IKORO-EKITI, Ekiti State, Nigeria – A giant African spinach, locally known as Efo Tete, has been discovered in a backyard in Ikoro-Ekiti, standing at an astonishing 9.5 feet tall. This remarkable plant, possibly the tallest ever recorded in Africa, has caught the attention of scientists and travelers alike, igniting curiosity and interest in both tourism and agriculture.
The discovery was announced in a statement released by the Director-General of the Ekiti State Tourism Development Bureau, Mr. Wale Ojo-Lanre, on Friday. According to Ojo-Lanre, the spinach was found in the backyard of Mr. Lawrence Ajolokan, a local farmer in the Eso-Obe Local Council Development Area.
“This isn’t just a plant,” Ojo-Lanre stated. “It’s a potential world record holder, a scientific curiosity, and a tourism gem all wrapped in one.” Ajolokan, who planted the seed in June 2024, had previously harvested parts of the plant but avoided one particular stalk due to an instinct that “something” told him not to weed or harvest it.
Since being left untouched, the plant is still growing and has not produced any seeds yet. Ajolokan only recognized the plant’s uniqueness after Mr. Lester Olaifa, a journalist and community leader, highlighted its unusual height and thickness during a visit to his farm.
In response to the plant’s discovery, Chairman of Eso-Obe LCDA, Mr. Bankole Ayeni, confirmed that protective measures would be implemented to preserve the spinach. The interest surrounding the plant is growing in both the tourism and agricultural sectors as it surpasses the previous record for the tallest African spinach, which stood at 8.3 feet and was recorded in Benue State in 2018.
“Ikoro is not just an ancient town, but a custodian of living heritage,” Oba Adebanji Adeleye, the traditional ruler of Ikoro-Ekiti, remarked, expressing gratitude towards the state government for their swift action upon the plant’s discovery. “Such a discovery puts us prominently on the map.”
The Ekiti State Tourism Development Bureau has already started documenting this extraordinary find. They are currently consulting with agricultural experts to delve into the factors contributing to the plant’s unusual growth and discussing plans for its preservation and possible exhibition in the future.
As news of the spinach spreads, inquiries have flooded in from botanists and curious individuals both nationally and internationally, all eager to learn more about this unique phenomenon. The local administration remains committed to ensuring that Ikoro-Ekiti benefits from this discovery, which could attract more tourists to the area.
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