Glocient Hospitality Urges Tourists to Visit Ikogosi
Travel and Leisure
Justina Uzo
After a major overhaul, the new management of Ikogosi Warm Springs in Ikogosi, Ekiti State, Glocient Hospitality Limited, a subsidiary of Cavista Holdings plans to welcome more resort goers, chief executives and those seeking a less hectic spot to get away from it all to the unique Springs.
Ikogosi Warm Springs is where a cold spring and warm spring flow side by side and they meet at a point. The facility now boasts some of the offerings a traveller expects on a holiday.
The General Manager, Glocient Hospitality, Sharafa Lanre Balogun said they have seen an increased traffic to Ikogosi Springs and a high room occupancy level in the property.
He urged individuals and CEOs to “Go.Visit.Ikogosi.”
Balogun adds: “Ikogosi is back and better.”
The facility features over 70 rooms split into different room types, classic and suites and equipped with luxury amenities to ensure guests feel at home.
It is understood that the marketing campaign is also designed to support people managing stress.
Balogun said corporate organisations can take advantage of the serene and peaceful environment to hold their retreats at Ikogosi.
The guests, he said, will get reinvigorated and refreshed.
Balogun said this when a team from Ikogosi, Cavista and Glocient Hospitality briefed journalists in Lagos about the transformation and gains after reviving Ikogosi Warm Springs on Tuesday.
Their achievement focused on successful upgrades, provision of modern amenities and ability to create jobs for the local communities.
As one of them puts it, “We have created jobs, jobs and jobs for people including hunters who earn well.”
Glocient is part of a diversified group of companies with interests in agriculture and tourism. Ikogosi resort, one of the most sought-after attractions in the country, had a challenge of poor management of the facility. Tourists apparently looked elsewhere. Within months of a 15- year concession agreement, Ikogosi Warm Springs was revived.
Interestingly, the management team of the property raised awareness and doubled its marketing.
The team thanked Nigerians and the travel industry for supporting their turnaround efforts.
The immediate past Governor John Fayemi was right. He had expressed his displeasure at the previous management team. The Ekiti State Government handed over Ikogosi Warm Springs to Glocient Hospitality Limited in a 15- year concession agreement on build, operate, and transfer concession that will see the facility turned into a world class tourism destination.
Prior to the concession ceremony in October 2023, standard of the Hospitality centre got low.
The wonder on earth attracted families from far and wide who used to describe their Ikogosi experience with superlatives words such as “picturesque,” “absolutely lovely “ and “incredible spring in the forest.
“I read about this mysterious cold and hot spring (Ikogosi) becoming so warm that you can use it to prepare eba (Nigerian staple food that requires hot water in its preparation),” says Pastor Sam Adeyemi, a foremost preacher and leader of Day Star Church during a visit in the past.
Adeyemi thanked God for the rare gift. “I thank God for the latitude of being here to appreciate one of His wonders in Nigeria,” he said.
The warm spring has a temperature of about 70 degrees centigrade and about 370 degrees after coming together. Still, business was bad.
The updates are heartwarming, there’s been changes. Visit the meeting point of Ikogosi water and splash water on your face. Hm! It’s warm.
Explore the unspoiled lowland forest and don’t forget to try the local dishes, eat pounded yam with sauce, Eforirio.
Ekiti is situated in south-west Nigeria, about six hours by road from Lagos airport.
