As the team of Environmental Engineers led by Engr Olalekan Emeka Sulaimon Ajani toured the site with the support of tour guides toward the summit of the ancient rock, one can feel the nostalgic recollection of the past decades and the experience of the Egba warriors. Olumo Rock with a literal translation that means, “God has moulded it,” exudes an awesomeness that leaves lasting impressions on the minds of visitors. And this, was the feeling of the Engineers who chose the site as part of the activities of the just concluded International Conference and Annual General meeting held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Standing at about 137 metres above sea level, Olumo Rock overlooks the rusty rooftops of the ancient city of Abeokuta It is an igneous rock of the granite family, which according to records, is ageless. Geologists have reportedly confirmed the age of the rock to be millions years old and that it was one of the first batches of rocks that was formed. An igneous rock is formed from magma, the liquid material that forms the core of the earth.
To Egba people, Olumo Rock was a refuge – a safe haven during the intertribal war of 1830. The impressive monolith is the source of the state capital’s nomenclature ‘Abeokuta’ which translates into ‘under a rock’.
Entering the facility itself is comes with many experiences. Those not afraid of heights can, gain tremendous knowledge, adventures and walk to the summit of the Rock. There we simply many spots on it that will take visitors back into the past. At the site of the “Egba time Hide-out” we saw tiny natural caves with holes on the floor, we were told that the Egba warriors hid their wives children and in these caves while they engaged their enemies in the inter-tribal wars.There are many caves inside the Rock each with its story.
Also during the visit, the team visited the aged women still living on of the rock. These Aged women simply said to be of the “7th generation” were indeed very pleasant and nice to meet.
The crown tree, also called the tree of life, was another major landmark spotted by the team. The crown tree is believed to make that silent prayers made near the tree receive positive divine consideration. Members, upon hearing the wonder of the leaves were given chance to pluck from it while some prayed at the spot. Then came the legend of an Iroko tree that grew out of the rock and was explained to be over two centuries old, and produces leaves all year round.
Olumo Rock is one of the largest African heritages. Conserving our natural and historic heritage for all to enjoy now and in the future, and also recognizing and protecting the landscape values of the rock area for the purpose of creating pleasing physical environment for living, working circulation and recreation
The trees, the rocks, the ambience environment, the serenade of cultural awareness, the cold wet breezy pulsating weather that remind one of the beauty of natural environment all provided a melting point of science and culture. it is a reminder that if we preserve our environment, we will not need to spend massively to recreating what we destroyed. It is a reminder of why we all need to immense ourselves in environmental awareness. Olumo Rock stands among the Rocks in the country for both its aesthetics and historical significance. At the top of the rock, one can have amazing single view of the entire city and many prominent structures in Abeokuta. .
This is what make this place a perfect place for the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, (NIEE) under leadership of Engr OES Ajani to hold their 2021 international Conference and genreal meeting. the event held between Wednesday 27 and Friday 29 November 2021 at annual Conference at the Green Legacy Resort, OOPL, Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital, on Thursday, October 28, 2021 and Friday, October, 29, 2021.
Earlier before the Visit to Olumo Rock, Engr Ajani has led the team to visit Palace of the paramount Rule of Egbaland, the Alake of Egbaland, HRD (Dr.) Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III. Engr Ajani told palace they came to pay homage and seek his royal blessings for the 2- day programme.
During his address, he told the Monarch that part of the challenges facing our environment is management of wastes. He said while the world over see wastes as money, Nigerians see it as wastes. he canvassed for change in attitude and also highlight the roles played by the Environmental engineers in management of wastes as a means to generate wealth.
Talking about the theme of the Conference, Ajani said that “Some cities use wind energy to survive. However, we need to utilize the abundance of green energy we have in Nigeria towards our greater development.”
In his response, the Alake of Egbaland, HRH Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, welcomed the Nigerian Institution of enviromental engineers to his Palace and Abeokuta. He noted that engineering is referred to as “doing what is possible” and declared that the Conference would surely be a success and bring about ideas for greater development of our country.
Alake however, pointed out that the waste that some people pour in oceans are causing harm to people in other regions because that same water is what they drink He called on engineers to come up with ways to help address this challenge.
Alake he prayed that the NIEE and members will achieve greatness and went on to urged the Engineers to derive joy in offering great services to humanity and not focus on money only.
On the entourage of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE) who visited the palace are: National Chairman, Engr. O. E. S. Ajani, included Engr. S. M. Odukoya, Engr. M. A. Yinusa, Engr. R. A. Kumolu, Engr. Mrs. O. Agboola, Mr. Segun Ajibola, Mr. Nasir Ajani, Mr. Yusuf Olofin, Mr. Olumide Asaolu, Mr. Najim Isqil. Egba High Chiefs present at the occasion included Baagbimo Akanni Akinwale, Bantun Kehinde Sofenwa, Aare Baaroyin Layi Labode, Iyaloja Kemi Oloyede, GbegbaAje Tejumade Bakre.
Environmental awareness is to understand the fragility of our environment and the importance of its protection. Promoting environmental awareness is an easy way to become an environmental steward and participate in creating a brighter future for our children.
My name is by isqil Najim, reporting from Abeokuta.