NIGERIA
is blessed with numerous tourism assets, which are hidden in primordial
and natural state within its geographical contraption.These are economic miracle enhancers, which past governments at every level have failed not only to recognise, but also to tap its derivates at improving the society and shore up the economic buoyancy of the nation and the various states.
Hidden inside the thick jungle of Ipole-Iloro, a sleepy town in Ekiti West Local Government, Ekiti State, is a spectacular waterfall christened Arinta, which thrills tourists’ imagination unending as the water cascades from over 100 feet above sea level from a ridge protected by green vegetation.
Getting to Ipole-Iloro was made easy by the good road which the town enjoys from all its connections via Akure - Igbara-Oke–Igbara–Odo-Ikogosi Ekiti - Ipole-Oloro Ekiti and from Lagos - Ibadan - Ilesa –Erin-Oke – Efon Alaye - Ipole-Iloro, Ekiti while from Abuja - Lokoja - Kabba - Omuo-Ekiti –Ifaki – Aramoko - Efon-Alaaye -Ipole-Iloro.
Adding value to the tourism site is the consciousness of the people of the town who are always ready to assist, direct tourists and offer information on the state of the waterfall. “Oh, you are going to Arinta? This is one of the best waterfalls in the world. It drums down from a ridge located inside a very thick forest, which we guide jealously.
“Former Governor Segun Oni constructed the road to the place while the incumbent Governor, Kayode Fayemi has enhanced the site by constructing a befitting gate and social centre for visitors at the site. All of which you would see when we get there,” offered Adeyemi Oludare, one of the indigenes.
As he led the way with his Okada, the topography of Ipole-Iloro offers good scenery of plush green vegetation that covers the hills and ridges.
As Mr Oludare informed us earlier, that the present government has made an impressive presence at the site not only by constructing a park, but also maintaining some workers who were duly on ground to attend to visitors.
Don’t ever think that the waterfall is in a remote place and would be bereft of visitors, but nay, on ground that day were students of Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos State numbering over 50 and eight of their management staff while about 30 students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti were there having a swell of a time.
The forest canopy, bush smell, crossing soldier ants, foot path, falling trees which we had to manoeuvre and boulders which we had to pass through while trekking to the base of the fall made the exploration more interesting, natural and joyous that we were breathing in non polluted air.
We moved closer to the base of the fall, our ears were disturbed by the sound that resembles that of heavy rain, only for us to get to the base and realised were torrent of the fall, which has created a natural swimming pool arena for tourists.
The fall is torrential, rapid and thrilling. It oozes out cool breeze that has a soothing effect on the body. The fall is so tangential that it maintains a permanent rainbow as the sun perches through.
Arinta waterfall is of seven layers of unique charactertics, which appeal to whoever ventures visiting the site.
According to the Vice-Principal, Igbobi College, Mr Niran Babarinde who lamented the negligence of development of tourism sector in the country said, “We are fascinated by the geographical configuration of Arinta Waterfall, Ipole – Iloro and thus has become a point of reference for our students.
“Hence, we have made it a point of duty to bring here our Geography students and we are happy that they got the best of it.”
He described Arinta waterfall as a thrilling waterfall with a unique aura of stimulating the artistic talents in one.
“The surrounding vegetation and the geographical configuration have special appeal to the sense, which will keep the memory evergreen and tickles one’s vision of a repeat visit.”
And sincerely that is the truth about Arinta waterfall, Ipole Iloro.
