MAJOR TOURIST CENTRES IN NIGERIA

1) Azumini Blue River Rose: Azumini Blue River Rose is located in Abia State towards its boundary with Akwa lbom State. The River has become a resort for tourists because of the pleasantness it offers. The attractive features of the river include its crystal-clear blue water; canoe rides; sandy beaches with such relaxation facilities as chairs and tables. At the beach also, barbecue grill are delicacies provided for picnickers.

 

2) The Long JuJu Shrine of Arochukwu: Arochukwu is a famous tourist destination with the cave of the famous long juju oracle as a particular attraction. The cave is believed to hold the long metal pipe through which the gods speak to the people. A traditional religionist would find the oracle quite an attraction. It is, first and foremost, a religious centre with a well-laid down administrative structure headed by a Chief Priest.

 

3) Yola Municipality: Yola is the capital of Adamawa State in the North-Eastern part of the country. The most striking impression about the town is its undulating topography of hill chains particularly the three sister hills which stand side by side and share the same height. The cultural manifestations of the town get to their climax between the months of March and May when the city celebrates its fishing festival at Lake Njuwa.

 

4) Ibeno Beach: One of the numerous fine beaches in Nigeria is the Ibeno Beach in Akwa lbom State. A lover of water sport will find the beach which stretches to James town on the Atlantic most inviting.

 

5) Ogbunike Cave: Ogbunike Cave can be described as the very wonder of nature. The cave, segmented into sections, is found in Anambra State, some few kilometres away from the Onitsha market town. There are different stories about the various sections that constitute the cave. The stories are better told by the native tour guides.

 

6) Rojenny Tourist Village: In Anambra State, just at the outskirts of Onitsha market town is found Rojenny Village, one of the leading tourist resorts in Nigeria. Among the many attractions of the village are amusement park, joy rides and sporting/relaxation facilities.

 

7) lgbo-Ukwu: Igbo-Ukwu is an ancient town which has remained an attraction to tourists because of its bronze artifacts. The bronze which was first noticed in 1938 was later excavated by Thurstan Shaw, an English archaelogist. The bronzes which date back to about the 9th century are of high value because of their historic relevance.

 

8) Yankari National Park: Yankari National Park has become the most developed Wildlife park in Nigeria with a lot of attractions for visitors. The park is famous for its variety of animals available for viewing round the year, though the animals are better watched between November and May periods of the dry season when the animals converge around the Gaji River, baboons, waterbucks, elephants, crocodiles, bushbucks, duikers, warthogs and hippopotamus are among the animals commonly seen at the park.

 

9) Wikki Warm Springs: is a famous attraction in the Yankari National Park. It is particularly prized for its warm water. It is available both night and day for tourists who cherish swimming. The National Park is located in the South-Eastern area of Bauchi, the capital town of Bauchi State in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

 

10) The Hills of Benue: Located in the middle belt region of Nigeria, Nigeria shares boundaries with Taraba State on the East; Plateau State on the North and Edo State on the West; and Anambra, Enugu, Cross River States on the South. The entire landmass presents hills of various shades and touristic appeals.

lkyogen Hills exude mild weather condition which ensures steady green vegetation and a round- the-year for the grazing of animals in the areas which is also known as Ikyogen Cattle Ranch.

Ushogbo Hills in Ushogbo town also offers clement weather condition that makes it most fulfilling spot for tourists and adventures.

Bassa Hills, like the Ushogbo Hills, are worth visiting especially for their satisfying scenery; and Swern Hills are valued for their historical linkages. The hills are believed to be the place for origin of the Tiv people.

 

11) Lake Chad: Lake Chad occupies a strategic location serving not only Borno State of Nigeria where it is located but serving also the three neighbouring countries of Niger, Cameroon, and Chad. The lake, apart from serving the agricultural and economic needs of the people, attracts a great number of tourists. Of paramount interest to tourists is the boating opportunity and visits to the numerous fishing villages in the area.

 

12) Obudu Cattle Ranch: Obudu Cattle Ranch is located in Cross River Slate towards the Nigeria-Cameroon border in the South-East. The Ranch is over 1,524m, has temperate weather condition to ensure green vegetation and grazing of cattle round the year. The Ranch is a tourist delight as a result of its divergent attractions. There are natural swimming pool, horse riding, beautiful waterfall to behold, gorilla camp, bird watching, sporting facilities and accommodation.

 

13) Agbokim Waterfalls: Some short distance away from the Nigeria-Cameroon border is the very captivating sight called Agbokim Waterfalls. The Falls situated in Cross River State lies less than 30km from Ikom and is highly recommended for picnics. The falls are pleasantly surrounded by green vegetation.

 

14) Sillicon Hill: Near the Nkpologu campus of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) is found this very important mineral deposit. The hill which is more than 300 metres above sea level and almost half a kilometre long has silica, an important raw material for the manufacture of glasses. The surrounding environment is very captivating with hills, valleys and planes beautifully wrapped up such that one cannot ignore it’s breath-taking views and awe-inspiring blend.

 

15) Mbari Cultural Centres: The home of Mbari sculptural houses is located in the past. These sculptures are robust art manifestations of the prevalent social life and a monumental art sacrifice to “ALA” the earth goddess. In Mbari, Imo State there are very many objects like the terrorising beast, the plastic forms of symbols of the prevalent deities among which is the “ALA” herself, the Amadioha (Thunder god), the Ogwugwu (forest god) each deity with his or her mystical messengers such as snakes, monkeys, rams, tortoise and owl are properly represented. A number of symbolic models were sculptured or painted. These sculptures reflect the Igbo aesthetics. The Mbari Cultural Centre is an open air museum and found in Ikenegbu layout at Owerri and at Eke-Nguru in Aboh Mbaise.

 

16) Oguta Lake Holiday Complex: The holiday complex situates in Oguta local government area of Imo State is about 40km (forty kilometres) away from Owerri, the capital of Imo State. The lake has 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:

• Golf Course with 18 standard international holes.
• Relic of war (mini bunker) constructed by the defunct Biafran Navy during the civil war.
• Natural confluence of Oguta Lake and Urashi River.
• Cruise boat services.
• Golf Club Bar House/Oguta Lake Motel for refreshment, lodging and feeding.
• Mini-children recreation park.

 

17) Birnin Kudu Rock Painting: Birnin Kudu town lies in the South of Jigawa State. Birnin Kudu is noted for the presence of rocks. Fascinating are the ancient paintings on these rocks. The different paintings have clear information on the styles of the early settlers in the area.

 

18) NOK Village: A trip to the Nok Village in Kaduna State launches visitors into physical romance with the much-talked-about culture of the Nok people. The cultures has been known for over 2,500 years. The Nok culture is better appreciated appraising the excavations made.