Ikogosi: Resort comes alive in Ekiti

JANUARY 5, 2013 BY FEMI MAKINDE 11 COMMENTS


Ikogosi
Once neglected, the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort is now transformed and ready for business, writes FEMI MAKINDE

The Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort is a preferred rendezvous for fun-seekers in Ekiti State. But its potential has been left largely untapped by successive administrations.

The resort is located on the outskirts of Ikogosi-Ekiti in the Ekiti-West Local Government Area of the state. Tucked in a serene environment, and far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is described as one of the best tourist attractions in Africa ideal for relaxation and for holding retreats.

The Baptist Mission discovered the beauty of nature in Ikogosi in the 1950s. It made some efforts to transform the place, which soon began to attract tourists from far and near to the warm spring.

The spring flows from two sources of different temperatures: hot and cold. This remains a puzzle till date. For many years, its potential, which had the capacity to lift Ekiti’s present economy, was ignored.

But Governor Kayode Fayemi noticed this and in one of his speeches to the natives of the state, he pledged to transform the resort.

A few months after, there is evidence that Fayemi, who has tourism development as one of the items on his eight-point agenda, has fulfilled his promise to give the place a facelift.

Many natives of the state and visitors marvelled at the level of transformation that had taken place when the resort was opened to the public last October as part of activities marking the governor’s second year in office.

Newly built chalets, a multi-purpose hall, swimming pool, bar and other facilities have added to the beauty of the resort.

The government plans to build a three-star hotel at the resort to boost its capacity to generate funds. Shortly before he marked his two years in office, Fayemi said that the state government had acquired 116 hectares of land for the construction of the hotel, which would begin in the second phase of the development of the resort. A warm and cold spa, canopy walk, standard golf course, sporting and other recreational facilities will be added to existing ones.

The special adviser to the governor on tourism, Mr. Segun Olugunleko, says the resort, including a games reserve that is also in the offing, will be private sector-driven and commissioned in 2013.

Olugunleko says, “Facilities nearing completion at the warm spring resort include standard and executives suites, VIP villas, a 300-seater multi-purpose conference hall, a 60-seater meeting and function room, a 30-seater meeting room and standard rooms for campers and students on excursion.

“Other facilities under construction at the resort include a reception, multi-purpose building, warm water adult swimming pool, children’s pool, restaurant/bar, amphitheatre, arts and crafts centre as well as a children’s playground.”

Ologunleko says that as part of the efforts to ensure adequate security of lives and property of tourists at the centre, the state government has commenced work on the perimeter fencing of the resort.

He adds that the installation of closed-circuit television cameras and other security apparatus has also begun.

While stressing that the resort will be run purely as a revenue yielding venture for the state government, Olugunleko notes that a South African firm, Mantis Collections Ltd., has been appointed to manage the resort

geeez: Another Obudu in the making

Slowly and surely, Yorubaland is advancing

This is the same governor that increased the state's IGR from N106m to over N600m within a year and has also turned the state into a huge construction yard

Well done Fayemi

geeez: Another Obudu in the making

Slowly and surely, Yorubaland is advancing

This is the same governor that increased the state's IGR from N106m to over N600m within a year and has also turned the state into a huge construction yard

Well done Fayemi

...The various international agencies are taking good look of Ekiti and the Electronics Giants, Samsung has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an Engineering Academy in Ado Ekiti, the state capital as part of its partnership arrangement with the state government. Samsung is deeply involved in the free laptop for students scheme and the general opening of Ekiti to the ICT hub as being pursued by the Fayemi regime.

Paul John: Good

Osun To Launch Tourist-Friendly Park


Hon Bola Ilori Inspecting The Park


olajokun Park, Gbogan, State of Osun.


TOURISTS and travellers passing through Osun State using the Ibadan–Ife Expressway will soon have a place to unwind, relax, bail out stress and travel fatigue as the Osun State Government is gearing up efforts at ensuring the completion of a multi–million naira tourists’ - friendly park before the year ends.

The park under construction is located at Gbogan junction, along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway is the initiative of Governor Rauf Aregbesola who believed that such a recreation centre is not only fit for the people of his state at this specific location, but a necessary incentive for tourists and travellers passing through the state to other parts of the country.

The park which is about 80 per cent completed is on three acres of land, giving enough room for the facilities in consideration of expected patrons and buyers.

The facilities therein are targeted at all for the purpose of recreation, fun, relaxation, sight–seeing, leisure and hospitality.

A tour of the park conducted by us recently revealed alluring fountain to be erected on an Elephant’ effigy, public toilets, a multi–purpose event centre with function rooms, 12-bedroom hotel, police post, restaurant and bar, canteen, mechanic workshop, car wash bay, children recreation centre, love garden and parking lots tailored at giving the travelling masses a place to relax while on transit.

Though the park is under construction, the community has started benefiting from the few inquisitive travellers who stop at the junction to have a look at what is being constructed.

Madam Taiwo Adelani, middle-aged woman who hawks oranges at the junction has this to say: “I don’t really understand what Governor Aregbesola is doing there. But it seems it is a good project as it has compelled many people to stop to see what is in there. These people also buy one or two things from us. I am sure at completion, more people will come and that is more patronage for us.”

The park which has started to boost commerce at this junction, is also adding value to the environment through its unique design and aesthetics which parades the coat of arms of the state which proudly announces IPINLE OMOLUABI.

FreeGlobe: comes alive with uncompleted buildings? and you notice how the official ACN nairaland publicist was quick to say Thank you to the below par governor as if he was doing a favor to the people from his personal pockets. ACN is evil! They only perform by propaganda

geeez:


Seriously we don't have your time. We are quite busy right now developing our region.