The Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, in collaboration with Agbo-Veterinary and Environmental Consult and Discover Ekiti Tourism Club, has organised an exciting pre-hiking event at Okelapa, Ikogosi Ekiti, on Saturday. The move was to preserve the historical significance of Africa’s first plane crash site.
ALLUVIUM, a leading IT team that offers the best Atlassian tool capabilities, ITSM offerings, and DevOps Engineering and Engineers, sponsored the memorable pre-hike event.
Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, hosted the event in Ikogosi, Ekiti. The chairman of Iyometa LCDA, Ogotun, Dr Leye Adeniji, High Chief Ayo Ademilua, the Asaoye of Ogotun, Dr Babajide Agboola, Barrister Adegboyega Morakinyo, the Executive Secretary of EKBTD, Mr Peculiar Ekiran, the Special Assistant of EKBTD, Mrs Ronke Dahunsi, Hajia Bolaji Adebayo Tawakalit, and a delegation from ALLUVIUM was present.
According to Amb Wale Ojo-Lanre, the primary purpose was to call attention to the importance of preserving the remnants of a World War II plane that crash-landed on April 12, 1942, at Okelapa, Ikogosi Ekiti.
While highlighting the historical significance of the crash site, Amb Ojo-Lanre emphasised the need for international cooperation in preserving the important piece of World War II history.
The Tourism Bureau boss called on the European Union, the United States, Germany, Japan, Britain, and France, to contribute their expertise and resources towards safeguarding this unique historical monument.
The pre-tour hiking event attracted diverse participants, including scholars, historians, adventure seekers, and eco-tourism enthusiasts.
Participants embarked on a thrilling hike to Oke Balu, the sacred hill where the crash site is located.
The hike enabled attendees to appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape while immersing themselves in the area’s rich history.
The Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development and its partners ensured that all necessary safety measures were in place during the pre-hiking event. Expert guides were on hand to provide information about the crash site and its historical context.
This pre-hiking event is a prelude to the full-scale hiking and preservation project for Okelapa, Ikogosi Ekiti. The project aims to create a sustainable eco-tourism site, preserve the heritage of the crash site, and provide educational and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
Meanwhile, Ojo-Lanre noted that the Ekiti State government is committed to working with international partners, organisations, and stakeholders to achieve this goal.
“As plans progress, the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development will continue to engage with relevant authorities, historical societies, and preservation organisations to ensure the successful realisation of this project. Furthermore, the government welcomes contributions from well-meaning individuals, organisations, and governments to support the preservation efforts.”
