Even though on most occasions I do visit my uncle whose house is located at Alagbado, area of Kwara State which is a few turns away from Sobi hill,  It has never occurred to me to go see how the Rock which happens to be the tallest Rock in the whole of Ilorin, looks like making it one of the tourist attraction sites in Kwara state.

Not until a faithful day when a friend of mine initiated the visit.

What is Special about Sobi Hill?

Sobi hill is located along Akerebiata – Sobi road, before Sobi barracks, Ilorin – East local government of Kwara State. The Hill derives its name from the town it was erected in. Approximately, the Hill is about 394 meters above sea level. Which provides a magnificent panoramic view of all sides of Ilorin from its topmost spot. Its lush green vegetation and spectacular landscape it a premium destination in Ilorin. It is thus not surprising that the place was of significant importance during the old times

My Experience Visiting Sobi Hill

On that misty morning when my friend called to initiate the idea of visiting this most enchanting scenery, which most people pay from afar to visit. What struck my mind was how to get to the cliff of the hill. However, on getting there, the answer was answered with the stretch of the white mark on the rock, which when tailed, leads to its topmost spot.

When we got to the hill, we were instructed to off our shoes since it servers as a place of worship for some people, which makes the place a holy spot for worship. At first, I wanted to be a hard nut to crack thinking it would be hard hiking on the rock without our shoes on. But in the end, I had no choice but to obey since my friend had already pulled off his.

Having climbed the first part of the two parts the hill has, we got tired and decided to have some rest. In the first part, we saw some of the places which are within Ilorin, but not the panoramic view of the town as a whole.

However, after about ten minutes break, we proceeded to the second part which leads uppermost part where we saw the whole of Ilorin Town.  

On the cliff of the hill, one thing most could not answer to how it got there is a small building, situated on the highest level of the rock;  known as”House on the rock”. This house is said to be as old as the Rock itself which no one could give an account of who built it. Furthermore, it is in this house most carry out their spiritual obligations;  both Muslims and Christians.

Aside from the “House on the Rock,” many people come to pray at the rock since it is believed that prayers are answered quickly there. Some prayed hard for weeks or months on it. On the hill, there are several places of worship, all of which are led by pastors or clerics. Furthermore, one of the Hill’s distinctive features is the harmonious coexistence of Muslim and Christian worshipers.

There were great numbers of people, ranging from prayer warriors at the hill and those who came specifically for the sake of tourism. But the only difference to show which area is for prayers and recreation was the use of stone, which serves as demarcations denoting no trespassing zones, meant for praying. And the other side without any sign is where tourists could stay.  

Trust me, there were interesting people which you wouldn’t want to miss when you visit the hill;  they will welcome you warmly, briefing you about the history of the Mountain,  current activities, and wildlife found on the hill.

Furthermore, we wouldn’t have gotten to know most areas from the cliff of the hill, if not for a guy we hiked the hill together with. The way he was able to mark out most of the city from the top of the cliff is still much of a surprise to me. However, as was a new experience for me, so I watched everything with rapt attention.

With the most enchanting scenery, we were flushed with the joy of ecstasy of nature as an elusive joy seeps into our hearts enjoying the view of the harmonious city of Ilorin. Such an elixir of life is the Sobi hill which you wouldn’t want to miss when you visit Ilorin, Kwara State.

Around 11: 40 am, we decided to call it a day and return home. I thought descending the hill would also be strenuous than climbing it, but it was less. At some point, we needed to move at a fast pace to avoid sloppy hills.

Interestingly, as we descend,  we were treated to new and stunning views.

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