TOURISTS EXPLORE OLUMO ROCK, ALAKE’S PALACE, ADIRE MARKET DURING ABEOKUTA TOUR
By Aishat Momoh. O.

Tourists from Lagos and Ibadan have explored some of Abeokuta’s major historical, cultural and tourism attractions during a tour organised by Global Convoy Travels and Tours Ltd.
The tourists visited the historic Olumo Rock, the Egba Museum at the Alake’s Palace, the M.K.O. Abiola Garden and the Adire Market as part of the cultural and recreational tour of the Ogun State capital.

Participants from Lagos boarded the train at the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station in Ebute-Metta and the Babatunde Raji Fashola Train Station in Agege, while tourists from Ibadan boarded at the Obafemi Awolowo Train Station in Moniya and the Ladoke Akintola Train Station in Omi-Adio.
The different groups subsequently converged at the Professor Wole Soyinka Train Station in Abeokuta before proceeding with the day’s activities.
At Olumo Rock, tourists explored the historic site, learned about its significance and the history of the Egba people, while also taking part in the climb and sightseeing activities.

For some participants, the visit marked their first time experiencing the iconic destination.
One of the tourists, Abubakar, said he was particularly interested in learning about the history and culture of the Egba people.
“We’re here to come and climb, learn about the rock, the history behind it, the rich culture of the Egba people, and just have fun generally.”
Another tourist, Archibong, said he joined the trip to take a break from work and experience Olumo Rock for the first time.
He said he was particularly looking forward to the climb and learning about how the Egba people used the rock as a refuge.

Meanwhile, Basirat, who embarked on the trip with her children, described the experience as “interesting” and called for more outings.


“All I would just suggest is let’s do this more often. Honestly, it’s so refreshing and I’ve not been here, but now that I’m here, I don’t mind coming back.”
She said she would recommend the experience to family and friends, adding that another person she met after arriving in Abeokuta had already expressed interest in joining future tours.
“I would definitely refer family and friends.”
However, another participant identified as Basira Temitope Sarome, said the tour provided an opportunity to escape the “hustle and bustle of Lagos” while enjoying a more serene environment.
Describing the experience as “wholesome,” she said:
“I am very happy. It is money well spent. I really enjoyed myself.”
Sarome identified climbing Olumo Rock as one of the highlights of the trip, recalling her initial apprehension before successfully reaching the top.
“I was like, ha, this place is… Will I be able to climb it? But at the end of the day I did and I really enjoyed it.”

She also endorsed the tour and gave a shout-out to Global Convoy Travels.
The tourists also visited the Egba Museum at the Alake’s Palace, the M.K.O. Abiola Garden and the Adire Market, providing participants with a broader experience of Abeokuta’s history, heritage, culture and commerce.
The tour was organised by Global Convoy Travels and Tours Ltd as part of its efforts to provide tourists with opportunities to explore local destinations and experience Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
