MY COUNTRY, MY PRIDE

In my spare time i like traveling, visiting people, making new friends, visiting family friends, going to places of special events, learning about cultures, traditions, customs of peoples from other lands and their languages even learning about their FOOD. SEEING ANCIENT EDIFICE draws my memory lane BACK to what happened in the PAST (how our forefathers lived, etc), thus depicting historical significance and outstanding beauty capable of awing and amusing the public. The physical evidence of genius architectural designs and brain work, coupled with themysterious dynamism of natural ingenuity makes me go-to places for memorable experiences. It lightens my spirit and makes me happy.

Obudu Mountain Resort
Obudu Mountain Resort is known as Africa’s finest and one of the most beautiful places in Nigeria, the resort is located in the highlands and deep tropical forests of Cross River State. This resort center has grown to become a major destination choice for tourists. It has an attractive landscape and calming ambiance, with clouds smiling down on its peaks and valleys. It offers visitors a good blend of warm and cold temperatures, as it has very temperate weather. The rooms in Obudu Mountain Resort are made up of chalets, standard rooms, executive rooms, huts to presidential suites. Although this resort is open to visitors throughout the year, the period between October and February is the best time to visit, as it is the time when the sky is very bright and the air is frosty. (I visited there with a family friend few months ago, I left that day because I was in a hurry to attend to other engagements). Next time opportunity presents itself, I will learn about their foods such afang, atama, edikoinko soups and others.

My State Abia, is blessed with so many beautiful places such as the Azumini River, also known as “The Blue River,” because it is touted that there is no other river in Nigeria that is as clear and blue as it is, it's surrounded by beauty, nature, lush greens and cool water, the blue river also shows a more wild and dangerous side, especially where it reaches the majestic rapids. At the rapids is the breathtaking scenery that is part of its centre of attraction, offering tourists the greatest opportunity to explore Nigeria’s natural settings in a more urbanised way.

The Blue River, neat, sparkling white, beauty, clear, lush green and cool water.

The Azumini Blue River is located in Abia state towards its boundary with Akwa Ibom state. The River has become a resort for Tourist because of the pleasantness it offers. The attractive features of the River include its crystal Clear Blue River hence it is uniquely called Azumini Blue River. It is often said and perhaps rightly so, that there is no other River in the entire country of Nigeria that is as Blue and clear as the Azumini River. The Azumini Blue River is so clear that fishes and gravels could almost be counted from the river’s bridge. There are canoe riders, and a lot of variety of consumable fish.

The river color appears as sparkling blue aqua marine (like the beautiful Caribbean sea of the Bahamas). One could see all the way to the white sandy bottom of the river several feet deep, even under moonlight. The river is most beautiful especially when the bright sunlight glistens on this river, it is pure immaculate. One can also see the very bright colourful stones and of its bed from the surface. The stones are so clear and clean that the Aba Glass Industry uses them as raw materials for their products. Along with the crystal blue waters come’s canoe rides and comfortable sandy beaches where you can choose to lie for hours on end. There are chairs and tables for picnickers as well as barbecue grills ready for the preparation of tasty fish meals.

It has a simple, but complex description, as its crystal-clear blue colour catches the eyes from afar and its calm flow will most definitely attract swimmers and all those who love water to just let go and dig in plus if you love fish, you can go ahead and count the fishes you see in the clear blue water wagging away. Some other relaxation activities that can go on there include canoe riding, picnicking, grilling barbeques and even sometimes beach parties.

Grilled Barbecued meat with African Salad enjoyed, together with palm wine. (During my visits, I do enjoy)

Crystally clear, one could see through the waters all the way to the white sandy bottom of the river several feet deep, even under moonlight. The river is most beautiful, especially when the bright sunlight glistens on it, presenting an immaculate pure scenery. One can also see the very bright colourful stones on its bed from the surface. The stones are so clear and clean that the Aba Glass Industry uses them as raw materials for their products. Also complimenting the river is another site, where one can stand and enjoy a full glare of the beauty of the Azumini River, the Azumini Hill. Aside from the Blue River, I've been able to visit few of this places with my friends though on a short visit.

Yankari Game Reserve

Yankari Game Reserve, home for various wildlife.

All roads lead to Yankari Game Reserve, in Bauchi State, North-Eastern Nigeria. Get ready to experience nature in the country?s biggest wildlife retreat. At the reserve, you will be captivated by the number of activities you can participate in. Marvel at the largest herd of elephants in the country, embark on a guided safari tour, and explore the tropical forests. At the Reserve, you?ll find different varieties of animal species including the olive baboon, patas monkey, roan antelope, western hartebeest, living in their natural habitats. After your day at the reserve, exploring the marvel of wildlife, head over to the Wikki Warm Spring. Your visit to the Yankari Game Reserve is incomplete if you don't experience the warmth of this spring.

         Zuma Rock

The rock ranks high as one of the choice tourist attractions in the Country. Zuma Rock, the monolithic Inselberg with a human face, is located in Madalla, Niger State, to the North of Abuja. It was once described as the unquestionable watchman of the F.C.T. It is the sandy concealment that hangs like a haze over Zuba Town. The other mountains in and around it stay a considerable distance from it, which the Zuba people see as a form of respect being paid by the other mountains to Zuma Rock for its royal presence in the locality.
Visiting Zuma Rock between April and October, which marks the rainy season in central Nigeria where the rock is situated, would afford you the opportunity of seeing the much talked Zuma Rock Fire, as the apex of the Zuma Rock catches fire under heavy rainfall. Over time, this has remained one of the wonders of the Zuma Rock.

Agbokim Waterfall

Agbokim Waterfalls are a series of seven cascades with a total length of 6817.73m. It is surrounded by green vegetation which is home to thousands of birds that filter the surroundings with soft chirping. Over the years, it has been regarded as the speckle of beauty in fading nature. The magnificence of the Agbokim Waterfall is more appreciated during the rainy
season. It is located at Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State in south-eastern Nigeria, on the Nigeria-Cameroon border. It is the perfect location for a picnic, family vacation, tourism, and meditation.

Agodi Gardens Oyo State
Agodi Gardens is a beautiful park in the city of Ibadan which has risen to become one of the top tourist attractions in the country. Also called Agodi Botanical Gardens, Agodi Gardens, Ibadan, the site is a serene environment on 150 acres of land. It is usually patronized by families during festive periods and weekends. Its peaceful and calm environment makes it a perfect destination for you to take a break from the hassle and reevaluate life values or hang out with friends and family. From the water parks to the animal enclosure or even just walking through the garden paths, Agodi Gardens is sure to make you forget about reality!

Nike Art Gallery

A magnificent five-story building coated in spotless white, standing high and proud in its environs, Nike Art Gallery tells its story from the outside. The fence of the compound is adorned with rare marbles. Its walls are covered in different artistic inscriptions and drawings. You immediately feel a deep sense of awe once you walk through its colorfully tattooed black gates. This historical abode ranks high in the list of bedazzling Lagos destinations.
From the inner courtyard of the gallery where you?ll find the stone sculptures, tie-dye workshop, and hanging craftworks, to the wide variety of art displayed inside the magnificent structure, you can rest assured that your love for Nigerian art will go through the roof.

Surfers at Eleko Beach
Eleko Beach
As you can expect, fun lovers enjoy a visit to the beach on the weekends. If you are looking for a quiet and reflective time at the beach, you should visit Eleko Beach on a weekday. Even though more people troupe into Eleko Beach on weekends, it generally doesn?t get as crowded as the other popular public beaches in Lagos like Elegushi Beach, Bar Beach, and Alpha Beach. Also, the huts at Eleko Beach make you people like you?re having your own private beach experience. This means, in reality, any day of a week is a good day to visit this beach.

Eleko Beach offers a peaceful retreat for privacy seekers or couples looking to enjoy a good time away from the hustle of Lagos. This public beach, located close to La Campagne Tropicana, offers private beach features bamboo huts. It is also less rowdy than other public beaches in Lagos and considered to be cleaner. It's definitely one of the few tourist attractions to offer such services.

Osun Sacred Grove
Classified as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites. This sacred forest attracts a large number of tourists as it is definitely worth visiting and is reputed to rank high in the list of tourist attractions in Nigeria. Situated on the outskirts of Oshogbo, the capital of Osun state along the banks of the Osun river. Osun state is one of the states in the South-western part of Nigeria. Majorly populated by the Yorubas who are indigenes of the state. Yoruba people believe that the Osun Sacred Grove, which spans about 75 hectares of land, is home to Osun? the goddess of fertility. A festival that celebrates this fertility goddess takes place every year in Oshogbo. You will find scattered about the forest, shrines, and effigies of different deities. In addition to that, the forest contains about 400 different species of plants that are used for medicinal purposes.
Osun shrine

New Afrika Shrine Fela
You can't mention the names of tourist attractions in Nigeria without mentioning the New Afrika Shrine. Are you thinking of taking your nightlife escapades to the next level? Then think Fela Shrine (a.k.a). The New Afrika Shrine. From the genre of music to the inspirational story-telling lyrics. Not forgetting the sacrosanct palm-wine, that will revitalize the African spirit in you.
The New Afrika Shrine, an open-air entertainment center located in Ikeja, Lagos State. It serves as the host location of the annual Felabration music festival. Currently managed by Femi Kuti and Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti it serves as a replacement of the old Afrika Shrine created in 1970 by Fela Kuti until it was burnt down in 1977. The New Afrika Shrine showcases photo galleries of Fela and musical performances by Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti. For wholesome tourism in Nigeria, visit the Fela Shrine.

There are so many beautiful places and sites to visit, relax and enjoy various delicacies in my country. This has lead to the creation of a variety of destinations and spots meant for leisure, relaxation, exploration or just sheer amusement. Nigeria stands as one of the most visited and beautiful countries in West Africa. Giving visitors and residents a time to look forward to as they explore. From the fast-growing economy to the amazing tourist sites, beautiful landscapes, fun and vibrant nightlife; these Nigerian Cities has proven to not only being beautiful but also accommodative.

Why not visit the above-mentioned places when next YOU VISIT my country? You won't REGRET YOU DID. I LOVE YOU ALL.