Ekiti people's culture and its Tourism Potentials

                                   His Excellency GovFayose; Executive Governor of Ekiti State

The people are mostly Muslims and Christians while some are still traditional religion worshippers.

They people of Ekiti have their own unique traditional way of Dressing, Dancing, Festival,religion and other ways of life.

The dress for man in Ekiti is Bùbá (round neck shirt) and Sòkòtò (trousers) While women dress in Bùbá (blouse) and Ìró (wrapper) while their best food is Iyan (Pounded Yam) with melon Soup and Bush Meat.

Tourism

Tourism is another aspect which is a veritable source of income for the state. Notable among its tourist attractions are the Ikogosi tourist centre which are referred to as the haven of tourism in Nigeria.

At Ikogosi, the warm and cold water oozing out from different sources from the earth crust flow separately to meet in a pool each retaining its thermal identity.

Facilities such as a modest non-chemical pools, standard Conference hall, opulent chalets, and a fascinating restaurant are provided to cater for the various needs of tourists.

Other tourist centres are:

Raw Material Display Centre

Arinta Waterfall at Ipole-Iloro

Ero Dam at Ikun-Ekiti

Fajuyi Memorial Park at Ado-Ekiti;

and hotels like Ikogosi Motel, Owena Motel, etc.

The state also has rich cultural carnivals like Iwemo and Udiroko in Ado-Ekiti; Ogun in Ire-Ekiti; Ijesu and Egungun which continue to attract people to the state. Ekiti state is accessible by road.

UDIROKO FESTIVAL IN EKITI

The Udiroko festival is celebrated in Ado-Ekiti. It is the only festival apart from Ogun or Oitado according to Ado-Ekiti tradition that brings all Ado-Ekiti citizens both at home and in the diaspora together. It was established around 1310 AD during the reign of Oba Awamaro, the first Ewi (king) of present day Ado-Ekiti and marks the first day of the year for the town’s inhabitants.

It is a day people set aside to give thanks for their creator Olorun (hence its nickname, the Olorunborun festival). The name udiroko is derived from the venue of the festival, which is beneath the big Uroko (Iroko) tree at the Ewi’s palace.