Ondo State LANGUAGE, FESTIVALS, VEGETATION

PROFILE:
Ondo State, which is indeed a microcosm of the Nigeria nation, is blessed with resourceful, industrious and hospitable people, who are predominantly Yoruba namely: the Akoko, Akure, Apoi, Idanre, Ijaw, Ikale, Ilaje, Ondo and the Owo. Her crop of educated elites has led to its being classified as one of the most educationally advanced states in Nigeria. The people are mostly subsistence farmers, fishermen and traders.
The life pattern of the people represents an embodiment of culture, ranging from the local foodstuff to the mode of dressing, dancing, wood crafts, such as carved house post and decorated doors. The Culture of Ondo State people speaks volume.
Antiquities and artifacts are also preserved in palaces of traditional rulers some of which have been declared as National Monuments. 

LANGUAGES:
Yoruba, Ijaw and English (Official Language) and several dialects of the sub-groups.

 FESTIVALS:
Ogun, Olokun, Igogo, Egungan, Ajagbo, Orosun, Arigiya, Boat Regatta and Mare. 

VEGETATION:
The state enjoys generally, luxuriant vegetation.  A high forest zone (or rain forest) is found in the south, while the northern fringesis mostly sub- savannah forest.

 CLIMATIC CONDICTION:
The climate is tropical with two distinct seasons viz the rainy season (April-October) and the Dry season (November-March). The temperature through out the year ranges from 21C-29C while humidity is relatively high. The annual rain fall varies from 2.000mm in the southern parts to 1150mm in the northern areas. The rainfall decreases in amount and distribution from the coast to the hinterland. 

NATURAL RESOURCES:
Extensive fertile soil suitable for agriculture with sub- savannah forest suitable for cattle gazing in the Northern fringes. Vast forest resources, variety of timber species e.g Teak, Gmelina, Masionia e.t.c. Ondo State is the largest producer of Cocoa in Nigeria. Other cash crops grown in the state include rubber, cashew, kolanut, palm oil etc. 

MINERAL RESOURCES:
Oil and Gas; Ondo State produces 12% of Nigeria’s total output, other mineral resources found in the state are quartz sand, clay, granite, limestone talc, kaoline, coal, columbite, rock, tin, bitumen. ( the second largest  deposit in the world ) many rivers, ocean fronts, and the longest  coast line in Nigeria. 

TOURISM SITES:
Idanre hill tourism centre at idanre Mountain Climbing and cultural festival (Mare) that holds every December in idanre. Ebomi lake at Ipesi in Akoko South East Local Government Area, coast creeks and canals, Igb Olodumare at Oke igbo, iho-Eleeru (cave of ashes) at Isarun in Ifedore Local Government Area 

SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT:
Constitutional democracy in a Federal Republic with elected Executive and Legislature and an Independent Judiciary.