Gbolahan Balogun writes on a hidden gem tucked at Km10, Offa-Igbonna Road in Kwara State
The visitor arrived at the expansive gates of Pinnacles Resource Centre. He stood, momentarily awe-struck, taking in the vast, highland retreat that sprawled before him. A well-uniformed security guard approached, and the visitor explained his purpose: he was here to judge a secondary school debate competition, a highlight event organised by the centre.
As he moved up the gentle incline towards the main building, the centre’s motto caught his eye—Inspiring Minds, Empowering Communities. It was more than just a slogan; it reflected the transformative energy this place exuded. Surveying the pristine landscape, he thought, “This is nature’s retreat.
Nestled amidst rugged mountain ranges and framed by dense forests, Pinnacles Resource Centre offers a serene escape, blending breathtaking views and untouched natural beauty. Its location—perched on the highlands—provides a sweeping panorama of valleys and lowlands below, creating a perfect harmony between the wild and the refined.
The visitor’s mind drifted briefly to his secondary mission: to explore the centre’s unique features and understand why it is considered a haven for adventurers and those seeking peace alike. Ololade, the centre’s savvy Training and Events Manager, had told him as much. “You’ll love it here,” she had said over the phone, “PRC is a self-contained experience. You’ll leave refreshed.”
As he made his way closer to the building, the lush lawns and brightly coloured ornamental flowers caught his eye. A particularly striking earthen pot poured forth a cascade of greenery that flowed seamlessly into the landscape. Just above the car park, his gaze landed on a large mural of Chief Yunus Abioye Oyeleke, the visionary behind the centre’s transformation from an Amazonian-like wilderness to this architectural marvel. The fresco was a masterpiece, blending traditional pigment with a modern touch—an artistic tribute to the late accountant and philanthropist who birthed the dream of this magnificent retreat.
Ololade met him at the door with a smile, alongside Frank, the Facility Manager, and Habeeb, the man in charge of administration. The visitor was immediately struck by the building’s grand interior—the towering ceilings bathed the space in natural light, giving it an expansive, airy feel. “Big on aesthetics and functionality,” he remarked. Frank confirmed this, explaining that the hall served multiple purposes: an exhibition space, a gallery, and a venue for social events, seminars, and music performances. It was the heart of Pinnacles, where visitors from all walks of life converged.
Despite still being early for the debate competition, one school, Adeola College, had already arrived. Shortly after, the man who had invited the visitor—Dr. Banji Oyeleke—appeared. Dr. Oyeleke, renowned for his contributions to education and community development, warmly greeted the visitor. Together, they set off to explore more of the centre, beginning with the grand foyer, a space so vast and opulent it felt like stepping into a luxury estate. In the middle, a mini basketball court and table tennis setup brought an unexpected dash of energy to the serene atmosphere, while the smooth, jazzy voice of Luther Vandross wafted through the air from concealed speakers.
“This is the Afere Terrace,” Dr. Oyeleke said, gesturing toward a breezy outdoor meeting space. It was an ideal setting for conferences, social gatherings, and even intimate dinners, framed by the natural splendour of the surroundings. Beyond the terrace, twin-room ensuite chalets stood like sentinels on either side, providing a perfect blend of luxury and rustic charm. The entire centre seemed designed for seamless relaxation and rejuvenation, balanced with opportunities for personal and professional development.
As they strolled across the manicured lawns, the visitor noticed a construction site—the future home of a swimming pool. His imagination sparked: with the natural terrain, a golf course would be the perfect addition. Dr. Oyeleke didn’t miss a beat. “Funny you mention that,” he replied, “we’re already considering it. The idea of a golf course, and even a helipad, was on the table right after the centre was conceived. It's in the feasibility stages now.”
Their conversation was briefly interrupted by the arrival of a convoy of vehicles—graduates from the Federal Polytechnic Offa, here for a get-together. Despite their luxury cars, the visitor was pleasantly surprised by the modest, well-behaved demeanour of the students as they swarmed into the Wàrà Restaurant, showcasing the refined atmosphere of the centre.
“Back at the debate venue, the stage was set. Ololade, who had been overseeing the event, welcomed the students and explained the significance of the competition. “This is the first in a series aimed at nurturing young minds,” she began. “We’re committed to developing critical thinking skills in our youth, helping them build confidence and forge lasting friendships. Today, eight schools from Offa and Oyun are here to debate vital topics and showcase their Intellectual prowess.”
The competition began with a debate on the influence of parents on the upbringing of children. The room buzzed with anticipation as the students took to the stage. One speaker dazzled with her eloquence and poise, while another faltered briefly, losing her place before regaining composure with a final, albeit rushed, flourish. It was a learning moment for all present, as the judges reminded the teachers about the importance of teaching students to think on their feet rather than rely solely on memorized scripts.
After the debate, the visitor reflected on the rich experience Pinnacles offered, far beyond the competition. It was a place where nature, luxury, and intellectual growth intersected—a sanctuary that inspired both mind and spirit.
As the sun began to set, bathing the centre in a warm, golden glow, the visitor knew one thing for sure: Pinnacles Resource Centre was not just a place; it was an experience—one that left an indelible mark on all who ventured here.
It was the following week, when the debate competition came to a close, that I truly grasped the filial sentiment behind the creation of the Pinnacles Resource Centre. During the prize presentation, Alhaji Moshood Olabisi Oyeleke, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Yunus Abioye Oyeleke Foundation, shared the deep-rooted history of service by the Oyeleke family to both their maternal and paternal communities—a tradition that dates back generations.
Alhaji Oyeleke highlighted a recent milestone: the Foundation’s funding of the 10.1-kilometre asphalt laying of the Offa-Igbonna road. This road, he noted, carried a significant emotional weight for the Oyeleke family. It was the very route trekked by Prince Sunmonu Oyeleke, their father, as he pursued the hand of former Miss Saadatu Adebola Balogun, a young woman from Igbonna, who would later become the first Iyalaje of Offa.
“It is on this route of love that we laid the foundation and built the Pinnacles Resource Centre,” he said. “We hope it will grow to be more than just a resort—it will be a haven for nature lovers, an intellectual hub, and a catalyst for community development.”
With its picturesque setting, thoughtful design, and unwavering commitment to education, the Pinnacles Resource Centre stands as a testament to the vision of Chief Yunus Abioye Oyeleke and his enduring dream of transforming this land into a destination that both inspires minds and empowers communities.
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