There is no doubt that Ekiti State in South Western Nigeria, West Africa, is one of the most beautiful places in Nigeria and perhaps anywhere in the world! This derives from its ruggedness. Ekiti State is located in the North Eastern corner of the South West geopolitical zone. The State is affectionately called “The Fountain of Knowledge” and “The Land of Honor and Integrity”.

‘The state is mainly an upland zone rising over 250 meters above sea level with a rhythmically undulating surface. The landscape consists of ancient plains broken by steep-sided outcropping dome rocks’. These rocks occur singly or in groups or ridges providing a spectacularly majestic scenic view of the landscape as you drive through the state. The Efon ridges are a distinct example; they greet you as you enter the State from the West. The State derives its name from the ruggedness of the terrain. 

Not all the outcropped rocks are dome shaped however. There are multiple flat topped and or undulating rocky, dark or grey hills forming plateaus. There are a large number of rhythmic raised plains covered with dense rain-forest type vegetation almost reminiscent of ‘sea waves’ as seen from a distance. Some of the ridges appear stacked one behind the other in some places. In some places, boulders of various sizes are present with multiple boulders stacked up one on top of the other. Many boulders surround the outcrops with some boulders found at the foothills in some places.

The hilly ridges and the outcrops provide a panoramic scenery as you drive through the state. This is probably responsible for the winding and 'disappearing' roads common throughout the state. Where the roads have been cut through the hills you could see evidence of layering suggestive of perhaps sedimentary rock formations. However, most of the rocks appear to be igneous or metamorphic in character. 

In the rural areas, some of the ridges and hills show evidence of deforestation. Foot paths are present on some of these hills consistent with human traffic. In the towns and cities, housing developments are present at some of the foothills. Some hill tops have become abode for the wealthy!

Some of the hills particularly the granite domes around Ado Ekiti and Ikere Ekiti have some interesting “history”. Some of these hills are said to have provided some protection to the surrounding communities during the early settlement of these communities. Some hills such as Olota in Ado Ekiti and Olosunta and Orole in Ikere Ekiti are deified and worshiped with annual festivals staged for sacrifices and tourist attractions.

I have selected some photos that capture some of the characteristics described in this blog. 

Posters or high definition photos of these mountains/hills are available upon request at octavephotographers@gmail.com or you can head to my website https://www.octavephotographers.com/Bringing-Ekiti-Hills-to-light to purchase images. 

 

Description of individual hills and mountains is available at

https://www.octavephotographers.com/Bringing-Ekiti-Hills-to-light

High resolution photos are available at   

https://www.octavephotographers.com/Bringing-Ekiti-Hills-to-light