 tourists, nature enthusiasts, dignitaries, and celebrities stormed the majestic Mountain of Clouds called Sagbonke Mountain in Efon-Alaaye.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the adventure began at Fajuyi Pavilion on Monday in Ado-Ekiti, with participants assembling as early as 6.am and proceed to Efon-Alaaye for the much anticipated hike.
The event was organised by Discover Ekiti Tourism Club in collaboration with the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development and the Efon-Alaaye-in-Council.
The event delivered a spellbinding experience where nature, culture, adventure, and fine dining met under the misty peaks.
The trails blanketed in cloud mist, rolling green hills, and the invigorating spirit of Ekiti’s natural wonderland set the stage for an unforgettable journey.
The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji flagged off the hike and used the occasion to reaffirm his administration commitment to repositioning Ekiti tourism sector to world class standard.
Addressing the crowd at the summit of Sagbonke mountain, the governor Oyebanji described tourism as a powerful engine for economic growth and emphasised his government’s resolve to modernised, restore, and promote iconic tourism assets across the state.
“Tourism is not just about recreation, it is about building a stronger economy and showcasing the pride of our heritage to the world,” he said.
Expressing his amazement at the breath-taking natural beauty of the Sagbonke mountain, governor Oyebanji described the location as a hidden treasure with immense potential to attract global attention.
He directed the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, Investment and Cooperatives; Commissioner Arts and Culture as well as the Director-General , Bureau of Tourism Development to develop a comprehensive investment plan for the mountain.
Oyebanji urged stakeholders, including investors and cultural custodians to collaborate with his government to achieve the vision of making Ekiti a global tourism hotspot.
Reacting, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, commended the overwhelming turnout and praised the growing momentum behind Ekiti’s eco-tourism revolution.
Similarly, Mr Michael Ekiran, Founder of Discover Ekiti Tourism Club and Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism Development, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the state government, corporate sponsors, and the Efon community for their invaluable support.
NAN reports that the atmosphere was electric with the presence of notable personalities including Nollywood star Yomi Fash-Lanso, alongside cultural performances, panoramic sightseeing, and a luxury “Dine in the Clouds” feast that elevated the experience into a festival of flavour and friendship.
The sponsors that fueled the success of the 2025 edition include, Adron Homes, Rite Foods, Voki, Batoil, Dan Pharmacy, Fure Bio Water, Olu Olu Foods, and The Tusk Hotel Abuja, among others.
The 7th Edition of the Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari has not only set unforgettable memories but also cemented Efon-Alaaye and the mountain of clouds as a rising star in Nigeria’s eco-tourism landscape ushering a new dawn for tourism in Ekiti state.
