S.E.E. NIGERIA

Ekaabo Lagos the City of Aquatic Splendour

www.afrotourism.com

Issue 01

April 2016

Plan Ahead!

ATA’s 41st

ANNUAL WORLD CONGRESS NOVEMBER 2016 Kigali, Rwanda

For more information: Contact your International Tourism Consulting Team

22 CONTENTS 06

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Untapped Nigeria Nigeria’s tourism industry is largely untapped. We bring you unseen sites, unheard of cultural activities, historical landmarks and lots more…

08 Ekaabo Ekaabo means ‘Welcome’. This is an exploration of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial centre as it showcases itself as the city of aquatic splendour…

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lavours of Nigeria F Our meals define us as Nigerians, and a shared good meal opens up conversations among strangers. Take in some of these sumptuous flavours…

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he Osun -Osogbo Grove T The Osun-Osogbo festival holds annually at the Osun-Osogbo grove. The grove was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

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igerian Festivals and Events N Our festivals are some of the highlights of our cultural heritage - from the world renowned Calabar carnival to the Ikeji Arondizuogu…

20 Museums in Nigeria From the Slave History Museum, to the National Museum, Nigeria has a plethora of museums andheritage sights that preserve her diverse cultures.

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The Lekki Conservation Centre

Editorial

The trail stretches a length of 2 Km. Some of the side attractions along the trail are swamp outlook, bird hide, rest stops and the tree house.

Amazing Nigeria

T

ourism in Nigeria is mainly untapped and Afro Tourism daily brings this to limelight, enlightening and inviting people across the world to come, see and experience the beauty that lies in the most populous black nation. We tell the stories and capture the scenery that defines Africa’s mindblowing sights. Partner with us on this journey as we embark on an adventure that will remain embedded in your memories.

Your journey through and around Africa begins with the first step. It begins with Afro Tourism, as the true sense of nature is unleashed through our phenomenal concept.

There are over 50 museums and heritage sites that educate, preserve and promote the diverse cultures in present day Nigeria.

Our aim with S.E.E. Nigeria is simply to make you fully appreciate Nigeria. From the festivals, events and attractions of the country, to some of the living historical sites such as OsunOsogbo grove - known for its century long undisturbed forest that is home to some endemic monkeys. Nigeria’s commercial centre Lagos is largely the world’s entry point into Nigeria, have a taste of this beautiful island city by exploring its aquatic lifestyle. From fishing to boat rides, cruises and extreme water activities, Lagos is indeed Nigeria’s centre of excellence. To learn about Nigeria’s involvement with the slave trade, endeavour to visit The Slave History Museum. Other museums include the National Museum in Akure which educates on the different ethnic groups, languages and cultures among others.

There are over 50 museums and heritage sites that educate, preserve and promote the diverse cultures in present day Nigeria.

On the art and creative scene, we are well known for our award-winning musicians who have taken Afrobeat to the world’s music chart. Come and celebrate this Nigerian artistry by being a part of any of our cultural festivals such as the Felabration. Nigeria’s other interesting festivals include the Calabar Carnival “Africa’s biggest street party” which is a full month affair that attracts thousands of local and international tourists; and the Ikeji Arondizuogu Festival, held annually as a thanksgiving and feasting celebration in Igbo communities.

Truth is, some of these festivals date back decades, so, not only are you celebrating the present, you will also be experiencing age long traditions.

Plan your holiday to Nigeria today for your business, pleasure or honeymoon and feel the warm reception of the happy people of Nigeria and the appreciation of its scintillating history and diverse culture.

We are Afro Tourism …a traveler’s guide to untapped Africa.

Miriam Chiazor

Content Editor

Issue 01 - march 2016 Publisher Afro Tourism content editor Miriam Chiazor SUB EDitor Chinenye Egwuonwu, creative writers Omoniyi David, Sam Adeleke, Michael - Alvin Usifo, Layout and Design Ariyo Olasunkanmi

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UNTAPPED NIGERIA

Untapped Usifo Mike-Alvin

W

ell it’s awkward, but the name Nigeria came from the combination of “Niger” (the country’s longest river) and “Area”.

rich flora and fauna, ancient sites, unbelievable monuments to lovely and hospitable people. The question is, how many of these do you know?

It first appeared in print in The Times in 1897, and was suggested by the paper’s colonial editor Flora Shaw who would later marry Fredrick Lugard, the first Governor General of the Amalgamated Nigeria. Interestingly, the combination brought the incredible peoples of the area together and harnessed their diversity, beautiful natural gifts, and incredible culture and beauty.

Cross-Rivers’ Tinapa and Obudu Mountain resort beckons with irresistible appeal.

Bauchi’s Yankari Game Reserve, Lagos Beaches, Niger’s Gurara Falls, Osogbo’s ancient grove, Abeokuta’s Olumo Rock, Idanre’s hill etc., are Nigeria’s popular tourist destinations. However, there are some hidden jewels, I mean Un-tapped places that are potential tourist epicentres that are still less known, in this piece I’ll like to show you around so that when next you consider visiting a touristy place in Nigeria, you can try an off-the-beaten path!

Today, Nigeria is a haven of great attractions, from incredible caves, amazing waterfalls, gapping mountains, botanical gardens and parks glowing with

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CROSS RIVER NATIONAL PARK Nigeria’s last Great Rainforest Reserve, the Cross River National Park covers a total area of 4000km of mainly primary moist tropical rainforest ecosystem in the north and central parts, and montane mosaic vegetation on the obudu plateau. An important biotic reserve which contain one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Cross Rivers National Park is one of the 25 UN acclaimed biodiversity hotspots in the world. The park exists in two district non-contiguous divisions: Oban and Okwangwo.

Nigeria Farin Ruwa, Nasarawa State In Hausa, Farin Ruwa means “White Water,” that’s exactly what this irresistible waterfall in Nasarawa state is. By height, Farin Ruwa dwarfs the popular Victoria Falls. Here, the water drops 150 metres (492 ft) compared with Victoria Falls’ 108 metres (354 ft). For the pains of navigating through Wamba Council Area to get to the site, Farin Ruwa offers a magical experience and an ecstatic feeling that only a visit there can give. As you stand by the polished brown-coloured rocks and watch the whitish foam water cascade from above to the ground, the waterfall’s awesome grandeur will simply leave you agape.

Anwase-Abande Ranges, Benue State The temperate weather, scenic hills, forests, valleys and streams that flow freely at Anwase-Abande Ranges define the uniqueness of this Nigerian untapped tourists’ attraction. The Ranges share borders with the popular Obudu-Cameroon range. If you are considering a camping or picnic site, surrounded by stunning views, this is unarguably one of your best bets.

Azumini Blue River, Abia State This crown-jewel tourist attraction in Abia State is a river with crystal-clear blue water—like the beautiful Caribbean Sea of the Bahamas, and rosescented refreshing smell. By the River, you’ll find luxurious near-pink fine

sand beaches. With an attractive rest area and mini resort for tourists, Azumini Blue River offers impeccable relaxation opportunity to all leisure travellers.

Oxbow Lake, Bayelsa State Bayelsa’s Ox-bow Lake is a beanshaped Lake that has been kept pristine overtime. A neatly tarred road that leads to a wide circular platform connects visitors to the Lake.

Rimmed with numerous barbecues, suya and drink vendor stands as well as well-arranged sitting chairs and tables and other choice touristic facilities. The awe-inspiring Ox-bow Lake is Bayelsa’s tourism’s ‘selling points’ and plans are on to designate the area as entertainment and leisure zone. At Ox-bow Lake is you can have a nice time at the recreational parks, go for a boat ride, swim, relax and generally get refreshed

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LAGOS WATER REGATTA

FEATURE ARTICLE

Ekaabo Lagos the City of Aquatic Splendour Chinenye E-Egwuonwu

L

agos is home to many and is regarded as Nigeria’s centre of excellence. Located in South-Western Nigeria, Lagos is bounded on the west by the Republic of Benin, and Ogun State to the north and east. The Atlantic Ocean provides a coastline to Lagos on the south.

With a sizable portion of just about 3,577 square kilometres, 787 square kilometres of this is made up of water mainly categorised as lagoons and creeks including: Lagos Lagoon, Lagos Harbour, Five Cowrie Creek, Ebute-Metta Creek, Porto-Novo Creek, New Canal, Badagry Creek, Kuramo Waters and Lighthouse Creek. It is no wonder that Lagos is the perfect stage for playing host to various water activities and often tagged the city of aquatic splendour.

For a bit of history, Lagos means “lakes” in Portuguese, the language of the first European-settlers known to visit the settlement, then already inhabited by the Awori people, in 1472. From

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the first contacts with the region until the early 20th century, another Portuguese name for the city that was interchangeably used was Onim, before finally abandoned in favour of the now anglicised Lagos.

Fishing Fisheries research by earlier scientists reveals diverse species of fishes in the Lagos waters. Lagos Lagoon alone is made up of about one hundred and fifteen (115) species of fin fishes in seventy-nine (79) genera, forty-nine (49) families, seventeen (17) orders, two (2) classes and (1) super-class (Gnathostomata).

In addition, there are four (4) species of decapod crustaceans (shell fishes) in three (3) families.The lagoon is more than 50 km long and 3 to 13 km wide, separated from the Atlantic Ocean by long sand spit 2 to 5 km wide, which has swampy margins on the lagoon side. Its surface area is approximately 6,354.7 km².

Some of Lagos fishing waters are fairly shallow and are not plied by ocean-going ships, but by smaller barges and boats.

Fishing enthusiasts interested in fishing in Lagos waters are

Makoko Floating School

usually advised to print out the Google map and take it with them on their fishing trips. This could be one of the best fishing or outdoors adventure locations in the regions of Africa/ Middle East.

A fishing website for social fishing www.myfishmaps.com encourages outdoor fishing adventures and lists the Lagos lagoon as one of the waters their members utilise. They also encourage fishermen to share their experiences with other fish-

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B “ oat cruises are becoming the norm in Lagos for a minimal fee

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ing enthusiasts and to also submit a comment or report on their location to help out their fellow anglers. The fishing site goes a bit further to provide users with the ability to easily track fishing catches. With GPS location on the body of water, they urge fishermen and women to create fishing groups to communicate with their fishing buddies, and to tackle shops fishing schools and marines and port located near each fishing sites. The site encourages Fishermen to enter fishing contests to win fishing equipment and supplies. With Nigeria having approx 4276 maps in the Water Locations classification with many ideal fishing and outdoor locations to choose from, all have potential for catching your trophy fish such as the Northern pike, Walleye, Seabass, or Trout, or for your extreme outdoor experience Lagos Water Regatta This is undoubtedly one of the many water activities in the Lagos event calendar. A day long activity with weeks of planning, the event showcases water features and rides, with participants competing and displaying their culture and creativity.

Lagos Floating School Aquatic Life in Lagos cannot be complete without the recogtion of the above mentioned piece of architecture. Designed

by Nigerian architect Kunle Adeyemi with support from the Heinrich Böll Foundation and the United Nations. Commissioned as a pilot project, the building is a three-storey wooden structure and it can accommodate 100 primary-school children at a time.

Makoko the community where the school is located was established in the 18th century primarily as a fishing village. Now Makoko is known as Nigeria’s oldest slum. The community is largely overlooked by the government and once regarded as an illegal settlement. Today it boasts of a population of about 100,000. Makoko community has almost no roads, no land and no formal infrastructure to support its day-to-day activities. At least half of the 4,000 structures in the community are built solely on water and supported by stilts.

Boat Cruises A boat cruise is a fun way to relax at the end of a hectic day. Lagos as the centre of excellence comes with the territory as the place where a busy lifestyle overtakes that of relaxation with many alluding the city to business and money making above all. However, it is also a cliché that Lagos is the one city in Nigeria where there is fun like no other.

From Ikorodu waters to the Island, boat rides are becoming the norm in Lagos. As a means of transportation, you could ride from point A to B for a minimal fee to beat the hectic Lagos road traffic.

Beaches Lagos alone can boast of over ten beaches. Some are homes to some of the best resorts while others function alone as just a beach or a seaside place of relaxation. Characterised by white sands and serene environment, Lagos beaches are without a doubt one of the tourist attractions that keeps bringing people back to the metropolitan city.

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FLAVORS OF NIGERIA

Nkwobi

Nkwobi is a traditional eastern Nigerian delicacy that is enjoyed by all

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Moi-Moi – a savoury pudding of beans, red oil, salt, and other ingredients. It can be eaten alone or complimentarily with rice, pap, garri, among others. Moi-moi is common to south-west Nigeria.

Tuwo shinkafa – Fluffy Tuwo Shinkafa, made from rice flour, is a northern Nigerian delicacy usually enjoyed with Miyan Taushe, spicy Groundnut soup or Egusi soup.

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Edikanikong – a Cross-river state special soup made from a mixture of Ugwu (fluted pumpkin leaf), gbure (waterleaf), fish, meat and periwinkle.

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Nigeria

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Nigeria, the most populous black nation on earth and as we say, is not big for nothing. With over 250 ethnic nationalities, tribes and culture, won’t you be surprised if it does not parade a commensurate number of cuisines?

From the north to the south, Nigeria indeed boasts of a unique variety of dishes and delicacies. Even Nigerians in diaspora always relish the taste, quality and richness of Nigerian food whenever they see it on TV, online or print.

And the longing never stops. In this piece, we journey across the length and breadth of Nigria to highlight the spectacular dishes and culinary experiences from each region. Welcome to the flavours of Nigeria!

Roasted Plantain (Boli) and Roasted fish – there are several ‘versions’ of this highly coveted Nigerian snack. Port Harcourt residents will tell you that you are yet to experience the spicy side of life if you haven’t tasted the Rivers state version of Boli and roasted fish.

Popcorn and groundnuts - Some call it ‘Man Power’, while others call is ‘Life saver’. It’s a great on-the-go snacker; delicious and irresistible.

Banga – a native soup of Nigeria’s Urhobo ethnic group, made with seafood, assorted beef and palm fruit. It is best enjoyed with “starch” or eba.

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OSUN OSOGBO GROVE

Osun Osogbo Grove::;:

Between Art and Festival Usifo Mike-Alvin

M

yths and legends are a part of African history. Verifiable or not, they remain essential parts of the fabric that holds the society together. There are many myths surrounding the Osun goddess and a visit to the Osun-Osogbo grove at Isale Osun in Osogbo is one way at getting close to the facts behind the myths.

Osun-Osogbo grove is synonymous with the Osun-Osogbo festival that holds at the site annually. However, beyond the festival, the grove is a place of living history; a large cultural landscape of century-long undisturbed forest. The grove is also an unspoilt site, featuring deciduous forests, some endemic monkeys, other rich flora and fauna, and incredible artistic feats, all fed by the abundant Osun water.

Since its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, the grove has continued to receive tourists from across the globe, with the largest single gathering occurring during the annual festival.

A visit to the grove unveils an incredible appreciation of artistic feat of the people of Osogbo. A cool weather, incredible sculptures, and birds making sonorous sound welcome you to the sacred grove from the outer gate. As you approach the main entrance, you start seeing endangered white-throated monkeys, some displaying acrobatic skills on trees that lines the sides of the main road leading to the main grove, others simply perch on some of the sculptures, looking painstakingly at you with eyes asking: “what did you bring?”

At the main entrance is a sculpture shaped like an arch, looked at closely, one sees the image of a lady (probably mermaid) in a resting position, almost arched-shaped though seen resting on what looks like a tripod. But that’s not really what it is, the sculpture actually is a flying tortoise motif! It is one of the most recent contributions of the New Sacred Art team to the site. While explaining the idea. Susanne Wenger said “In many cultures the tortoise represents matter—the opaque and heavy aspects of the divine. But nothing can keep its heaviness intact when entering the precincts of Osun’s influence.”

The flying tortoise motif is one of the many artistic displays to be encountered at the grove. Interestingly, these artistic feats have been used to honour some Yoruba deities (orisa) as a way of preserving the ancient culture, religious practices as well as history of the people.

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THE osun osogbo maiden

More artistic is the “Oja Ontontoo” or “the Marketplace”. It’s a mythological market where men and spirit being interact. It’s like an amphitheatre made of large flat rock surface populated by larger than life sculptures. The scene captures drummers, hunters, an elephant rider, a large mother stretched out on the ground with her

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Botanists,nature and plant lovers generally will find the 400 species of plants incredibly thrilling

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oja ontonto

The entire grove is no doubt emblematic of Yoruba culture, however, the section with the metal gate that stretches into the Osun courtyard where the temple, the Osun shrine and the river side altar are located hold particular significance being the main centre of the Osun-Osogbo festival. There are two palaces there. The oldest palace is where the first Ataoja (Oba) of Osogbo settled. Inside this palace are the Osun shrine and the temple—home of the over 500 year-old sacred stone stool of the Ateoja.

Close to the gate leading into the Osun courtyard’s entrance is a footpath rightward that leads to a spring bridge constructed by the British colonialists around 1935. From the bridge, one can have a panoramic view of the sacred river Osun and the surrounding grove.

Religious buffs will find the five sacred divisions in the grove, nine worship points, forty shrines, several sculptures, artworks and their significant links interesting. Botanists, nature and plant lovers generally will find the 400 species of plants incredibly thrilling, art lovers will be wowed by the numerous incredible sculptures, while historians and lovers of history and culture will have their full connecting with the vivid history there. Whatever your interest, the Sacred Osun Grove is generally a welcoming spot. What you must not forget to bring however is your camera.

Being at the site during the annual Osun Osgbo Festival is an entirely different experience. The calm atmosphere usually comes alive with different activities, as the Osun Riverbed kisses the feet of many festivalgoers. This is when Cameramen try to have the best shots, white-cladded devotees hold praise sessions, priests pray for worshipers and huge crowd of worshipers press to have the priestesses fill their kegs with the sacred water, while others eagerly press to offer gifts to the Osun goddess in acknowledgment of its deeds.

The main highlight of the festival comes around noon when the Arugba—the maiden who carries the festival (sacrificial) calabash (tray), walks into the grove.

It is expected that on sighting the Arugba, Osun faithfuls would pray to the goddess. The symbolic Calabash that the Arugba carries takes these prayers alongside the sacrifice to the goddess. This probably explains why tons of heads usually swing everywhere the Arugba goes as everyone tries to catch a glimpse of her as she moves around the grove guided by Osun priests. Her trip ends at the sacred shrine in the palace where the final rites are performed.

small child, snakes and tortoises-all representing the spirits that come from the forest, out of the earth and from the trees. The idea was to create an intimate amphitheatre where dance and drumming performances will be performed with the sculptures used as chairs and resting places.

The Osun-Osogbo Festival is however not about the rites alone, those with a different belief are free to forgo the rite and dig into the fun as the festival is usually characterised by thrilling entertainment with celebrities drawn from everywhere.

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NIGERIAN FESTIVALS

“ PARTICIPANT AT THE CALABAR CARNIVAL

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There are several modern musical festivals such as the Felabration

NIGERIAN

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS omoniyi david

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e are a happy people. There’s no way of minimizing it. We are rambunctious in nature and love to celebrate. Little wonder, a few years back Nigerians were billed as the Happiest people in the world. Celebration is part of our makeup. Through the ages, we have always found reasons to host festivities, whether to celebrate the new yam or to honor our ancestors.

From north to south, or east to west, Nigeria hosts various festivals and events, some remote and not so popular, yet others are recognized even internationally. Here are some of the popular festivals in Nigeria every visitor should witness before leaving our shores…

• Calabar Carnival is Africa’s biggest street party which lasts the whole month of December. It is a colorful affair with floats and parades reminiscent of the Caribbean festivals. The carnival which takes place in Calabar, Cross River State draws a lot of local and international performers from around the world, attracting thousands of spectators and participants.

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• Ojude-Oba is a festival held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State in Southwestern Nigeria three days after the annual Muslim celebrations of Eid el-Kabir. Attracting several people from across the country, especially the southwest, the Ojude-Oba gets a lot of corporate sponsorship and it is being tailored for an international audience. The chief host of the festival is the monarch of Ijebu-Ode referred to as the Awujale

ofala festival kano

• Osun Osogbo Festival is an annual festival held in honor of the Yoruba river goddess Osun, a consort of Sango, a deified Alaafin of Oyo and God of thunder in Yoruba lore. Thousands of people from all over the world gather at the Osogbi sacred forest to attend the week-long festival which is held at the end of the rainy season, usually in August.

• Argungu Fishing Festival is reputed to have started in 1934 to mark the cessation of hostilities between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom. The four-day festival which takes place in Argungu, Kebbi State culminates with a competition on the last day for hundreds of participants who line up along the Argungu River.

At the sound of a gunshot, they dive into the water and try to catch the biggest fish within an hour.

• Durbar Festivals are common in Northern Nigeria and are held at the end of the Islamic festivals of Eid el-fitri and Eid el-Adha. For hundreds of years, Durbars have been staged especially in the Kano Emirate. The colorful event showcases horse riding among other activities, and it was a chance for conscripts into the army to display their gallantry and skills. Durbars have also been held for important dignitaries such as visiting Presidents and Head of States, etc.

• Igue Festival is a colorful event in Benin Kingdom which oral tradition claims was initiated to celebrate the renewal of Oba Ewuare’s magical powers. The festival also coincides with the Oba Ewuare’s marriage to Ewere. Igue is celebrated in December between Christmas and the New Year.

• Ikeji Arondizuogu Festival is acclaimed as the biggest pan-

Igbo community festival. The festival is said to date back over five centuries and is celebrated over four days in Arondizuogu-in Imo State by the Aro people who are spread throughout Igboland and into parts of Cross River State. Ikeji festival which is usually held annually in March or April, serves as a celebration of the New Yam. It is a time of propitiation, thanksgiving and feasting and it attracts Igbos from home and the diaspora.

• Ofala Festival of the Onitsha people of Eastern is an annual ceremony which bear significant semblance to the Igue Festival of the Binis. Usually celebrated over two days in October, Ofala serves as a rites of renewal for the Obi (King). The word Ofala comes from two Igbo words: ofo (authority) and ala (land). Oral tradition claims Ofala began in the 16th century when the Onitsha people emigrated from Benin bringing with them the customs and practices.

• Music Festivals such as the Felabration - is hosted annually in August to mark the birthday of the musical genius and creator of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Several states in the country are following the lead of the Cross River state which organizes the Calabar Carnival and have come up with their own variations. In Lagos, there is the One Lagos Festival.

• Art Festivals festivals are organized by various stakeholders and sponsored by several organizations in various parts of the country.

These include: fashion week shows, dramafests, film festivals, sports fiestas, book fairs, etc.

• Religious Festivals are quite popular in the country, and apart from the global ones such as Easter and Christmas among Christians, the Eids among Muslims; Nigeria hosts a couple of big conventions and congresses of Christian worshippers. Examples of these events are; the annual musical extravaganza of praise and worship tagged The Experience hosted by The House On The Rock in Lagos, and the annual Holy Ghost Congress hosted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

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MUSEUMS IN NIGERIA

Greater Heritage for a Greater Future omoniyi david

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ccording to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), there are over forty museums and outlets spread out across Nigeria under its management and oversight. These include the Institute of Archaeology and Museum Studies, Jos (Plateau State) and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa and Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove.

The National Commission for Museums and Monuments was established in 1979 to manage the collection, documentation, conservation and presentation of the national cultural properties to the public for the purpose of education, enlightenment and entertainment. The commission was created by the Federal Government with decree 77 of 1979 to replace the Federal Antiquities Department.

The National Commission for Museums and Monuments headquarters is situated in Abuja.

List and Categories of Museums managed by National Commission for Museums and Monuments NCMM

Marina Resort, Calabar PMB 1180, Cross River State

11. National Museum, Damaturu (Ethnography) Maiduguri Road, behind Cultural Centre, 1. National Museum of Colonial History, Aba Opposite Ben Kadio Housing Estate, Damaturu,

(Colonial History) Yobe State 46, Ikot Ekpene Road, Minima PMB 7116, Aba State 12. National Museum of Unity, Enugu (Ethnography)

2. National Museum, Abakaliki (Ethnography) 65, Abakaliki Road, GRA PMB 1285, Enugu, 6, St. Patrick Road, Kiriri Abakaliki, Ebonyi State Enugu State 3. National Museum, Abeokuta (Ethnography) 13. National Museum, Esie (Archaeology/ PMB 2004, Abeokuta, Ogun State Ethnography)

PMB 301, Esie, Kwara State 4. National Museum, Akure (Ethnography)

Oba Adesida Road (opposite Post Office) PMB 444, Akure, Ondo State

14. National Museum, Hong (Ethnography) Local Govt. Secretariat Complex, Hong 5. National Museum, Asaba (Colonial History) PMB 2262, Adamawa State PMB 95071, Asaba, Delta State 15. National Museum of Unity, Ibadan (Ethnography) Alesinloye Area, Ibadan PMB 5524, Oyo State 6. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Mausoleum (Life History) Kofar Ran Road, Bauchi, Bauchi State 16. National Museum, Igbo-Ukwu (Archaeology) Km 4 Umudege Ezinifite Road, Igbo-Ukwu Aguata 7. National Museum, Benin (Ethnography) LGA, Anambra State Ring Road, Benin City PMB 1115, Edo State 8. Rock Art Interpretative Centre, 17. National Museum, Ile-Ife (Archaeology) Birnin Kudu (Ethnography) Kano-Bauchi Road, Birnin Kudu, Enuwa Square, Ile-Ife PMB 5515, Enuwa, Osun State Jigawa State 18. National Museum, Ilorin (Ethnography) 14 Abdulkadir Road, GRA Ilorin PMB 1549, Kwara State 9. National Museum, Calabar (Ethnography)

Ekpo Eyo Drive, Calabar PMB 1180, Cross River State

10. Slave History Museum, Calabar (Slave Trade History)

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19. National Museum, Jos (Archaeology/Ethnography PMB 2013, Jos, Plateau State

20. Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture

(MOTNA), Jos (Architecture) Opposite High Court, Jos PMB 2931, Plateau State

Hairle Street, Old GRA (opposite Delta Hotel) PMB 5766, Rivers State

21. Zoological Gardens, Jos (Zoological) 39. National Museum, Sokoto (Archaeology) Opposite National Museum, Jos Federal Secretariat Complex, Sokoto PMB 2013, Plateau State PMB 2367, Sokoto State 22. National Museum, Kaduna (Ethnography) 40. Interpretation Centre, Sukur (Ethnography) 33, Akilu Road, PMB 2127, Kaduna State Mubi-Maiduguri Road, Madegali LGA PMB 06, Adamawa State 23. Gidan Makama Museum, Kano (Ethnography) Opposite Emir’s Palace, Kano 41. National War Museum, Umuahia (War/Military) PMB 2023, Kano State Ugunchara Road, Amafor Isinawu PMB 7074, Umuahia, Abia State 24. National Museum, Katsina (Ethnography) Kofa Uku (along Mohammadu Dikko Road) 42. National Museum, Uyo (Ethnography) PMB 409, Katsina State Ring Road II, Aka Offot (behind Ibom Hall) PMB 1109, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State 25. National Museum, Koko (Historical) Nana Living Spring Museum, Koko, Delta State 43. National Museum, Yola (Historical/Ethnography) 2, Mohammed Tukur Road, Jimeta 26. National Museum, Lafia (Ethnography) PMB 2262, Adamawa State Shendam Road (behind Deputy-Governor’s Office PMB 127, Lafia, Nasarawa State 44. Kanta National Museum, Argungu (Ethnography) Gidan Nabame, Kebbi 27. National Museum, Lagos (Ethnography) King George V Road, Onikan Apart from the museums under the management of NCMM, there PMB 12556, Lagos State are several others managed by individuals or groups, as well as local and state governments.

28. National Museum of Colonial History, Lokoja

(Colonial History) The oldest museum in Nigeria is the National Museum, Esie in PMB 1022, Lokoja, Kogi State Kwara State which was opened in 1945. The museum is reputed to have the largest collection of soapstone images in the world.

29. National Museum, Maiduguri (Ethnography)

Customs Area, Maiduguri PMB 1029, Borno State 30. National Museum, Makurdi (Ethnography)

GP 4, Ahmadu Bello PMB 102294, Makurdi, Benue State 31. National Museum, Minna (Ethnography)

Federal Secretariat Complex, Minna PMB 538, Niger State 32. National Museum, Nok (Archaeology) Kwoi-Jaba LGA, Kwoi PMB 2127, Kaduna State 33. National Museum, Oron (Ethnography) PMB 1004, Oron, Akwa Ibom State

34. National Museum, Osogbo (Natural/ Ethnography)

Ataoja’s Palace, Osogbo PMB 4376, Osun State 35. National Museum, Owerri (Ethnography) B65 Shell Camp, off Orlu Road, Owerri PMB 1585, Imo State 36. National Museum, Owo (Ethnography) Olowo’s Palace, Owo PMB 1003, Ondo State 37. National Museum, Oyo (Ethnography) Alaafin’s Palace, Oyo, Oyo State 38. National Museum, Port Harcourt (Ethnography)

S.E.E. NIGERIA |

21

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Nigerian golf star, Odoh S.E.E NIGERIA |

23

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S.E.E NIGERIA |

25

Press Release Nigerian and US Tourism Leaders Form Strategic International Partnership

WASHINGTON: Washington&Lagos: Afro Tourism, a Nigerian firm specializing in the promotion of tourism to and within the African continent, and PRIMAPACT, a US consortium of nine companies covering multiple aspects of tourism development and marketing, have created a international partnership focused on the growth of tourism to and from Africa.

“This is an exciting development,” said Funsho Peters, COO of Afro Tourism. “With our new relationship with PRIMAPACT, we anticipate being big contributors helping to increase Africa’s three percent market share of global tourism through our collective ability to generate tourism investment and development in Africa, supported by excellent marketing, media relations, advertising, and training. This opportunity will bring new expertise to African tourism advocates in their efforts to increase visitation from the key North American market, as well as other growing sources from around the world, including China.”

Stephen Richer, Managing Principal of PRIMAPACT, said, “Afro Tourism is the ideal strategic partner. The team of nine PRIMAPACT principals all feel that Africa is a region in

26

| S.E.E NIGERIA

the world in which we want to bring new investment, offer hospitality training, and increase market share throughout the continent with our range of services. We anticipate being highly visible on the African continent by working with Afro Tourism, which is already taking a leadership role in tourism on the continent by being a key player in both the Corporate Council on Africa and the United Nations World Tourism Organization.”

The partnership will be initially visible as a team at the beginning of next month, when representatives of both organizations will jointly attend the US-Africa Business Summit in Addis Ababa from February 1 – 4. The Afro Tourism booth at that event, which will also host PRIMAPACT, will be a point of contact for delegates to learn more about increasing tourism to grow national economies.

The Corporate Council on Africa, which operates the US-Africa Business Summit, is itself moving into tourism, as it has acquired the internationally respected Africa Travel Association, as a division within its scope of economic development sectors. PRESS RELEASE

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