Ekiti’s Hike Mountain Safari: A Blueprint for Youth–Government Tourism Collaboration
The 8th Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari in Ikere-Ekiti showcases how youth initiative and state support can unlock Nigeria’s tourism potential. Organized by the Discover Ekiti Tourism Club with backing from the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, the event has grown from a small hike into a national attraction. Under Governor Oyebanji’s policy direction, the partnership provides sponsorship, logistics, and visibility while preserving cultural heritage. Local communities, led by traditional custodians, benefit directly through new economic opportunities and cultural engagement. Featuring destinations like Ugele–Iho Oloko Cave, this model blends grassroots innovation with formal support. It highlights the roles of youth, government leadership, and academic research in transforming hidden sites into thriving adventure tourism hubs. This case study offers a replicable framework for states across Nigeria. By empowering young people and aligning policy, domestic tourism can blossom from the ground up.
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