Ekiti: Nigeria’s 1st plane crash site turned to tourist centre

0
347

From OLADELE ADEDAYO, Ado-Ekiti
Indications have emerged that the site of the first plane crash in 1942 at Ikogosi-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State in Nigeria may soon become an attractive tourism centre of choice in West Africa.
Special Adviser to the Ekiti state Governor on Tourism Development, Engr. Segun Ologunleko who disclosed this while inspecting the crash site said arrangements were in top gear to transform the site.
Stressing the resolve of the Fayemi led administration to make the state a tourist destination,the Special Adviser said that the development of the new site into a tourist attraction where people could visit and see the relics of the airplane would complement the existence of the warm spring in the area.
Speaking on the incidents surrounding the crashed plane,one of the elders of the community who claimed to be an eye witness to the incident, Mr. Olu Adeniyi recalled that the plane crashed on April 12, 1942 at about 8.15 pm.
According to him,it was a war plane that contained arms and ammunitions including explosives that went off with loud bangs throughout the night.
Visible at the site were the relics of the two engines of the plane and other aluminium and metal materials.
Similarly,the Ekiti State Government has declared its intention to develop and upgrade the Ogunnire groove in Ire-Ekiti in Oye local Government area of the state to an acceptable UNESCO standard for heritage.
The State Commissioner for Culture,Arts and Tourism,Alhaji Ayodele Jinadu made this known at Ire-Ekiti during an assessment of the site.
Alhaji Jinadu who said government’s gesture is the first major attempt to develop the groove,assured that the legendary groove would witness a tremendous change in terms of cultural and art development.
The Commissioner described ‘Ogun’ deity as a symbol of creativity and technology, stressing that government’s gesture should not be seen as the worshipping of idols but a way of promoting the people’s rich cultural heritage.
In his remarks,the Onire of Ire,Oba Victor Adeleke Bobade expressed delight at government’s giant stride towards developing the groove.
Meanwhile,a surveyor is said to have been assigned to immediately carry out a comprehensive survey of the groove.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here