The Guardian (Nigeria)

36 States Naija Destinatio­ns ( 3)

- By Maria Diamond … Welcome To Nigeria

NIGERIA as the giant of Africa is clearly beyond being the largest economy and population in Africa, but also possesses inherent aesthetic scenic landscapes in every nook and cranny of the 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) Abuja that make up the country.

. Anambra State – ‘ Light of the Nation’ is popular for its captivatin­g tourist attraction Ogbunike Caves, spectacula­r beautiful scenery multiple cave bays with streams and undergroun­d waterfalls. Historical­ly, the caves according to legends were created by a deity called Ogba believed to supernatur­ally live within the caves. Remarkably the caves were said to have been used as hideout during the Nigerian civil war and the people who hid inside the caves were shielded. Thereafter, tourists visit Anambra State to have a view and feel of these magnificen­t Ogbunike caves. You should take the trip!

Imo State – The ‘ Eastern Heartland’ comes with a significan­t landmark and landscape, Oguta Lake – a world wonder within the rainforest of the Niger Delta where two rivers Ogbuide and Urashi flow side by side parallel to each other without mixing or coming together. The view itself is compelling as Ogbuide flows in a shade of green and Urashi brownish. Oguta Lake is a scenic view that continues to awe tourists from far and near.

. Kogi State – Significan­tly nicknamed ‘ The Confluence State’ as its capital Lokoja is the meeting point of River Niger and River Benue, forming a ‘ Y’ shaped split. This confluence of rivers is a scenic view to behold. However, more significan­t is the ‘ Y’ shape formation and direction of these two meeting rivers that sections Nigeria into its three major ethnic groups Yoruba ( Southweste­rn), Igbo ( Southeaste­rn) and Hausa ( Northweste­rn). So if you’re taking a trip to Kogi, Lokoja should be your first stop for the experience of its confluence of rivers.

. Nasarawa State – A Home of Solid Minerals is also blessed with Farin Ruwa Falls, a peculiar destinatio­n along the boundary of Plateau State and Nasarawa State in Massange village of Farin Ruwa Developmen­t Area, Wambe Local Government Area of the state. The magical whitish waterfalls refresh the entire ambience making it a perfect tourist location.

Oyo State – The Pace Setter is globally popular and toured for it Iyake Suspended Lake, a mesmerisin­g Mountain View lake located at Ado- Awe town in Oyo. There are only two suspended lake in the world, one is in the United States of America called the Hanging Lake in Colorado, and the other is Iyake Suspended lake, a unique bottomless lake believed to habour the goddess that grants wishes. You may want to take the trip to Nigeria to visit this lake.

Ekiti State – Known as the Land of Honour and Integrity as well as the Fountain of Knowledge, Ekiti State is endowed with ‘ Orole and Olosunta Hills’ of Ikere located at the Northern and southern parts of the town respective­ly. The two hills which are steep- sided are perfect resort destinatio­n for visitors.

 ?? ?? Farin Ruwa Falls in Nasarawa State
Farin Ruwa Falls in Nasarawa State
 ?? ?? Ogbunike Caves in Anambra State
Ogbunike Caves in Anambra State

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