Ondo, Nigeria
Region: Ondo State
Geographic Coordinates: 7.083300, 4.833300
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 257005
Language: Yoruba
Ondo is a city located in the southwestern region of Nigeria. It is the capital of Ondo State and has a population of over 250, 000 people. The city is situated on the banks of the Owo River and is surrounded by lush green vegetation, Making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. One of the most notable features of Ondo is its rich cultural heritage. The city is home to several traditional festivals such as the Igogo Festival, Which celebrates the harvest season and showcases various cultural displays such as music, Dance, And masquerades.
Another popular festival in Ondo is the Oro Festival which honors ancestral spirits with elaborate ceremonies involving masked performers. In addition to its cultural heritage, Ondo has a thriving economy that revolves around agriculture. The city produces crops such as cocoa, Palm oil, Rubber, Yams, Cassava and maize among others. These crops are exported both within Nigeria and internationally generating revenue for both farmers and traders.
The educational sector in Ondo also contributes significantly to its development with several higher institutions like Adeyemi College Of Education (ACE), Federal University Of Technology Akure (FUTA) amongst others located within or nearby areas making it an education hub for students from different parts of Nigeria.
For tourists visiting Ondo there are many places to explore including Idanre Hills – a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rocky outcrops towering up to 3km above sea level; Ebomi Lake – known for its crystal clear water where visitors can relax or go fishing; Igbokoda Beach – A serene beach where visitors can enjoy swimming or sunbathing while taking in breathtaking views; among others. The local cuisine in Ondo consists mainly of dishes made from cassava flour like garri eba served with soup or stew made from palm oil sauce locally called ‘efo riro’.
Visitors can also try other delicacies like Amala (yam flour), Pounded yam, And fufu amongst others. Ondo is a city with rich cultural heritage, A thriving economy and beautiful natural scenery that attracts tourists from different parts of Nigeria. It is an ideal destination for those seeking to experience Nigerian culture and explore the beauty of nature.
- Idanre Hills: This range of hills located in Idanre town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Owo Museum: The museum houses a collection of ancient artifacts that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Owo people.
- Igbo Olodumare: This sacred grove is located in Oke-Igbo town and is believed to be the abode of the gods.
- Ebomi Lake: This natural lake located in Ilaje-Ese-Odo Local Government Area is known for its crystal clear waters and scenic beauty.
- Akure City Mall: A modern shopping mall with various shops, restaurants, cinemas, and other entertainment facilities.
- Deji’s Palace: The palace serves as the traditional residence of the monarch (Deji) of Akure Kingdom.
- Araromi Beach: A popular beach destination with white sandy shores, palm trees, and clear blue waters ideal for swimming or sunbathing.
- Ondo State University Of Science And Technology (OSUSTECH): A tertiary institution situated at Okitipupa Local Government Area
- The Dome Event Centre : An event centre situated at Alagbaka area
- Akure Amusement Park : An amusement park situated at Isikan area
- Agriculture: Ondo is renowned for its agricultural resources, which include cocoa, palm oil, rubber, timber, and cassava.
- Mining: The state has significant deposits of minerals such as limestone, kaolin, and bitumen.
- Oil and Gas: There are ongoing oil exploration activities in the state with some oil wells situated in the coastal areas.
- Manufacturing: There are numerous manufacturing companies that produce goods like cement, soap, plastic products, and beverages.
- Education: Ondo boasts several universities including Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic among others.
- Healthcare Services: Several hospitals provide healthcare services to residents of the state including State Specialist Hospital Akure.
- Tourism: The state has a wealth of tourist attractions such as Idanre Hills, Igbo Olodumare Forest Reserve, and Ebomi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary which attract tourists from within Nigeria and beyond.
- The Ondo War: This was a major conflict that occurred in the 19th century between the Ondo Kingdom and the neighboring Ikale Kingdom over control of trade routes. The war lasted for several years and resulted in significant loss of life.
- Chief Obafemi Awolowo: One of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures, Awolowo was born in Ondo in 1909. He played a key role in Nigeria’s struggle for independence from colonial rule and went on to serve as a regional premier.
- Queen Luwoo: A powerful female ruler who reigned over the Ondo Kingdom during the 16th century, Queen Luwoo is remembered for her military prowess and strategic alliances with neighboring kingdoms.
- The founding of Adeyemi College of Education: Established in 1964, Adeyemi College of Education is one of Nigeria’s oldest teacher training institutions and has produced many notable educators over its history.
- The Owo Museum: Located near Ondo, this museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from various periods throughout Nigerian history, including traditional art objects, archaeological finds, and ethnographic materials.
- The annual Odun Ule festival: This colorful cultural celebration takes place every year in August or September to mark the end of the farming season. It features music, dance performances, masquerades, and other traditional rituals associated with Yoruba culture.
- Princess Adetutu Adesida-Davies: Born in Akure (a town located within present-day Ondo State), Princess Adesida-Davies made history as one of Nigeria’s first female pilots when she earned her private pilot license at age 22 back in 1974.
- Olusegun Mimiko : Olusegun Rahman Mimiko is a Nigerian politician and former governor of Ondo State. He was born on October 3, 1954, in Ondo City. Mimiko served as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan from July 2011 to May 2012 before he was elected as Governor of Ondo State in February 2009.
- Owo Museum of Antiquities
- Idanre Hills
- Igbo Olodumare Cultural Centre
- Akure City Hall
- Deji of Akure Palace
- Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre
- Ore Industrial Park
- Igbokoda Waterfront Tourist Village
- Owena Multi-Purpose Dam and Resort Centre
- National Museum of Unity, Ibadan (located nearby)
- Sunshine Stars FC: This football club was founded in 1995 and is based in Akure, the capital city of Ondo State. The team has participated in various national competitions such as the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) and the Federation Cup.
- Ondo State Basketball Team: The basketball team represents Ondo State at national competitions like the National Sports Festival and National Basketball Championship.
- Rising Stars FC: This football club was established by the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) to develop young talents in football within the state.
- Akure City FC: This newly formed football club is based in Akure and participates only in local league competitions within Ondo State.
- Sunshine Queens FC: This women’s football team was established by the ODSFA to promote women’s participation in sports within the state.
Overall, these teams have contributed significantly to promoting sports development within Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole.
- Odun Oba Festival: This festival is celebrated annually to honor the king of the town.
- Ogun Festival: This festival is dedicated to the god of iron, Ogun. It is celebrated with traditional dances and rituals.
- Igogo Festival: This festival is held in Igogo town every year to celebrate their culture and traditions.
- Osun-Osogbo Festival: This festival is a major cultural event that takes place in Osogbo, a town in Ondo State. It celebrates the river goddess Osun with music, dance, and other traditional activities.
- Ebi Festival: This festival celebrates the harvest season and involves feasting on yams and other crops.
- Egungun Festival: This festival honors ancestors through masquerades that perform traditional dances and rituals.
- Ajagemoja Festival: This annual event takes place in Akure town to celebrate their culture and history through music, dance, food, and art exhibitions.
- Okota Festival: A popular cultural celebration among Yoruba people which marks the end of one year as well as welcoming another new year with prayers for prosperity for all members of society.
- Olumo Rock Tourist Festivals- The Olumo Rock tourist festivals take place annually at Olumo rock where tourists come from far away places to explore this natural wonder while also participating in various activities such as hiking or rock climbing competitions.
Food
- Eba and Egusi soup
- Amala and Ewedu soup
- Pounded yam and vegetable soup
- Jollof rice with fried plantains
Popular restaurants in Ondo, Nigeria:
- Yem Yem Continental Restaurant
- Nkoyo Restaurant & Bar
- The Royal Palace Restaurant & Bar
- Sizzlers Fast Food Joint
- Araromi Beach is a popular destination in Ondo state, known for its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and relaxation.
- Idanre Hills is an ancient mountain located in Idanre town that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore caves and shrines on their way up to the top.
- Ebomi Lake is a natural lake located in Ipesi Akoko town that provides water to nearby communities and features clear blue waters perfect for fishing and boating.
- The Owo Museum houses historical artifacts showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Owo people.
- Akure City Park offers recreational facilities such as playgrounds, walking trails, picnic areas, basketball courts among others.
- The Igbo-Olodumare Forest Reserve near Akure city center has hiking trails through lush vegetation where monkeys swing from tree to tree.
- Olumirin Waterfalls (also known as Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls) is a beautiful waterfall located in Erin-Ijesha community near Ilesa with seven tiers each having unique features offering visitors an enchanting experience.
- Asejire Dam is a man-made reservoir on River Osun supplying water to Osun State capital city Osogbo; locals use it for fishing activities too.
- Ile-Oluji Cocoa Plantation – A vast cocoa plantation where tourists can learn about cocoa farming processes while enjoying nature walks.
- Erin Ayonigba Natural Springs – Located at Ikare-Akoko Local Government Area; consist of several springs with healing properties believed by locals.
