NIGERIA IS BEAUTIFUL (Vol. 1)

 A LOOK INTO TOURISM

   

            Nigeria is one of the blessed nations in the world with abundant natural and human resources. We hold and play a vital role in not just the African continent but the world at large being the most populous black nation in the world and the ‘trigger’ of Africa (looking at the map of Nigeria).  It is indeed sad and unfortunate that we remain under developed despite these qualities. We experience several problems ranging from bad leadership, corruption among others.  This notwithstanding does not change the fact that nature blessed Nigeria with a lot of things. 

                You might be wondering ‘what is beautiful about Nigeria? Nigeria is blessed with beautiful landscapes, rocks, amazing waterfalls, exotic beaches, wildlife and so on.  I’ll like us to take a journey round some sites and places that has formed part of the basis for Tourism in Nigeria.

For those who love to travel as well as fun seekers, you’ll get to see some attractive sites to visit during vacations, holidays, excursions, research among others.  These places are also some of the beautiful and amazing locations to visit in the country. 

Here are 30 tourist attraction sites in Nigeria:

1.     Obudu Cattle Ranch

Location: Obudu, Cross River State

Obudu cattle ranch remains one of the most attractive tourist sites in Africa due to its temperate climate (that encourages green vegetation), beautiful waterfalls to behold, awesome views (you can’t afford to be without a camera), bird watching, gorilla camp, idyllic tranquility, many beautiful sceneries among others.

This tourist delight also has a mountain resort, cable cars, sporting facilties and good accommodation to make your vacation or visit a memorable one! It’s definitely a place to visit!

2.     Agbokim waterfalls

Location:  Cross River State (close to Nigeria-Cameroun Border)

Agbokim waterfall is a captivating sight for some reasons which include its alluring serenity, steep hills, rainbow-like aura and very fresh water. It is surrounded by green vegetation. This tourist destination is a good venue for picnics!

 

3.     Yankari game reserve/national park

Location: South-Eastern area of Bauchi, Bauchi State

Yankari game reserve or national park (as some call it) makes every list of top and famous tourist attraction sites in Nigeria. This is because it has attracted many tourists, year in year out.

What is fascinating about Yankari national park? Being the most developed wildlife park in the country, the historic park has variety of animals like Baboons (which are trained to cohabit with humans), Crocodiles, Hippopotamus, Antelopes, Elephants, Leopard, Bushbucks, Warthogs, Duikers, Waterbucks, among other animal species.

Other interesting sites in the park include:

Wikki warm springs for tourists who enjoy swimming.

A Cave which has nice accommodation, a museum and a safari.

4.     Ibeno beach

Location: Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State.

Ibeno beach is no doubt worthy to be on this list as it has attracted several tourists from around the world. An inviting site for lovers of water sport, Ibeno beach is one of places to visit. The beach is one of the fine beaches in the country with cool breeze from the water, a lush surrounding, roaring waves and unpolluted foliage of the mangrove swamp.   

5.     Ogbunike cave

Location: Ogbunike, Anambra State

This UNESCO Heritage site remains a very wonder of nature. The cave is segmented into sections and these sections have different stories that are best narrated by the tour guides.

The sections in the cave are not just historical significance but spiritual importance as well. To descend down to the caves, over 300 steps are used.

6.     Millennium park

Location: Maitama, Abuja

This park was interestingly inaugurated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of United Kingdom. This relaxation haven has beautiful sceneries and is considered as ‘kid’s paradise’.

Furthermore, in the entire city of the nation’s federal capital territory, this park prides in itself as the largest public park.

7.     Gurara Waterfalls

Location: Gurara, Niger State

Gurara Waterfalls, one of the ancient tourist sites in the country is considered as one of the iconic natural wonders of Nigeria. It remains one of the wonderful falls in the entire landscape of Nigeria.

8.     Coconut beach

Location: Badagry, Lagos State

Badagry is renounced for not just its history (dating back to slave trade) but also tourism of which Coconut beach contributes to. As the name implies, this beach has many coconut trees. It is also a must-mention with regards to relaxation due to its amazing and breathtaking ocean views. Coconut beach is 20miles away from Republic of Benin

1.     Awhum waterfall

Location: Awhum, Enugu State

Awhum waterfall is close to Awhum monastery, a religious tourist site. Apart from the beautiful scenery of the waterfall, the tourist destination prides in immaculate lakes.

2.      Lekki beach

Location: Lekki, Lagos state

Lekki beach is one of the areas in Lagos for picnic, leisure and relaxation to not just lagosians but outsiders. The beautiful site is a place to visit!

3.      Sukur Cultural landscape

Location: Madageli, Adamawa State

The historic site is one of those sites that made the UNESCO Heritage list in the country. It is situated on the Mandara Mountains and it blessed with lush avifauna.

4.      Takwa Bay beach

Location: Lagos State

It seems like the major tourist attraction sites are beaches. Well, Takwa Bay beach is certainly has to be one of them. Are you looking forward to relaxation? Takwa bay beach is a place to be!

5.      Idanre Hills

Location: Oke-Idanre, Ondo State

The Idanre Hills (otherwise known as Oke Idanre) is located in Idanre town, Ondo State in Southwest Nigeria. The hill of Idanre is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Nigeria.

A visit to the Oke-Idanre Hill gives a tourist access to a lot of spectacular valleys that are interspersed with inselbelgs and high plain about the sea level. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has Omi Aopara; the thunder water, Agbooogun foot print, burial grounds, shrines and the Owa’s palace.

6.      Mambilla plateau

Location: Taraba State

7.      Zuma rock

Location: Abuja

8.      Ikogosi cold and warm water springs

Location: Ekiti State.

The vegetation at the spring is highly thick forest with natural and rich vegetation that is closely maintained and protected from arbitrary deforestation. The area covered by the spring is about 31.38 and it is highly protected from erosion by tall and evergreen trees.

 The trees also serve as a sort of canopy under which tourists could stay during the dry season and sunny days. The undulating topography of the area and the symmetry of the surrounding hills add more to the aesthetic beauty of the spring.

9.      Abraka River resort

Location: Abraka

This Motel is ideal for those who want to escape the noise and tension of city/urban life. Hence guests can swim, boat, sport-fish\or simply bask in the warm sun. On the exquisite sand-beach as the glass- clear Ethiope River flows lazily by.

10.                         Erin Ijesha waterfall

Location: Erin Ijesha, Osun State.

Erin Ijesha (Olumirin) is a seven step waterfall in Osun State, Nigeria, the waterfalls is a whole new exciting and awe inspiring experience with nature. Each step of the waterfall has a flowing fountain that marks the mystical nature of the place.

 Osun State is home to the late priestess (Iya Adunni) of Osogbo Scared Groove and they are also known Worldwide for their Osun/Osogbo festival which holds annually in the state.

11.                         Olumo rock

Location: Abeokuta, Ogun State.

It used to be a safe haven for indigenes in historic times during periods of war. Now, the place has taken a new shape with the establishment of eateries, elevators among others.

12.                         Oguta lake holiday complex

Location: Oguta L.G.A, Imo State.

The lake is of fresh water and the second largest natural lake in the country after lake Chad. To complement the complex water-based recreation services, there are other interesting attractions to watch.

These include:
(a) Golf Course with 18 standard international holes.
(b) Relic of war (mini bunker) constructed by the defunct Biafran Navy during Civic war.
(c) Natural confluence of Oguta Lake and Urashi River.
(d) Cruise boat services.
(e) Golf Club Bar House/Oguta Lake Motel for refreshment, lodging and feeding.
(f) Mini-children recreation park

13.                         Azumini Blue River

Location: Abia State

Azumini Blue River has attractive features which include its crystal-clear blue water; canoe rides; sandy beaches with such relaxation facilities as chairs and tables. At the beach also, BBQ grill are delicacies provided for picnickers.

14.                         The Hills of Benue

Location: Benue State

15.                         Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: Benin City, Edo State.

The Okomu Forest Reserve is the second largest in the country after the Oban Forests in Cross River State. It was the first in the country to be protected by law for conservation in August 1985. The sanctuary contains rare species like the white-throat- ed monkey. Also present are the Mona monkey, the putty nosed Quenon, the red-cangaby, chimpanzees, elephants, bush-baby, the Potto buffalo, red river hog, duikers, horn bills, porcupines, etc.

16.                         Kainji National Park

Location: Niger State

Kainji National park is considered as a ‘three in one’ tourist destination. ‘Three in one’ refers to the distinct sectors which include:

·         Borgu Game Reserve

·         Zugurma Game Reserve

·         Kainji Lake where fishing is prohibited. It is situated in Kwara and Niger State.

17.                        Ososo Tourist centre

Location: Ososo town (on the boundary between Edo and Kogi States)

Rocks and hills are the major attraction sites here as they form beautiful scenery. On the top of a hill at Ososo, there is non-catering Rest house where a crater take of colorful fishes can be seen some distance away. Also, a wide view of parts of Kogi State to as far as the Niger can be seen when standing on the hill.

18.                        Rojenny Tourist village

Location: Anambra State

19.                         Ezeagu Tourist complex

Location: Enugu, Enugu State

Ezeagu Tourist Complex is one of the natural wonders of nature with the following attractive features:

·         A lake

·         A waterfall (spring water)

·         Various land forms with unique weather condition and exotic vegetation.

·         A cave known as Obinofia cave whose sheer size and compartments is awe-striking. The cave is almost 5km long with several tunnels branching out in different directions. Some of the tunnels are inter-connected, often opening up into large chambers.  

20.                         Surame cultural landscape

Location:Surame, Sokoto state

Again, this is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The reason is not far-fetched as Surame cultural landscape just must be mentioned when it comes to the wonders of human creativity, civilization and ingenuity. It has a palace for a village chief; Hidi and walls made of huge stones.

21.                         Gashaki-Gumpti National park

Location: Taraba State

Gashaki-Gumpti  park is Nigeria’s largest and most diverse park. It offers a fascinating insight into life in medieval times in the country. 

22.                         Ngwo pine forest

Location: Ngwo, Enugu State

You might be wondering how a forest could be among the attraction sites for visitors. Well, this forest is a unique forest dynasty with several qualities which include gentle flowing streams for lovers, beautifully set pine trees by Mother Nature, sharp twists for adventure seekers and the loud splashing of the waters inside the dark cleft inside a cave would blow off one’s imagination.

It is no doubt that tourism holds great benefits to every nation. It is therefore important to properly explore and utilize opportunities tourism offers for nation development.

Furthermore, adequate steps should be taken to ensure conservation of these natural resources as they also hold tremendous to the unborn generation. Visits to the above mentioned places should be encouraged by schools and included in their curriculum. This is one area that can help people love their country better!

Indeed, you’ll agree with me that Nigeria is beautiful!

I love Nigeria!

God bless Nigeria!