NIGERIA TOURISM

CROSS-RIVER STATE

2010-07-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

HISTORY

Created as former South-Eastern state on May 27, 1967, the state was renamed Cross River in February 1976. In 1987, Akwa-Ibom State was excised from Cross River State. It shares boundaries with Benue State to the north, Enugu and Abia States to the west, to the east by Cameroon Republic and to the south by Akwa-Ibom and the Atlantice Ocean.
There are 18 local government areas in the State, namely: Akpabuyo, Odukpani, Akamkpa, Biase, Abi, Ikom, Yarkur, Odubra, Boki, Ogoja, Yala, Obanliku, Obudu, Calabar South, Etung, Bekwara, Bakassi and Calabar Municipality.
There are three major language groups in Cross River State – Efik, Ejagham and Bekwara.
The cultures of the different groups in the State bear striking similarities. Each rhythm and dance expresses the inner feelings of the people which relate to particular events, festivals, or simply their way of life. Dances in Cross River State include: Ekpe, Nkwa, Obon, Udoiminyang, Abang, moninkim, Acharbor, Onat Ekertedi, Ayita, Udiang Otichui and many others.
Traditional festivals relating to farming activities are observed in Yala, Yarkurr, Obubra, Wont, Ogoja, Obudu, Obanliku and Boki local Government areas. These festivals are observed annually to celebrate the rich harvest of the season.
The Cross River State economy is predominantly agricultural and is sub-divided into two sectors – the public and the private sectors. The private sector is dominated by local subsistence farmers while the public sector is run by the Government and features large plantations and demonstration farms.

TOURISTS SITES

Obudu Ranch Resort

The Obudu Cattle Ranch now known as the Obudu Mountain Resort is found in the Obaniku Local Government area of the northern part of Cross River State. It is an area where the wonderful work of nature can be appreciated.

TINAPA
Tinapa plays a catalytic role in establishing Calabar as a trade and distribution hub in West Africa, while at the same time providing a unique tourism experience to fast track growth of the tourism sector of Cross River State.

NATIONAL PARK OKWANGWO DIVISION

With an area of approximately 1000 Km2, the northern sector of the park, the Okwangwo Division, harbors a diverse collection of flora and fauna, several of them endemic, very rare and endangered. So far, 112 plant species have been documented...

REFOME LAKE, EBOM, ABI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

one of the largest inland fresh water lakes in eastern Nigeria. Popular for a traditional fishing festival. Two open fishing seasons are recognized and celebrated. The first season is referred to as "Ntuefo" and involves the use of cast net...

PEACE PARK, CALABAR

The Peace Park is but one of the several places in this heart charming state that one can relax in. Like the 5. Cross River National Park, Oban Division:This sector of the park covers an area of approximately 3000 Km2. It is contiguous with the Korup National Park in the Republic of Cameroun. This is one of the most ornithologically diverse sites in Nigeria. Over 350 bird species have been recorded for this vastly under explored habitat. It is one of only 2 sites in Nigeria where Xavierâ€™s Greenbul has been recorded. The flora of the Oban Division is extremely rich, most of which have restricted distribution. Over 1,303 flowering plants, 141 lichens and 56 moss species have been recorded for this area. The forest of Oban habours a rich diversity of mammal species including the forest elephant, red colobus monkey and a Nigerian endemic.

CULTURAL FESTIVALS

CALABAR CHILDREN FESTIVAL

The Calabar Children Carnival is undisputedly the biggest and longest multi-dimensional, multi-faceted tourism leisure and entertainment programme in West Africa. Thirty-two days of exciting events, colourful activities and unprecedented participation by about one million people from all over the world.
This event has become, arguably, Nigeria’s strongest tourism brand. It is a 32-day Festival that incorporates the Carnival Calabar, the Calabar Carnival Queen Pageant, the HIV/AIDS Walk/Conference, an African Weekend at the Obudu Ranch Resort, musical concerts featuring local, national and international artistes, a Cultural Fiesta, Boat Regatta, Christmas Camp for children, Children Carnival, Christmas Village, African Food Expo, Fashion Shows, Film Festival, Carol Night, Golf and Soccer tournaments, Fireworks, etc.
The Carnival attracts over 100,000 costumed revelers and well over a million spectators, both local and international.

THE LEBOKU NEW YAM FESTIVAL

This is an event that showcases the culture and tradition of the Yakurr people in the Central part of Cross River State. It is a celebration of the New Yam and holds in August. It attracts the interest of both the indigenes of the area in the Diaspora and tourists alike from different parts of the world. The Festival is a three-week compendium of activities that culminate in a glamorous grand finale featuring traditional parades of the chiefs and maidens dressed in colourful attires. There is also the exhibition of yam harvest as well as traditional wrestling contests. Recently, a football competition and a beauty pageant has become part of the festivities. The activities take place in Ugep in the month of August each year.

CALABAR FESTIVAL/CARNIVAL

The Calabar Festival/Carnival (formerly Cross River State Christmas Festival/Carnival) is undisputedly the biggest and longest multi-dimensional, multi-faceted tourism leisure and entertainment programme in West Africa. Thirty-two days of exciting events, colourful activities and unprecedented participation by about one million people from all over the world.
This event has become, arguably, Nigeria’s strongest tourism brand. It is a 32-day Festival that incorporates the Carnival Calabar, the Calabar Carnival Queen Pageant, the HIV/AIDS Walk/Conference, an African Weekend at the Obudu Ranch Resort, musical concerts featuring local, national and international artistes, a Cultural Fiesta, Boat Regatta, Christmas Camp for children, Children Carnival, Christmas Village, African Food Expo, Fashion Shows, Film Festival, Carol Night, Golf and Soccer tournaments, Fireworks, etc.

THE CALABAR QUEEN PAGEANT

CALABAR OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

The game of golf has developed tremendously in Nigeria. CRSG seeks to contribute to the continuous growth of this game, which some erroneously see as elitist. The Calabar Open Golf championship is designed to foster greater bonding, communication, social cultural and business activities amongst people of varying social and business classes. The Championship features both professional and amateur golfers of various categories, including ladies. It holds during the Easter period and dove-tails into the Easter Concert, where prizes are awarded to deserving winners.

In Clabar we have some facilities like:

The Calaber Marina Pano

The Boat Club

The Cable Car

And so many more, you can visit to see for yourselve..........................

BAUCHI STATE (PEARL OF TOURISM)

2010-07-15T06:10:00.000-07:00

Bauchi State is located in the Northeastern part of Nigeria and is an agricultural State. Its vast fertile soil is an advantage for agricultural products which includes maize, rice, millet, groundnut and guines corn. Cattles and other livestock are also reared in the State. Bauch State is a heterogenous State with predominant tribes like Hausa, Fulani, Jarawa, Tangale, Waja, Balewa, Sayawa and Tarewa.Bauchi State is divided into 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs). They are:Alkaleri, Bauchi, Bogoro, Damban, Darazo, Dass, Ganjuwa, Giade, Itas/Gadau, Jama'are, Katagum, Kirfi, Misau, Ningi, Shira, Tafawa Balewa, Toro, Warji, Zaki. Bauchi state is indeed known as pearl of tourism……….

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Aside cultural festivities, bauchi state is known for its arts and crafts which include beautiful embroidered caps and gowns (known as babbanriga), fibre craft, and decorated calabashes. It is also very versatile in the production of metal works (such as weaponry), agricultural tools, pottery, and leather works. The leather works include the production of sitting poufs, bags, footwaers, footballs. Mat weaving is also a common craft in several Local Government Areas like Zaki, Ningi, Misau, etc.

The outstanding festivals include Durbar whose main feature is horse racing. The durbar features the parade of horses from the Eid-prayer ground to the palace of the traditional rulers where the horse-racing and other display of horse manship takes place.

Other festivals are the Kyaro war dance performed by the Warji ethnic groups, Afizere dance a traditional dance of the Jarawa people of Toro Local Government, Takai dance which is popular among the Hausa-Fulanis, Ngat-al-Bajar dance popular among the people of Dass Local Government, Lawurba dance peculiar to Sayawa people of Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Governments, and Amanya, a naming ceremony festival among the Badawa people in Zaki Local Government.

The people of Bauchi State are know for their traditional wrestling and boxing dexterity, which attracts participants even from neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroon Republics. The traditional wrestling is known as Kokowa while the traditional boxing is called Dambe.
Aside these festivals, the state also holds the Bauchi State Festival of Arts and Culture (BAFEST). This annual event is held among Local governments. It includes a display of various traditions of the people of the state in the fields of traditional dances, music, arts, crafts, and fashion designs, as well as inventions and innovations.

ATTRACTIONS IN BAUCHI STATE

Bauchi state is endowed with different types of attractions. These attractions include:

GUBI DAM:

The dam is a major source of potable water supply to Bauchi metropolis and its surroundings. It provides a total of 10 million gallons per day to the state. This site is serene and provides an enchanting view of the surrounding rocks. Apart from being a source of drinking water, it also serves as a source of water for irrigation.

SUMU WILDLIFE PARK:

Park in Ganjuwa Local Government. Other places of interest that abound in the state are the palaces in the six emirates.

TUNGA DUTSE:

A rock with more elaborate engravings than the Marshall caves. Legible writings cover an area on the sandstone rock embarkment of about 4m in length in Dwall River. The writings are legible; however, their age and meanings have not yet been determined.

ALKALERI MARKET:

An important attraction beside the national park at Yankari is the large Sunday market at Alkaleri Town. The market which is mainly for marketing grains and cattle also presents both locally manufactured and imported materials as well as gift and craft items. A visit to the market will reveal that most of the ingredients used in preparing traditional dishes and snacks. Close again is the Mainamaji village which provides tourists the opportunity to see the Fulani settlements in their natural environment.

GEJI ROCKS AND ITS PAINTINGS

This is another beautiful work of nature. It is located about 20 kilometers off Bauchi-Jos road and a further 10 kilometer drive northwards. The Rock paintings were probably the works of hunters or herdsmen who used the overhanging rocks as temporary shelter. It gives an insight into the form of ancestral art of the people. The Marshall cave named after the British Conservationist who discovered the caves in 1956 were considered a safe haven against animals and invaders during inter tribal wars. An interesting feature of the route is the presence of baobab trees with barks striped at the base. The tree barks are used for making ropes and jute bags used carrying farm produce by the communities in the area.

YANKARI GAMES RESERVE

Yankari Games Park in Bauchi State presents one of the landmark resource centres in Africa. The Park was built in1956 but was officially opened to the public in 1962. The Park is located around Gaji river in Alkaleri Local Government Area approximately 110 kilometers south-east of Bauchi Town. The gate to the park is located at Mainamaji village, about 43 kilometers to the park itself. It is a home of numerous endangered species with about 50 species of mammals including two categories of Elephants- the short nosed and long-curved tusks species, the dog-faced baboons, cheetahs, monkeys, rhinos, giraffes, ostriches, peacocks, lions, leopards, hyenas, buffaloes, roans’ antelopes, water bucks etc. The reserve’s water is a habitat to over 47 species of fishes, lots of hippopotamus and crocodiles. The park has over 350 species of birds making the Yankari one of the richest animal kingdoms in the world. Apart from its animal habitat, Yankari also contains many archeological, historical and cultural sites which combine to add beauty to its attraction as a tourist haven. The Yankari National Park is the premier game reserve in Nigeria. Yankari Park and Wikki Warm Springs are located around the Gagi River, approximately 1 1/2 hours by road, southeast of Bauchi Town. The beauty and size of The Yankari Game Reserve make it the most pop¬ular reserve in Nigeria. Set up in 1956 and opened to the public in 1962, the main game-viewing areas of the reserve are open all year round. Japanese, Western Europeans, Americans and Southeast Asian tourists visit this park in abundance. The reserve covers 2,058 sq. km. of savanna wood¬land and is well-stocked with elephants, baboons, waterbucks, bushbucks, oribi, crocodile, hippopotamus, roan antelope, buffalo and various types of monkeys. Lions are occasionally spotted as well, despite their natural cam¬ouflage. The best time to visit is between November and May, when tourists are likely to see more game since the dense vegetation has dried out and the animals congregate around the rivers.
The Wikki Warm Springs is one of the best features of the game reserves. Flood-lit at night, it is wonderful after a hot day’s game-viewing to relax in the warm water. The spring gushes out from under a cliff, where the water is at least 6 ft. deep, with a bathing area that extends for 600 ft. to an open area. The park is inhabited by a variety of birds, including the huge sad¬dlebill stork, golliath heron, bateleur eagle, vultures, kingflshers, bee-eaters and more. It is excellent for serious bird-watchers.

DUKKEY WELLS

Dukkey wells- were discovered by ancient men called the “Dukkeyed” people. About 132 wells are found dug in red sandstone area; 31 kilometer North West of Wikki Camp along Maimaji road. The wells were named after the famous dukkey slave transit camp established during the 19th century slave trade. The site was first used by the slaves and their masters when travelling from Dugum to Pali. The Wells were then believed to have been dug by the slaves and were used for water storage. According to Gloria who explains how people of the 19th century developed their own technology of reserving water to cope with water problems in the savannah.

MARSHAL CAVE

The Marshal cave was discovered by a British Conservationist known as Marshal. It has a length of 200 metres, is 10 metres deep, and between 30 and 80 metres wide. There are various caves of various sizes which are believed to have served as a settlement many centuries ago sheltering communities from wild animals and invaders.

MBULA ROCK (SACRED ROCKS OF DASS)

Dass is 48 kilometres from Bauchi town. Its people were believed to have been living in the present location since ancient times. The first Emir of Bauchi waged war against them, but could not defeat them because of the strong defense they had around them assisted by the famous Bula hill. At the foot of the sacred rocks are the remnants of the old buildings of the first’s Chief’s palace and his mosque.

NASARAWA STATE (NIGERIA’S HOME OF SOLID MINERALS)

2010-07-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

NASARAWA STATE (NIGERIA’S HOME OF SOLID MINERALS)
The State was created out of the old Plateau State on October 1, 1996, is situated within the Benue and Plateau highlands and is very close to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It shares common borders with Kaduna State in the south-west, Kogi State in the south and Abuja in the west.
The State is made up of various ethnic groups who have a common history and share similar social and cultural ideologies. These Ethnic Groups include: Afo, Agatu, Akye, Alago, Baribari, Bassa, Egbura, Eggon, Fulani, Gade, Gbagyi, Gwandara, Hausa, Jukun, Kanuri, Mada, Mighili, Ninzom, Arum, Rindei, Yeskwa and Tiv.
The State has some of the most beautiful sites and landscapes in the world. They include beautiful hills, striking and unique natural lakes, well built and fascinating Doma Dam, the magnificent Farin Ruwa waterfalls, Springs, Rivers and Wildlife. Nasarawa people are very hospitable and have a very rich cultural history.
In each Local Government of the state, there are different types of attractions. To mention but a few, we have here shown below some of the attractions in different Local Government and locations……..

1. AGIDI

Eggon Angbne (Eggon Hills)
Neko Hills
Missionary Settlement
First Eggon Chiefs Palace
Eholo Ezhim
River Mada Bridge
Eggon Hills
Mada station

2. AGWADA
Fishing Ponds
Local Pottery Centre
Cloth Weaving Centre
Blacksmith Works
Agwada Hills/Rock formation
Bassa Zarangi
Igwor
Kana
Apawu
Agwada.

3. AKUN

Cambell Tomb
Ende Cave
Anwenshe Akuadne (Breasted Girl stone figure)
Eggon Hills

4. FARIN RUWA

Farin Ruwa Falls
Bibal Water Falls
Gwor Hill
Marhai/Massange
Mangar
Marhai

FARIN RUWA FALLS

Farin Ruwa waterfall is found in Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. It is located between the boundary of Bokkos and Wamba local council areas of Plateau and Nasarawa States respectively.
The Farin Ruwa waterfalls is about 120 kilometers away from Lafia, the state capital and 30 kilometres away from Wamba, the local government headquarters. The nature and beauty of the waterfalls take the breath away. It is a truly magnificent work of nature incomparable with other waterfalls in Nigeria. This is because of its high level falls which is about 150 metres high and 50 meters wide. Nasarawa State government is currently working on a block of chalets to ensure tourists and other visitors’ adequate accommodation near the waterfalls. A golf course is also in the works for the area.
The force of its gushing water is so torrential that it can be mistaken for while smoke, earning it the name “Farin Ruwa” a literal translation of “White water” in Hausa language .Farin Ruwa is a wonderful place of interest, a place where the water is as white as anything u can think of……………

AKIRI SALT VILLAGE

Akiri village in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State is about 145 kilometres away from Lafia, the capital of the State. The salt deposits are around the Akiri Warm Spring. Local salt miners use the spring water for salt processing.

ARA ROCK

Ara Rock is located at Ara town, in the Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state. It is found at about 12 kilometres away from Nasarawa town and about 220 kilometres away from the state capital, Lafia. The rock measures about 120 metres from the ground.
The Ara Rock, which stands magnificently as a tower facing the Ara town, is beautiful and fascinating in appearance. The rock attracts many people on sightseeing visit to Ara town. Legends abound about the Ara Rock. Settlers of Ara town worship annually on the rock and hold a festival of cultural displays.

EGGON HILLS AND CAVES

The Eggon Hills and Caves are found in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area. They are a range of hills over 300 metres at some peaks. They have the appearance of Kopjes and Inselbegs. Apart from the striking beautiful scenery they offer, they have so many historical sites with settlements. They also have natural geographical features and wildlife for tourism adventures.
They are water springs and caves which have great and interesting historical references.

Pay a visit to Nassarawa State today...................

NIGERIA CULTURE AND TOURISM

2010-07-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

One of the great diversity of people and culture, Nigeria has distinguished herself over the centuries in the field of arts. Nigerian versatility in art is so great that it is generally felt that all African nations should view Nigeria as the principal trustee of the most durable fruits of black artistic genius. It is not precisely known when the first works of Nigerian art reached the outside world, but in 1897, following a British punitive expedition to Benin, over 2,000 Benin bronzes and ivories were shipped to England and later dispersed all over Europe and America.
The oldest sculptures found in Nigeria were from the Southern Zaria and Benue areas of central Nigeria. They consist of terracotta figures and figurines made by a people who achieved a high degree of cultural sophistication. These sculptures, together with other cultural elements, have been named the Nok Culture. Evidence shows the Nok people had knowledge of iron smelting and adorned themselves with tin and stone beads, earrings, noserings and bracelets. The Nok Culture is dated between 500 B.C. and 200 A.D. The next known phase of Nigerian cultural evolution was Igbo Ukwu bronze casting. Found in the small village of Igbo-Ukwu, near Awka, the casts date from the 9th Century A.D. They first came to light in 1938 and consist of staff heads, crowns, breastplates, pendants, ornaments, anklets, wristlets and chains.About the same time the Igbo-Ukwu people were casting bronze, the ancient Ife people were also producing works in bronze, copper, and terracotta. In the first quarter of this Century, Ife works caused a great stir among world art critics and historians who were unaccustomed to such naturalism in African art. The best known Nigerian artworks are the Benin Antiquities. Legend recounts how the Benin people learned the art of bronze casting from Ile-Jfe around 1400 A.D. Oba Ogunta, the sixth King of Benin, is credited with having encouraged this art in Benin.
Nigeria's cultural heritage is woven from threads of history and diversity, legend and conquest. Tourists visiting the country will gain insights to a glorious past as well as a promising future, set amid the natural beauty of this diverse country. From rain forests in the south, broad savanna woodlands in the center to a semi-desert region in the north, Nigeria offers a remarkable range of physical beauty in her land and hospitality of her people, ready to be enjoyed by the tourist fortunate enough to choose this land of ancient empires as their travel destination.
Nigeria is a vast country with a population of about 120 people covering about 923,768 sq.km of landmass, located wholly within the tropics. The country aptly described as the 'Giant of Africa' is richly endowed with ecological and cultural resources, which are of universal recognition. The richness and diversity of the Nigeria culture is a manifestation of the socio-cultural differences of the over 250 ethnic groups that inhabit the land for ages.
Tourism is one of the growing sectors the Nigerian economy. The industry was accorded priority status in 1990 when the National Tourism Policy was launched. The main thrust of Government policy on tourism was to generate foreign exchange earnings, create employment opportunities, promote rural enterprises and national integration among other things.
In recognition of the immense contributions of tourism to the national economy, the country's Vision 2010 set year 2005 as the nation's year of tourism. The obvious implication of this development is that tourism policies and programmes will now be aimed at making Nigeria the "Ultimate Tourism Destination in Africa" by the year 2005.