Ekiti

Ekiti State is a landlocked state in south-western Nigeria, carved out of Ondo State in 1996. Its capital, Ado-Ekiti, is a historic centre of the Ekiti people, one of the Yoruba subgroups. The state is known for its hilly, undulating landscape — the Yoruba name "Ekiti" means "mound" or "hill" — with the Ikere Ekiti Gorge and Ero Dam among its natural landmarks.

The state is one of Nigeria's most educated, with the University of Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University) and the Federal University Oye-Ekiti producing a highly literate population. Ekiti is primarily agricultural, producing yams, cassava, cocoa, and kolanuts. The state is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with the Ekiti Parapo history and the Ogun Festival being major traditions.

The climate is tropical with a rainy season from April to October. The dry season (November–March) is the best time to visit. Ekiti is safe and welcoming, with good road connections to neighbouring states.

The dry season (November–March) is best. The rainy season (April–October) brings heavy downpours. The Ekiti Day (October) and the Ogun Festival (June) are major cultural events.

The nearest major airport is Akure Airport (AKR), about 50 km from Ado-Ekiti. Buses and taxis connect Ado-Ekiti to Akure (1 hr), Ibadan (3 hrs), Lagos (4 hrs), and Abuja (5 hrs). Within the state, buses run between all major towns.

• Ado-Ekiti — the state capital, with Ekiti State University and the Ado-Ekiti Market
• Ikere-Ekiti — a historic town with the Ikere Gorge and the Ogoga's Palace
• Ikole-Ekiti — the headquarters of Ikole LGA, a commercial centre
• Efon-Alaaye — a town in the hills, known for its serene environment
• Aramoko-Ekiti — a historic Yoruba town, a centre for Ekiti culture
• Ijero-Ekiti — the headquarters of Ijero LGA, an agricultural town
• Ise-Ekiti — a town near the Ondo border, a market centre
• Emure-Ekiti — a town in the south, the headquarters of Emure LGA
• Omuo-Ekiti — the headquarters of Ekiti East LGA, a growing town
• Ilawe-Ekiti — a historic town near the Ekiti–Ondo border
• Oye-Ekiti — the site of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti
• Igede-Ekiti — a town in the north-west, an agricultural centre

Ekiti cuisine is Yoruba: Amala (yam flour) with Ewedu (jute leaf soup) and Egusi (melon seed) soup, Pounded Yam with vegetable soup, and Efo Riro (spinach stew). Ila Alasape (okra soup) is a local favourite. Moinmoin (steamed bean pudding) and Akara (bean cakes) are popular street foods.

The Ogun Festival (June) honours the god of iron and is celebrated with masquerades and processions. The Ekiti Parapo history is celebrated through traditional music and dance. The Eyo and Egungun masquerade traditions are also present.

• Explore the Ikere Gorge — a scenic gorge near Ikere-Ekiti
• Visit Ekiti State University — one of Nigeria's respected universities
• Attend the Ogun Festival — a traditional Yoruba iron-god festival
• Tour the Ikogosi Warm Springs — a natural warm spring in neighbouring Ekiti area