Ondo State – "The Sunshine State"
Located in south-west geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Ondo State was created in 1976 out of the defunct Western State and it has 19 local government areas which include Akoko-Northeast, Akoko-Northwest, Akoko-Southwest, Akoko-Southeast, Akure-South, Akure-North, Ese-Odo, Idanre, Ifedore, Ilaje, Ile-Oluji-Okeigbo, Irele, Odigbo, Okitipupa, Ondo West, Ondo East, Ose, and Owo.
History
Ondo State was created in 1976 from the former Western State and it originally included what is now Ekiti State, which was carved out in 1996 by late General Sanni Abacha. The state covered the total area of the former Ondo Province, created in 1915 with Akure as the provincial headquarters. Ondo State took off formally on 1st April, 1976, consisting of the nine administrative divisions of the former Western State, which then were Akoko, Akure, Ekiti Central, Ekiti North, Ekiti South, Ekiti West, Okitipupa, Ondo and Owo.
People & Culture
The state is predominantly occupied by the Yorubas who speak various dialects of the language such as the Akoko, Akure, Apoi, Idanre, Ijaw, Ikale, Ilaje, Ondo and the Owo. Ondo State, which is indeed a microcosm of the Nigerian nation, is blessed with resourceful, industrious and hospitable people. Her crop of educated elite has led to its being classified as one of the most educationally advanced states in Nigeria. With a population of 3,441,024 comprising 1,761,263 males and 1,679,761 females, the people of the state are mostly subsistence farmers, fishermen and traders.
The life patterns of the people represent an embodiment of culture, ranging from the local foodstuff to the mode of dressing, dancing, wood crafts, such as, carved house posts and decorated doors. The culture of the Ondo State people speaks volumes. Antiquities and artifacts are also preserved in palaces of traditional rulers some of which have been declared as National Monuments.
[tab:Geography] Ondo State which has a land mass of about 14,788.723 Square Kilometres (km2) and it geographically lies entirely in the tropical belt. The state is bounded in the north by Ekiti and Kogi States; in the east by Edo State; in the west by Oyo and Ogun States, and in the south by the Atlantic Ocean.Weather/Climate
The tropical climate of the state is broadly of two seasons which are the rainy season between April and October and dry season between November and March. A temperature throughout the year ranges between 21 °C to 29 °C and humidity is relatively high. The annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm in the southern areas to 1,150mm in the northern areas. The state enjoys luxuriant vegetation with high forest zone (rain forest) in the south and sub-savannah forest in the northern fringe.
There is a maze of numerous rivers, creeks and lakes in and around Ondo State with very prominent rivers like Owena, ala, Oluwa, Oni, Awara, Ogbese and Ose. Generally, the land rises from the coastal part of Ilaje, Ese-Odo and Okitipupa areas to highlands and inselbergs to the northern parts of the state.
Cities & Towns
Other important cities and towns include Akure, Owo, Ore, Ondo, Oka-Akoko, Okitipupa, Ile-Oluji, and Ikare.
Idanre Hills are one of the most awesome and beautiful natural landscapes in Ondo State and Nigeria. Added to its beauty which fires human curiosity is the fact that the entire people of Idanre lived on these boulders for almost a millennium. As a natural and cultural landscape, Idanre Hills stands out well among all other places that have been listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Owo Museum of Antiques
This is a national museum that has many wood and ivory carvings, brass and bronze works etc. The museum has been preserved to serve as a place for visitors to have a taste of historical values of the people of Owo and the neighbouring towns and villages.
Deji of Akure Palace
Deji of Akure is the traditional ruler in Akure and the palace offers an opportunity for the visitors to learn more about cultural heritage of Akure people. The palace houses a large number of historical monuments relating to the establishment of Akure.
Egungun (Masquerade) Festival
The egungun festival is very popular in Yorubaland where masquerades are considered to be spirits of dead ancestors entertaining people. The festival which takes place in almost all cities, towns and villages in the state, helps to showcase colourful and energetic cultural display.
Cave Ashes, Isharun
This is the cradle of the West Africa’s oldest pre-historic man. It was acclaimed as where the skeleton of the oldest pre-historic man was excavated by Professor Thurstan Shaw, an archeologist from the University of Ibadan.
Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre
The lake is located at Ipesi in Akoko South-East and it is about 115km from Akure – the state capital. The lake which is 1.6km long and 40m wide, has fascinating historical antecedent according to the locals. The word “Ebomi” is an adulteration of a Yoruba word “Abami”.
Igbokoda Waterfront
This is situated in Ilaje Local Government Area and it is one of the longest territorial water in Nigeria. However, at this waterfront which is about 142km from Akure, there is a fishing terminal which would definitely interest tourists.
Igbo Olodumare
Situated in Oke Igbo near Ile-Oluji, this is a thick evergreen forest preserved for its beautiful and fascinating nature. This forest is significant for its spiritual value as it was believed in the past that demons and spirits existed in the forest. It is an ideal place for camping, film shooting, picnic, and birds watching.
Olowo’s Palace, Owo
The palace is the largest in Yoruba land covering a 99 hectare piece of land to the west of the town. There are over 100 ancient courtyards of which 17 are still intact.
The hotel is 12km from Akure Airport and it offers extensive luxury with local and international cuisines finely prepared by their experienced chief. Contact: 40, Fajemirokun Avenue, Plot Block 1, Ijapo Estate. P.O.Box 86 Akure. Tel: +234 (0)706 203 1999, 805 297 9199, 708 917 1755
Chicken Republic
This is currently one of the fastest growing fast food franchises in West Africa. It offers spicy fried chicken, burger, sandwiches, ice cream etc.Contact: FUTA Road, Akure.
Located in Ondo town, the hotel has 40 rooms with refrigerator, air-conditioning, bath/shower, cable TV, complimentary toiletries, reading table etc. The hotel offers pretty good accommodation and services which include restaurant, bar and laundry. Contact: 7 Olaniyan Avenue, off Brig Ademolegun Road, Ondo. Tel: +234 N/A
A & T Presidential Suites
The hotel offers luxury and exquisite rooms furnished to taste, conducive relaxation, bar and restaurant, a well arrange conference hall, maximum security, uninterrupted power supply, standard swimming pool, large parking space and internet facilities.Contact: Km 5 Ilesha-Owo Express Way Before NNPC Mega Station, Akure.Tel: +234 N/A
Sunview Hotel
Located in a homely and serene environment, the hotel is a world of elegance where hospitality is being displayed beyond satisfaction. Their newly refurblish guest rooms and suite create a relaxing haven. Explore your creativity with their trained and friendly staff helping you with everything from audiovisual support to special menus. They also have a new business centre with a full range of amenities for your enjoyment. Contact: 8, El Shaddai Road G.R.A, Alagbaka, Akure.Tel: +234 (0) 802-077-5670, 0806-656-5462
Raphilo Hotel
This hotel offers 10 comfortable rooms for business travelers, tourists, and family groups. Your stay with them includes a free breakfast of tea, coffee, bread, snacks, and fresh fruit. They provide excellent day and night security, nicely arranged rooms and facilities, and we will also provide meals and catering services, if desired. Contact: Plot L, Block 6-8, Arisoyin Family Layout, Akure. Tel: +234 (0) 8061654943, 8064466398, 8074415104
Bliss World Hotel
The hotel is 12km from Akure Airport and it offers extensive luxury and comfort in the true tradition of the sunshine city. The hotel provides excellent services with internet access, cable TV, safe deposit, constant power supply with maximum security and laundry services. Contact: 40, Fajemirokun Avenue, Plot Block 1, Ijapo Estate. P.O.Box 86 Akure. Tel: +234 (0)706 203 1999, 805 297 9199, 708 917 1755
Esporta Suites, Hotel & Resort
Located in Ondo town, the hotel provides superb accommodation with rooms fully equipped with internet access and other facilities. The hotel is protected 24/7 and enjoy uninterrupted power supply. Contact: 32, Ife Road, Adjacent Funbi Fagun Police Station, Ondo. Tel: +234 705 555 9661, 709 810 5565
Heritage Bed & Breakfast
Situated in a well conducive area, equipped with some rooms facilities for the satisfaction of their guest and adequate maximum security measured. Contact: 51, Isolo Street, Owo. Tel: +234 N/A
Motel Ondo Plaza
Motel Ondo Plaza is strategically located in a close proximity to the express way. It offers good accommodation services and considerably moderate prices. Contact: 31 College Road, Lisaluwa, Ondo. Tel: +234 N/A
Solton International Hotel & Resort
It is a home away from home with experience and professionals staff to deliver first class quality service to business executives, tourists and families. Contact: Akoko Avenue, Ijapo Housing Estate, Akure. Tel: +234 N/A
Bliss World Hotel
The hotel is 12km from Akure Airport and it offers extensive luxury and comfort in the true tradition of the sunshine city. The hotel provides excellent services with internet access, cable TV, safe deposit, constant power supply with maximum security and laundry services. Contact: 40, Fajemirokun Avenue, Plot Block 1, Ijapo Estate. P.O.Box 86 Akure. Tel: +234 (0)706 203 1999, 805 297 9199, 708 917 1755
Ade Super Hotels
Adesuper Hotel is surrounded by beautiful garden and magnificent African landscaping which make it the place to stay for leisure, vacation and business trips. Contact: Ilesa Express Way, Akure.
Emperor Hotel & Suites
Located at the exclusive top class residential area of Alagbaka GRA, Akure, Emperor Suites are fully furnished and designed to make you feel at home. The hotel provides brilliantly good accommodation services in a secured and serene environment. Contact: Plot 9,Otunba Adetunji Adeleye Street, Behind C.B.N Alagbaka, Akure. Tel: +234 (0) 8030872435, 08073327478, 08027818762.
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