There's something so spectacular about nature. When you begin to imagine how nature came to be, you will just have to appreciate the beauty of God's creation. In admiring nature, we admire the awesomeness of God's creativity. God is nature and nature is God.
Today began on a prayerful mood. We are in a religious setting and of course we began the day with the celebration of the Holy Mass.
The issue here was not even the Holy Mass but that the officiating priest celebrated the Holy Mass with Yoruba Language, (a subtle way of welcoming us to Yoruba land). Most of us found it difficult to decipher the liturgical prayers. After prayers, we had some sporting events to relax the body and get our body ready for the day's adventure. Our adventure was delayed since we had to fix our vehicle.
After a long wait, we were set to go. We were to visit the ancient and popular waterfall in Ijesha town in Osun state. A place well-known to have attracted thousands of tourists annually.
In about an hour and some minutes, we arrived. We were greeted by a sign post on the major road that linked to the minor road leading to the waterfall.
After the usual security checks, we began our tour at the Olumirin waterfall in the heart of Erin Ijesha town. A yoruba young lad by name Ezekiel was assigned to guide us through the tour. He explained succinctly to us the origin and myths of the waterfall.
Let me give you a run down.
According to history, the waterfall was discovered by a woman called Akinla, founder of Erin-Ijesha town and a granddaughter of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race, in the year 1140 AD during the migration of Ife people to Erin- Ijesa. Legend has it that when it was first discovered, the waterfall had the appearance of a mysterious figure.
It was believed to be a living spirit through whose several mouths water gushed out. It looked like a very tall and huge spirit whose height reached to the high heavens. Out of fear and anxiety, the inhabitants therefore named the fall "Olumirin" which means "another god." When it was discovered, they thought it was 'another god' whose power over the whole area was only similar to Akinla, the founder of Erin Ijesha town.
One amazing thing about the waterfall was that it was made up of seven cascades of rocks and seven waterfalls through which water flowed majestically among the rocks and splashes down with great force on the vegetation around like a mysterious figure indeed. Each cascades/layers presents an awesome view of the waterfall better than the previous layer. The seventh layer (which was the source of the water) had an abode where people resided for many years for protection and it also connects to Ikogosi warmspring. According to our tour guide, the last and seventh level is definitely the most intriguing but for the purpose of our tour, we were to stop at the second layer.
We began the climbing. The view at each level was wonderful and the freshness of the water was energizing.
The whole scenery was fascinating, intriguing, idyllic, nature-inspiring, mind-blowing and awesome. Students were intrigued by the beauty of the waterfall.
When we got to the first layer, we beheld beauty. We saw, touched and tasted the beauty in nature. The breeze at the waterfall was cool and refreshing. The water splashed down with great force to the evergreen vegetation.
We couldn't resist the seduction from the beauty of the waterfall. Majority of the students pulled their clothes and plunged themselves deep into the fresh flowing fountain, burying their fears in the clear water. While only a few made it to the second layer.
At the second layer, we saw another view of the waterfall. You needed to how fresh the waters flowed with great propensity. The area can also be used for mountaineering exercise.
After we must have had enough of the intriguing adventure, we packed our bags and drove home.
Our Odyssey continued when we were served "Ewedu and Amala" one of the popular Yoruba meals for dinner.
The western experience has just begun!
For now, let me go and sleep.
Written by: Aniebo Anthony
Edited by: Arekpitan Queen Ikhenaode
Expect more....
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