The land of honour, formerly known as the fountain of knowledge, is one of the prominent states
in the southwestern region of Nigeria.
Ekiti state was carved out of the old Ondo state on the 1 st of October 1996, by the military
government under General Sani Abacha’s regime. The predominant language in Ekiti state is
Yoruba language, which is further expressed in various dialects across the state.
Ekiti people are known to be lovers of pounded yam and vegetable soup and also stereotyped to
be ‘strong-willed’ people. The incumbent governor of Ekiti state is Dr John Kayode Fayemi, and
the Deputy Governor is Otunba Adebisi Egbeyemi.
Here are Six interesting facts about Ekiti state that you should know:
Ekiti State has 16 Local government areas: they include Ado Ekiti, Efon, Ekiti East,
Aiyekire (Gbonyin), Ekiti south west, Emure, Ekiti West, Ijero, Ido Osi, Ikere, Ilejemeje, Ikole,
Ise/Orun, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Oye, Moba. These distinct local governments form the pillars of
the state and are governed by Chairmen and Councillors.
Ekiti State is rich in agricultural resources: the leading cash crop in Ekiti state is cocoa.
Other forest resources include various species of timber and luxuriant vegetation with some
edible plants for consumption and sale at the local markets. Other food crops include yam,
maize, rice, Kolanut, and cassava which are cultivated in large quantities.
Ekiti State is blessed with Mineral deposits: the land of honour is also known for itsmineral deposits such as aquamarine, gemstones, limestone, columbite, iron ore, granite, baryteamidst others. These natural resources are distributed across the local government areas in thestate and contribute to the aesthetic features of the state.
Ekiti State has tourist attraction centres: another noteworthy fact about Ekiti state is its vast water resources and mountains that beautify the state. These tourist centres are one of the unique features of Ekiti state and contribute to the state’s GDP.
They are:
Fajuyi memorial park, Ado Ekiti
Ikogosi warm spring which is a delight for tourists and lovers of nature
Olosunta Hills
Iworoko Mountains
Ikere Ekiti Hills
Efon Alaiye Hills
Ipole-Iloro Waterfalls
Ekiti State has renowned Academic Institutions: The prominent Afe Babalola.
University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) is located in the state’s capital. Other renowned academic
institutions in Ekiti are:
Ekiti State University.
College of Education, Ikere Ekiti
Federal University of Oye (FUOYE) located in Oye-Ekiti.
The Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti.
Ekiti state has produced prominent individuals across the country: notable
celebrities in Nigeria such as Odunlade Adekola (Nollywood actor), Teniola Apata (musician),
Niniola Apata (musician), Yinka Ayefele (musician), Sola Sobowale (Actress), Tope Tedela
(actor), Femi Falana (SAN), Folarin Falana –Falz (Actor and Musician), Bolaji Aluko (Professor,
Howard University), and others too numerous to mention, are notable indigenes of Ekiti state
who are making the state and country proud.
This list makes up six interesting facts about Ekiti state. So, the next time you are considering
touring across states in Nigeria, you might want to consider the beautiful land of honour.
