Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
Region: Ekiti
Geographic Coordinates: 7.616700, 5.216700
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 446749
Language: Yoruba
Ado-Ekiti, Located in southwestern Nigeria, Is the capital city of Ekiti State. It sits on a plateau with an elevation of over 1, 000 feet above sea level and has a population of approximately 500, 000 people. The city is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks. One of Ado-Ekiti’s most notable landmarks is the Ewi’s Palace. This palace was constructed in the early 20th century and serves as the home to the traditional ruler or Ewi of Ado-Ekiti. It features beautiful traditional Yoruba architecture and design.
The city also boasts several museums that showcase its rich cultural heritage. These include Arinta Waterfalls Museum which displays artifacts from local waterfalls; Ogun Shrine Museum which showcases traditional Yoruba religious practices; and Ifaki Ekiti Museum which displays artifacts from ancient Ife civilization. Another popular attraction in Ado-Ekiti is Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort. This resort features natural warm springs that draw tourists from all over Nigeria and beyond who can enjoy swimming in the warm spring waters or participate in various outdoor activities such as hiking or camping.
Ado-Ekiti also has several markets where visitors can shop for local handicrafts such as pottery, Weaving products, And woodcarvings. The biggest market is Oja Oba Market where vendors sell everything from fresh produce to textiles to jewelry. Ado-Ekiti offers a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars and nightclubs offering live music performances by local artists such as Topside Lounge & Bar and Club Acezzy. Ado-Ekiti provides visitors with an opportunity to experience Nigerian culture at its finest through its museums showcasing historical artifacts dating back centuries ago to bustling markets selling handcrafted goods made by skilled artisans.
Its natural beauty, Warm springs and nightlife scene make it an ideal destination for tourists looking for a unique travel experience in Nigeria.
- Agriculture: Ado-Ekiti is known for its agricultural produce such as cocoa, yam, cassava, maize, and vegetables.
- Education: Ado-Ekiti is home to several universities and colleges including Ekiti State University (EKSU), Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti (FEDPOLYADO), Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) and others.
- Healthcare: There are several hospitals and clinics in Ado-Ekiti providing healthcare services to the people.
- Commerce: There are many markets in Ado-Ekiti where traders sell various goods including food items, clothing materials, electronics etc.
- Hospitality: The hospitality industry is growing in Ado-Ekiti with the presence of hotels and guest houses that provide accommodation for visitors.
- Manufacturing: There are a few manufacturing companies that produce products such as soap, detergents etc.
- Transportation: The transportation industry is also thriving with the presence of bus parks where buses ply different routes within Ekiti state and other neighboring states.
- Ado-Ekiti was established as a town by the Ekiti people in the 15th century.
- British colonialists arrived in Ado-Ekiti in the late 19th century, marking the beginning of British rule over Nigeria.
- Ekiti Parapo College (now Christ’s School) was established in 1933 and became one of Nigeria’s most prestigious secondary schools.
- Ayo Fayose, former Governor of Ekiti State and a prominent politician in Nigeria, was born and raised in Ado-Ekiti.
- Many notable institutions were founded in Ado-Ekiti such as Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, University Teaching Hospital Ado-Ekiti, and more recently Afe Babalola University.
- Notable personalities from Ado-Ekiti include Peter Ayodele Fayose (former governor), Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III (traditional ruler), Professors Michael Faborode and Olufemi Bamiro (former vice-chancellors).
- In recent years, Ado-Ekiti has become known for its vibrant cultural festivals such as the Udiroko Festival and Egungun Festival that attract tourists from all over Nigeria and beyond.
- Ekiti State Cultural Centre is a must-visit for those interested in the history and culture of the Ekiti people. The centre boasts various exhibits, artifacts, and performances that showcase the rich heritage of this region.
- Arinta Waterfall is a natural wonder located in Ado-Ekiti that offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy nature at its finest. It’s also a great spot for taking beautiful photos.
- Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort is a unique destination featuring warm springs flowing alongside cold springs, creating an unusual natural phenomenon. Visitors can also enjoy accommodation facilities while exploring this one-of-a-kind attraction.
- National Museum of Unity is an excellent place to learn about Nigeria’s history and culture through its vast collection of exhibits and artifacts.
- Oba’s Palace provides insights into the traditional system of governance in Yoruba culture through its historic monument status as the palace of Ado-Ekiti’s traditional ruler (Oba).
- Fajuyi Memorial Park honors Major General Adeyinka Adebayo Fajuyi, who lost his life during the Nigerian Civil War in 1967.
- Olumirin Waterfall offers visitors another opportunity to immerse themselves in nature while taking breathtaking photos just an hour from Ado-Ekiti.
- Odu’a Museum and Hall of Fame celebrates prominent individuals from Western Nigeria who have made significant contributions to society across various fields like politics, sports, arts, and culture.
- Ewi’s Palace Museum showcases historical artifacts related to Ado-Ekiti town as well as its rich cultural heritage within Ewi’s Palace itself – definitely worth checking out!
- Akure Forest Reserve provides tourists with opportunities for exploration along scenic nature trails while enjoying other recreational activities such as picnic spots just half-hour drive away from Ado-Ekiti.
- Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture is an annual celebration that honors the rich cultural heritage of Ekiti State. The festival features traditional performances such as music, dance, drama, and more.
- Ogun Onire Festival is a festival dedicated to the deity Ogun Onire, who is believed to be the protector of farmers and hunters. The festival showcases traditional dances, drumming, and masquerades.
- Osun-Osogbo Festival is one of Nigeria’s most popular cultural events held in nearby Osogbo town which celebrates the river goddess Osun with elaborate processions accompanied by music and dance.
- Ijesa Day Celebration brings together people from all over Ijesaland to celebrate their culture through various activities such as music performances, traditional dances among others.
- Ewi Cultural Day showcases Ado-Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage through poetry recitals by local poets known as Ewi performers.
- Udiroko Festival marks the beginning of a new year for Ado-Ekiti residents with prayers for peace and prosperity for all residents within Ado-ekiti
- Odun Ifa Agbaye (World Ifa Festival) draws visitors from far and wide every two years into Nigeria to celebrate Ifa religion which has its roots from Yoruba land including EKitiland where Ado-ekiti belongs . It features ceremonies such as divination sessions by priests known as Babalawos , dancing performances amongst others .
- Amala and Ewedu Soup
- Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup
- Eba and Okro Soup
- Akara (Bean cake)
- Suya (Spicy grilled meat)
Some popular restaurants in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria are:
- Tasty Fried Chicken (TFC)
- Mr Biggs
- KFC
- Sweet Sensation
- Mama Cass’ Kitchen
- The Ekiti State Cultural Centre is a popular spot in Ado-Ekiti for cultural events, concerts, and recreational activities.
- At the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and bird watching.
- Arinta Waterfall is located just outside Ado-Ekiti in Ipole-Iloro and is a favorite spot for picnics and hiking.
- Fajuyi Memorial Park was built to honor Brigadier General Adekunle Fajuyi who died during the Nigerian Civil War. It features a statue of him as well as gardens and picnic areas.
- Oba Adejugbe Park is located in the heart of Ado-Ekiti and offers playgrounds for children, walking paths, and benches for relaxation.
- The Ewi’s Palace Grounds provide insight into the history and culture of Ado-Ekiti with traditional architecture on display along with artifacts.
- Olumirin Waterfall (Erin Ijesha) may not be within city limits but it’s only 50km away from Ado-Ekiti; this waterfall offers stunning views along with hiking trails leading to other waterfalls nearby.
