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  • Top 10 tourist attractions in Nigeria you should Know

    Top 10 tourist attractions in Nigeria you should Know

    Nigeria, a vibrant and culturally rich nation in West Africa, presents a myriad of tourist attractions that highlight its diverse heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and bustling cities. From dynamic urban centers to tranquil natural wonders, Nigeria’s premier destinations offer a compelling mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Catering to adventure seekers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts alike, the country’s top attractions promise unforgettable experiences and a profound appreciation of this fascinating nation.

    Here are ten (10) attractions that promise unforgettable experiences and foster a profound appreciation of this fascinating nation.

    1.      Olumo Rock

    Located in Ogun State, stands as an iconic symbol of Abeokuta, which translates to “under the rock.” This historic rock formation has served as a bastion of strength for the people of Egba Land since the 19th century. Visitors to Olumo Rock can explore natural tunnels, unique trees, cantilevers, rock gardens, and monuments that provide insights into the beliefs of its ancient settlers

    2.      Obudu Mountain Resort (Obudu Cattle Ranch)

    Located in  Obudu, Cross River State, Perched high above sea level on the Oshie Ridge within the renowned Sankwala Mountains, the Obudu Mountain Resort offers a majestic escape. With its temperate climate, awe-inspiring vistas, serene tranquility, and stunning landscapes, this resort has firmly established itself as one of Nigeria’s premier tourist destinations.

    3.      Zuma Rock

    Regarded as one of Nigeria’s top tourist attractions, Zuma Rock is a monolithic inselberg situated in Madalla, Niger State, just north of Abuja. Often described as the guardian of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Zuma Rock’s imposing presence is a sight to behold. During the rainy season, the rock sometimes catches fire, creating a captivating spectacle that draws visitors from near and far.

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    4.      Lekki Conservation Centre

       Located in Lagos State, the Lekki Conservation Centre serves as a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts seeking respite from the bustling city of Lagos. Spanning a vast 78-hectare area, this 21-year-old conservation center is managed by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and is dedicated to preserving the coastal biodiversity and natural beauty of western Nigeria.

    5.      Queen Amina’s Wall

    Located in Zaria, Kaduna State, the well-fortified walls of Queen Amina of Zaria remain standing as a testament to her military prowess. Built centuries ago, these walls continue to protect the ancient city, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.

    6.      Ogbunike Caves, Anambra State

    The Ogbunike Caves in Anambra State offer a unique tourist experience with their historical and spiritual significance. Located in Ogbunike, visitors descend 317 steps to reach this UNESCO Heritage Site, embarking on a journey into the heart of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

    7.      Ancient Kano City Walls

    The medieval city of Kano is home to the impressive Ancient Kano City Walls, an earth monument with a 14-kilometer radius listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites’ tentative list. These walls hold immense spiritual, cultural, and historical significance, enriching the heritage of Kano.

    8.      Oba Of Benin Royal Palace

    Located near King’s Square, this UNESCO-listed heritage site houses a remarkable collection of bronze sculptures, ancestral shrines, and ivory pieces that reflect the rich history of Benin’s Obas.

    9.      Coconut Beach

    Located in Badagry, Lagos State, Coconut Beach offers breathtaking ocean views framed by lush coconut trees. It stands as a perfect spot for relaxation, providing visitors with a glimpse into Nigeria’s historical and coastal beauty.

    10.  Millennium Park

    Millennium Park, Abuja’s largest public park located in the Maitama district, serves as a serene haven for relaxation. Inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II, it has become a cherished spot for children and visitors seeking respite in the heart of the capital city.

  • Tourist killed, 12 injured in hot-air balloon crash in Egypt

    Tourist killed, 12 injured in hot-air balloon crash in Egypt

    A source on Friday said a hot-air balloon made an emergency landing in the southern Egyptian city of Luxor, leaving one foreign tourist dead and seven others injured.

    The source added on condition of anonymity that there were 20 tourists on board the balloon when it was forced by a strong wind to deviate from its route towards a desert area.

    The source said the balloon hit the ground during the emergency landing in the western section of the historical city, resulting in one death and injuring seven.

    The person killed was a U.S. citizen and those injured were of different nationalities, Egypt’s state-run newspaper al-Ahran reported online.

    Air balloon trips are popular in Luxor, which officials say is home to 70 per cent of Egypt’s monuments.

    In 2013, 19 people, mostly foreign tourists, were killed when a hot-air balloon crashed in Luxor.

    That accident prompted a two-month ban on balloon flights in the city.

  • Amachree condemns neglect of tourist sites

    One of the leading voices in the Nigerian travel and tourism industry, Chief Mike Amachree, has called on all tiers of government to pay greater attention to the development of tourism sites and tourism products.

    He said developing these products and adding values to the country’s numerous tourism endowments is the only way for Nigeria to attract tourism traffic to the country.

    Amachree, who is the proprietor of the Brooklyn Tourist Centre and Port Harcourt Tourist Beach Resort, also said that to create tourism traffic and turn Nigeria into a destination,  the government must give necessary assistance to tour operators for them to go out, create necessary awareness, and source tourists to visit the country.

    He said Nigeria must be proactive on the issue of tourism development. His words: “The tour operators are familiar with tourist markets and have partners in different countries. We must encourage and help them to market the country and bring in tourists.”

    He said helping the tour operators to market the country as a destination was of greater value to the country than the huge amount the government spends promoting carnivals.

    Amachree also cautioned government on the continuous sponsorship of carnivals with tax payers’ money.  According to him, the various carnivals would function better “if the government divests from them and allows them  to be solely run and financed by the private sector”.

    He said it was only through this it could make the necessary economic contributions to the economy of the country.

    Amachree went down memory lane to recall how he organized the first Abuja and second Port Harcourt carnivals and that they were  huge successes.   He said during the reign of General Ibrahim Babangida, he led the private sector to organize the first Abuja Carnival in 1990.

    He said: “General Babangida invited the private sector under my leadership to the Aso Rock . Babangida used the opportunity to instruct the Central Bank (CBN) to provide the practitioners with the tourism development fund to develop tourist sites.”

    Amachree said it was erroneous for the different tiers of government in Nigeria to believe that organizing carnivals and building edifices are all necessary things to develop tourism.

    He said:“In the United States of America and Dubai, they have spectacular edifices. Those tourists cannot come to Nigeria, if they want to see beautiful structures and wonderful hotels.

    He reiterated that only the development of our tourism sites that could guarantee tourist visitors.

    “When visitors come to your country, they look for sites that excite which are historical, cultural or man-made.  Our history and culture are the things they are coming to learn and these could be seen only at our tourist centres and museums. The different tiers of government should pay greater attention to developing them. “

    Chief Amachree bemoaned government’s  neglect of the country’s tourism sites. He said: “It is very important that the country pays greater attention to development tourism sites. If you go to most of our sites, they are suffering serious neglect. Under this kind of condition, you don’t expect them to generate money. It is high time we stopped paying lip service to the development of tourism”.

  • SA team visits Brooklyn Tourist Centre

    The Brooklyn Tourist Centre, Port Harcourt, played host to the South Africa Tourism (SAT) trade team.

    The team was in Port Harcourt in continuation of its workshop and road- show in Nigeria’s key cities of Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja.

    In Port Harcourt, the team took time out to tour the city and visit  the Brooklyn Tourist Centre in Port Harcourt. At the centre, the visitors were taken round the facilities which  include the  zoo and Museum of African History and Culture.

    At the museum, pictures of African leaders and kings which include King Jaja of Opobo, Chaka Zulu, the late Julius Nyerere and many others were on display. There was also at the museum, the history of the evolution of the Nigeria leaders from Lord Lugard to the current government.

    Speaking on the visit, the proprietor of the centre, Chief  Mike Amachree praised the South African trade delegation for the roadshow in Nigeria and urged greater co-operation between Nigeria and South Africa.

    He said: “South Africa and Nigeria are one and we are happy to work with you. I urge you to work and partner our tour operators and travel agents to source for tourists to Nigeria.”

    Alabo Amachree used the opportunity to applaud the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for the giant strides the governor is making in developing the tourism potential of the state.

    He said Governor Wike had started   erecting  two magnificent edifices that would help attract tourists from within and outside the region to the state.

    Speaking on behalf the team, Mr. Mohammed Kwajaffa, praised Chief Amachree for the initiative.

    The South African Tourism Regional Manager for West Africa, Mr. Lehlohonolo Pitso, said: “This is the first time South African tourism started expanding into other cities. For the first time, we are actually doing five cities in West Africa. In Ghana, we are doing Kumasi and Accra. In Nigeria, we are doing Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja . This is good for us”.

  • ‘Shooting movies at tourist sites will boost Nigerian tourism’

    ‘Shooting movies at tourist sites will boost Nigerian tourism’

    Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo, has described shooting of movies at tourist sites as a good move that will enhance the tourism industry.

    Mbanefo hailed Mr. Odera Ozoka, producer of the movie A Forgotten Place , for complementing government’s tourism development and promotion efforts.

    She spoke while receiving the delegation of Diaspora Nigerians of Black Tower Gong Production Limited and Odera Ozoka led by a Nollywood veteran Mr Mahmood Ali Balogun at the headquarters of the Corporation in Abuja.

    The NTDC boss also commended Mr Balogun for supporting the movie production company for visibility to the rich cultural heritage in the country. She described the growth of the entertainment tourism in Nigeria as highly encouraging, being the 3rd largest in the world.

    The Consulting Producer and Nollywood Veteran, Mr Balogun praised Mrs Mbanefo for her visionary approach in identifying the potentials of the film and the possibilities for its worldwide success as a result of the historical importance of the film.

    Balogun said: “With this meeting, Mrs Sally Mbanefo has shown that there are people who truly care for Nigerians’ interest at the top. She was quick to see the potential of this film as an international juggernaut, and in supporting this film and the young filmmaker, Odera Ozoka, she has given me hope in the system.”

    The Black Tower Gong Production Limited boss in his spirited and passionate talk about the film disclosed that ‘A Forgotten Place’ movie will project Nigeria’s image, promote the tourism assets in the country and encourage international tourists to visit Nigeria.

    Ozoka added that the movie based on the Biafran war, will highlight unifying narratives at this critical moment in our nation building.

  • Ize-Iyamu promises to make Agenebode tourist destination

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has promised to make Agenebode a tourist destination, if elected governor in September.

    Pastor Ize-Iyamu stated that at community such as Agenebode, which is situated at the bank of the River Niger, ought to be a tourist centre and a rich commercial hub.

    He spoke when he took his campaign to Agenebode, the headquarters of Etsako East Local Government Area.

    Ize-Iyamu noted that it was wicked for the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole not to make use of the agricultural potentials and the mineral resources in the locality to develop it and create employment.

    He lamented the absence of a functional health facility in the entire Etsako East Local Government Area and added that the only tertiary institution in Agenebode, the College of Agriculture, Agenebode, has been neglected.

    Ize-Iyamu told a mammoth crowd that the state government has not developed the college in the last eight years.

    He promised to treat every community equally, if elected into office and assured that he would create a scheme that will tap the rich human and natural resources in the area, so as to make their women and youths exploit and explore their proximity to the River Niger.

    State PDP chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, told the people that only Oshiomhole’s Iyamho community was the sole beneficiary of virtually all the projects undertaken in Edo North area by the state government.

    Defectors from the APC, led by a former APC Ward 2 chairman, Mr John Odidi, were received into the PDP.

  • Ooni set to transform Ife to tourist destination

    BEFORE his crowning as the Ooni of Ife, Oba  Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11,   had always shown deep passion and knowledge of tourism and how the industry could positively transform a host community and empower the indigenes of the place.

    It is with this knowledge that he transformed a hitherto virgin land with little economic activities into a prime tourism site in Lagos. The Ooni built the Inagbe Grand Resort to become one of the  prime resorts in Lagos. It is an  all-inclusive hideaway that offers visitors opportunity to enjoy nature at its best.

    On one side of the resort is the calm lagoon front, and on the other side, the blue Atlantic Ocean front. The resort is  complemented by first class facilities and services. The Ooni achieved this  using locally sourced materials for the design, construction and decoration.

    It was, therefore, not surprising that the first area of interest to the new Ooni on ascending the throne of his forefathers was how to transform the ancient city of Ile Ife into a destination capable of attracting a large number of tourists.

    The city of Ile-Ife is blessed with rich historical sites and artifacts to attract a large number of inbound tourists to the city. Many argue that the town ought to be a  UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, some of the ingredients to transform the city into a tourist destination are still not in place.

    Top among these is the number of bed spaces available in the city and the quality.  There is also the need for the sites to be streamlined  and value added by providing  other facilities capable of keeping the tourists engaged after visiting the sites.   These, among others, are the areas the Ooni is about to focus on to transform the ancient city.

    To this end, the Ooni, through his newly appointed chief tourism adviser and consultant, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, who is the founder of La Campagne and Motherland Beckons, disclosed that Oba Ojaja 11 is set to declare Ife a tourism zone on February 26 and to kick-start the development of the zone into a tourism destination of world-class standard has concluded plans to build a N7.6 billion Ife Grand Resort.

    Also in line with his resolve to foster peace and unity amongst his people, a major ingredient for sustainable tourism development, and put to rest the ghost of the over 200 years old conflict between Ife – Modakeke, the Ooni over the week brushed aside all protocols and barriers to attend the Modakeke Day celebration even as he announced the employment of 20, 000 widows from the over 40, 000 widows recorded in the last Ife – Modakeke crisis to work in the tourism zone project with a promise to absolve the remaining 20, 000 widows alongside the teeming population of unemployed as the project gathers traction.

    The Ooni’s attendance at the Modakeke Day celebration has been hailed by many people as a deft move by the Kabiyesi to finally bury the Ife – Modakeke intermittent conflict that has lingered for over 200 years as this has never been done by any Ooni in the past 200 years, as attending Akoraye Day in Modakeke, is a way of not only healing the wounds of the past, but also clearing the negative past and replacing it with a prosperous future through tourism.

    As part of the grand design to secure life and property in Ife, the Kabiyesi has approved the construction of a watch tower with standby rapid response squad that is fully equipped and which response time to any distress call should not be more than 10 minutes and this time frame hopefully would be cut to five minutes in the days ahead.

    Speaking on these new initiatives by the Ooni, Akinboboye, who has also announced the Kabiyesi as the grand patron of Motherland Beckons, said it is a grand design by the Ooni to redesign the tourism map and agenda of Ife by drawing the attention of Africans, the Diaspora and the entire globe to it in a way that has never been done in the history of the former Ife Kingdom, which is not only regarded as the Source of Yoruba but the cradle of South West civilisation.

    According to him, ‘‘the glory of Ife is finally coming to light. Ife is now the new destination in Africa as the sleeping giant of tourism in Africa wakes up to a new reality,’’ insisting that henceforth the whole world would come to Ife on religious, cultural, economic,  educational and archaeological  tourism, among others, as the new Ooni constructs a new agenda for  the kingdom of Ile Ife.

    Akinboboye revealed that the declaration ceremony and the kick-off for Motherland Beckons has been fixed for February 27 with the president of Black Lawyers in England and Wales, Peter Herbert, billed to deliver the keynote address, while the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) America, among a host of other dignitaries are expected at the event.

    This development from the palace, he said, is in partnership with La Campagne with Motherland Beckons serving as a multi – purpose vehicle for bringing to fruition the agenda of the Ooni.

  • Arrest killers of tourist, community urges police

    Stakeholders of Abaomege Community, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have condemned the killing of a French tourist, Nagnan Denis, in the area. They described the killing as wicked and barbaric, even as they urged security agents to arrest the perpetrators.

    In a communiqué by Zaccues Ifeuwabundidi, Chief Charles Igwe and Mr. Gregory Onwe, issued at the end of their emergency meeting, the stakeholders lamented that the incident had damaged the peace in the community.

    They said the incident stained Ebonyi State globally and called on the government to strengthen security to checkmate hoodlums.

    The stakeholders, who promised to assist the security agents in their investigations, urged the police to stop unnecessary arrests to douse tension in the community.

    Unknown gunmen last Tuesday killed Nagnan Denis in Ozara forest and left his wife injured.

  • UI turns dam to tourist centre

    The University of Ibadan (UI) has established a tourist centre in Awba Dam area in the main campus. The project is being the managed by the Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management.

    Coordinator of the project, Dr Funmi Ajani, said it was aimed at promoting recreation for people from various part of the country.

    “We have facilities on ground in terms of cage culture and the university is ready to procure more facilities that will enable tourists at the site to engage in fishing, boat ride and other leisure activities. We are also planning to build an aquarium for the benefit of our tourists,” she stated. Dr Ajani explained that the project had high potential of generating income for the university. The head of the department, Prof Ibukunoluwa Ayodele, said creating a tourist centre was one the best ways to train students on how to utilie the knowledge of their course for entrepreneurship.

    He said: “The project will expose the students of the department to practical aspect of their course of study. This will give them an edge and opportunity to be self-employed.”

    He decried the poor attitude to recreation by Nigerians. “One of the problems we have in this country is that people don’t recreate enough which is of the factors responsible for short life span in the country,” he said.

    He commended the management for taking bold steps to invest in the tourism centre.

    CAMPUSLIFE learnt that the university has procured two state-of-the-art fish pond from the United States.

    Prof Ayodele said many African nations were generating huge revenue from investment in tourism, noting that nothing stops Nigeria from reaping the gains of tourism.

  • Tourist Company opts to delist shares from NSE

    Tourist Company of Nigeria (TCN) Plc has opted to delist its shares from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) instead of issuance of new shares or sale of existing shares to dilute shareholdings of the core investors in the hotel and tourism company and release 20 per cent equity stake to the general investing public.

    A status report obtained by The Nation showed that the core investors in TCN, which owns the palatial Federal Palace Hotel & Casino based in Victoria Island, Lagos, have decided to voluntarily delist the company after the Exchange flagged the company for failing to maintain the minimum 20 per cent free float required to sustain its listing at the NSE.

    The Nation had exclusively reported that Tourist Company, Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) Plc, Dangote Cement and Studio Press were in default of the listing rule that requires quoted companies on the main board of the NSE to maintain a 20 per cent public free float.

    Public float is technically a synonym of public shareholder and it refers to the shares of a quoted company held by ordinary shareholders other than those directly or indirectly held by its parent, subsidiary or associate companies or any subsidiaries or associates of its parent company; its directors who are holding office as directors of the entity and their close family members and any single individual or institutional shareholder holding a statutorily significant stake, which is five per cent and above in Nigeria.

    Thus, public shareholders and public float do not include shareholders or shares held directly or indirectly by any officer, director, controlling shareholder or other concentrated, affiliated or family holdings.

    The recently revised listing rules of the NSE stipulates that the public shall hold a minimum of 20 per cent of each class of equity securities of a company quoted on the main board, 15 per cent of each class of equity securities of a company quoted on the Alternative Securities Market (ASeM) and 10 per cent of each class of equity securities of a dual-listed company. Prior to the review, the minimum public float for the main board of NSE was 25 per cent.

    The Nation had reported that TCN has the highest deficiency rate of 18.69 per cent and the core investors would have to divest some 420 million ordinary shares or issue proportionate supplementary shares to dilute their shareholdings.

    The latest NSE report indicated that the core investors in TCN opted not to dilute or sell their shareholdings and have filed for voluntary delisting as a way out of the free float deficiency.

    The delisting of TCN will significantly reduce the profile of the hotels and lodging subsector at the NSE. The most capitalised stock in the subsector, TCN opened yesterday with a market capitalisation of N9.17 billion. TCN has 2.246 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each with current market consideration of about N4.08 per share.

    However, TCN has struggled with high costs in recent period, although it appears to be on the verge of a breakeven. Third quarter report for the period ended March 31, 2013 showed a net loss of N52.09 million on a turnover of N942.05 million as against net loss of N147.47 million recorded on a turnover of N789.01 million in comparable period of 2012. It had posted a net loss of N522.25 million for the year ended June 30, 2012.

    The directors of TCN had initially applied to the NSE for an extended period to comply with the 20 per cent free float. The NSE had given February 28, this year as the deadline for TCN to regularise its public float.

    NSE indicated that the timelines for the compliance with the 20 per cent minimum public float were given to the company after it had applied for waivers from the Quotations Committee of the NSE. The company was said to have outlined plans to meet the minimum public float, which the NSE took into consideration in extending the timeframe for it to comply with the minimum public float.

    By the expiration of the deadlines, the core investors were mandatorily required to have completed partial divestments or dilution of their shareholdings to free 20 per cent equity stake for public holding, unless the management of the NSE grants fresh waivers and extensions for the companies. In the extreme instance, a company with deficient public float may opt to delist its shares.

    Any company granted a waiver under the free float is however required to provide quarterly disclosure reports to the NSE on the efforts being made to fully comply by the deadlines.

    Stock markets maintain minimum public float to prevent undue concentration of securities in the hands of the core investors and related interests, a situation that can make the stock to be susceptible to price manipulation. Besides, it provides the general investing public with opportunity to reasonably partake in the wealth creation by private enterprises.