Ekiti

Ekiti is a state in southwestern Nigeria, named after the Ekiti people, a Yoruba sub-ethnic group. It was created on 1 October 1996 from Ondo State and has Ado-Ekiti as its capital and administrative center. The state is divided into 16 Local Government Areas and is predominantly Yoruba-speaking. Geographically, Ekiti features a hilly landscape that includes the Ekiti Hills and part of the Ekiti Plateau, with a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons.

Ekiti borders Kwara State to the north, Kogi State to the northeast, Osun State to the west, and Ondo State to the south and southwest. The population is largely rural, with agriculture as a mainstay. Common crops include yam, cassava, maize, and plantain, alongside cash crops such as cocoa and palm produce. The state also hosts growing small-scale manufacturing, trade, and services, along with developing tourism.

Education and culture are prominent in Ekiti. The state hosts several higher education institutions, including Ekiti State University (EKSU) in Ado-Ekiti and the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in Oye-Ekiti; there are also private universities and colleges. The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti is a central traditional authority in the state. Ekiti society is known for a strong emphasis on education, Yoruba cultural heritage, proverbs, crafts, and regional festivals.