Introduction to Ekiti State

Ekiti State is situated entirely within the tropics. It is located between longitudes 40°51′ and 50°45′ East of the Greenwich meridian and latitudes 7°15′ and 8°51′ north of the Equator. It lies south of Kwara and Kogi State, east of Osun State, and is bounded by Ondo State to the east and south, with a total land area of 5,887.890 square kilometers.

Ekiti State has 16 Local Government Councils. According to the 1991 Census, the population of Ekiti State was 1,647,822, while the estimated population upon its creation on October 1, 1996, was put at 1,750,000, with the capital located at Ado-Ekiti. The 2006 population census by the National Population Commission put the population of Ekiti State at 2,384,212 people.

History

Ekiti was an independent state prior to British colonization and was one of the many Yoruba states in what is today Nigeria. The Ekiti people, as a nation and districts of the Yoruba race, trace their origin to Oduduwa, the father and progenitor of the Yoruba race. However, there is evidence that aboriginal people existed in the Ekiti region before the influx of royalty from present-day Ile Ife.

There are two major schools of thought regarding Ekiti’s history. The first ties the origin of Ekiti to Ile-Ife, where it is said that Olofin, one of the sons of Oduduwa, had 16 children. As they journeyed out of Ile-Ife to search for new land, they passed through places like Iwo-Eleru and Igbo-Aka before settling in the present-day Ekiti land. Upon arriving, they discovered that the land was mountainous and named it “Ile Olokiti,” which later evolved into Ekiti.

The second school of thought, which is more grounded in history, asserts that the ancestors of the Ekiti people migrated from Ile Ife and settled in the region, blending with the aboriginals. Oral traditions and contemporary written sources confirm that descendants of Agbonniregun, a significant figure in Ifa worship, settled in Ekiti. The saying “Ado ni ile Ifa” (Ado is the home of Ifa) reflects the importance of Ado-Ekiti in Yoruba religious history. Ekiti’s history is marked by the reign of prosperous Obas, such as the Ewi Ata of Ado-Ekiti in the 1400s.

Vision

Ekiti’s vision is to pursue sectoral development that fosters sustainable growth in all areas through public-private partnerships, creating an economically prosperous and well-contented population.

Mission

The mission is to provide excellent, efficient, and effective public services aimed at achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) while creating an investment-friendly environment for the overall benefit and enhancement of the standard of living of the grassroots people.

The People

The people of Ekiti are descendants of the Yoruba ethnic group and form one of the largest groups in Yorubaland. They are culturally homogeneous, speaking the Ekiti dialect of Yoruba. Despite slight variations in the dialects spoken in different parts of the state, all Ekiti people can understand each other, showcasing the unity among them. Ekiti people are known for their hardworking, upright, studious, and articulate nature. The primary occupation of Ekiti men is farming, while women engage in trading.

Geography

Ekiti State is predominantly an upland zone, rising over 250 meters above sea level. The land is characterized by a rugged landscape with hills and valleys, particularly notable in areas such as Aramoko, Efon-Alaiye, Ikere-Ekiti, and Igbara-Odo Ekiti. The Ikere-Ekiti, Efon-Alaiye, and Ado-Ekiti Hills are some of the state’s most prominent features.

Climate and Vegetation

Ekiti State experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season (April–October) and the dry season (November–March). The temperature ranges from 21°C to 28°C, with high humidity. The state is divided into tropical forests in the south and savannah in the northern parts.

Religion

The majority of Ekiti people, about 85%, are Christians, with approximately 10% being Muslims and 5% adhering to traditional Yoruba animist beliefs.

Education

Ekiti State operates the 6-3-3-4 system of education, and its education sector has made significant strides. It boasts many notable primary and secondary schools, including Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti, and Petoa City College, Ado-Ekiti. The state is also home to several universities, including Afe Babalola University and Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, making it a hub for academic excellence.

Transport

Ekiti State has an extensive network of roads linking its major towns and neighboring states. Key roads include the Ado-Ekiti to Ikere-Ekiti road, the Ado-Ekiti to Aramoko road, and others connecting Ekiti to neighboring Ondo, Osun, and Kwara States.

Politics

The government of Ekiti State is led by a democratically elected governor who works alongside the state’s house of assembly. The state capital is Ado-Ekiti. Elections are conducted using a modified two-round system where candidates must achieve a plurality of votes and meet additional thresholds for local government representation.

Natural Resources

Ekiti State is endowed with various mineral resources, including granite, kaolinite, columbite, iron ore, and gold, particularly in towns like Ijero, Ado-Ekiti, and Ikole. Additionally, the state is rich in water resources, with rivers such as Ero, Ose, and Ogbese. The state is also known for its natural tourist attractions, including the Ikogosi Warm Springs and Arinta Water Falls.

Ekiti Ambassadors

The state has produced notable individuals such as Chief Afe Babalola, Femi Falana, and Professor Funmi Falusi-Olopade, who have excelled in various fields, including law, medicine, and academia, contributing to the state’s prestige both locally and internationally.

Conclusion

Ekiti State, with its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful geography, stands as a symbol of resilience and growth in southwestern Nigeria. The state has made significant strides in education, infrastructure, and economic development while preserving its cultural heritage and traditions. From its historic beginnings tied to the Yoruba civilization to its modern-day advancements, Ekiti continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nigeria. With a commitment to public service and sustainable development, Ekiti State is poised for continued progress, ensuring a brighter future for its people and the generations to come.