This magazine is for the travel enthusiasts interested in Africa. It is easy to read and highly educational. SEE Africa is available from November 2016!

1. Lagos the City of
Aquatic Splendour
Ekaabo
www.afrotourism.com Issue 01 April 2016

2. ATA’s 41st
NOVEMBER 2016
Kigali, Rwanda
ANNUAL WORLD
CONGRESS
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Contact your International Tourism Consulting Team
Plan Ahead!

3. 4 | S.E.E. NIGERIA S.E.E. NIGERIA | 5
06 Untapped Nigeria
Nigeria’s tourism industry is largely untapped. We
bring you unseen sites, unheard of cultural activi-
ties, historical landmarks and lots more…
08 Ekaabo
Ekaabo means ‘Welcome’. This is an exploration
of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial centre as it show-
cases itself as the city of aquatic splendour…
12 Flavours of Nigeria
Our meals define us as Nigerians, and a shared
good meal opens up conversations among stran-
gers. Take in some of these sumptuous flavours…
16 The Osun -Osogbo Grove
The Osun-Osogbo festival holds annually at the
Osun-Osogbo grove. The grove was named a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
18 Nigerian Festivals and Events
Our festivals are some of the highlights of our cul-
tural 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 and-
heritage sights that preserve her diverse cultures.
CONTENTS
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
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 mind-
blowing 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.
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 Osun-
Osogbo 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, endeav-
our 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, pre-
serve 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
Editorial
The Lekki
Conservation
Centre
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 Nigeria13
19
06 16
Content Editor
There are over 50 museums and heritage
sites that educate, preserve and promote the
diverse cultures in present day Nigeria.
22

4. 6 | S.E.E. NIGERIA S.E.E. NIGERIA | 7
W
ell it’s awkward, but the name
Nigeria came from the
combination of “Niger” (the coun-
try’s longest river) and “Area”.
It first appeared in print in The Times in
1897, and was suggested by the paper’s colo-
nial editor Flora Shaw who would later marry
Fredrick Lugard, the first Governor General
of the Amalgamated Nigeria. Interestingly,
the combination brought the incredible peo-
ples of the area together and harnessed their
diversity, beautiful natural gifts, and incred-
ible culture and beauty.
Today, Nigeria is a haven of great
attractions, from incredible caves,
amazing waterfalls, gapping mountains,
botanical gardens and parks glowing with
rich flora and fauna, ancient sites, unbeliev-
able monuments to lovely and hospitable
people. The question is, how many of
these do you know?
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 tour-
ist 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!
CROSS RIVER NATIONAL PARK
Nigeria’s last Great Rainforest Re-
serve, the Cross River National Park
covers a total area of 4000km of
mainly primary moist tropical rain-
forest ecosystem in the north and
central parts, and montane mo-
saic vegetation on the obudu pla-
teau. 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.
Untapped NigeriaUsifo Mike-Alvin
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 Nige-
rian untapped tourists’ attraction. The
Ranges share borders with the popu-
lar 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 Carib-
bean Sea of the Bahamas, and rose-
scented refreshing smell. By the Riv-
er, you’ll find luxurious near-pink fine
sand beaches. With an attractive rest
area and mini resort for tourists, Azu-
mini Blue River offers impeccable
relaxation opportunity to all leisure
travellers.
Oxbow Lake, Bayelsa State
Bayelsa’s Ox-bow Lake is a bean-
shaped Lake that has been kept
pristine overtime. A neatly tarred
road that leads to a wide circular plat-
form 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
UNTAPPED NIGERIA

5. S.E.E. NIGERIA | 9
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 play-
ing 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 settle-
ment, then already inhabited by the Awori people, in 1472. From
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
Lagos the City of Aquatic Splendour
Ekaabo
Lagos Floating School
Aquatic Life in Lagos cannot be complete without the recog-
tion 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 estab-
lished 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
Aboat 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.
usually advised to print out the Google map and take it with
them on their fishing trips. This could be one of the best fish-
ing 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-
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 fish-
ing 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 plan-
ning, the event showcases water features and rides, with par-
ticipants competing and displaying their culture and creativity.
““Boat cruises are
becoming the norm in
Lagos for a minimal
fee
“
“
Makoko Floating School
FEATURE ARTICLE
8 | S.E.E. NIGERIA
LAGOSWATERREGATTA

6. 10 | S.E.E NIGERIA S.E.E NIGERIA | 11
13th Floor Churchgate 2, Churchgate street Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria
2702681-5
BEST AIRLINE IN AFRICA
BRINGING THE WORLD TO AFRICA. TAKING AFRICA TO THE WORLD.
07000359722
Harare Gaborone
From Abuja to :

7. 12 | S.E.E. NIGERIA S.E.E. NIGERIA | 13
NkwobiNkwobi is a traditional eastern Nigerian
delicacy that is enjoyed by all
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 Nige-
rian delicacy usually enjoyed with Miyan
Taushe, spicy Groundnut soup or Egusi
soup.
Edikanikong – a Cross-river state spe-
cial soup made from a mixture of Ugwu
(fluted pumpkin leaf), gbure (waterleaf),
fish, meat and periwinkle.
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!
Flav urs
Nigeria
fo
sam adeleke
Roasted Plantain (Boli) and Roasted fish
– there are several ‘versions’ of this high-
ly 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; de-
licious and irresistible.
Banga – a native soup of Nigeria’s Urho-
bo ethnic group, made with seafood, as-
sorted beef and palm fruit. It is best en-
joyed with “starch” or eba.
FLAVORS OF NIGERIA

8. 14 | S.E.E NIGERIA S.E.E NIGERIA | 15
l
this is
agos[ [
Tarkwa Bay, lagos
elegushi beach, lagos
banana island, Lagos
The Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina Lagos

9. 16 | S.E.E. NIGERIA S.E.E. NIGERIA | 17
Between Art and Festival
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 contri-
butions 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.
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
Usifo Mike-Alvin
Osun Osogbo
Grove:::;;::
Botanists,nature
and plant lovers
generally will find
the 400 species
of plants incredibly
thrilling
“
“
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 entire grove is no doubt emblematic of Yoruba culture, how-
ever, 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 con-
necting 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 priest-
esses 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 car-
ries 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.
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.
THE osun osogbo maiden
oja ontonto
OSUN OSOGBO GROVE

10. 18 | S.E.E. NIGERIA S.E.E. NIGERIA | 19
W
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.
• Ojude-Oba is a festival held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State in
Southwestern Nigeria three days after the annual Muslim celebra-
tions 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
NIGERIAN
AND EVENTS
FESTIVALS
There are several modern
musical festivals such
as the Felabration
“
“
omoniyi david
• 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 fol-
lowing 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.
PARTICIPANTATTHECALABARCARNIVAL
ofalafestivalkano
NIGERIAN FESTIVALS

11. 20 | S.E.E. NIGERIA S.E.E. NIGERIA | 21
A
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
NationalCommissionforMuseumsandMonuments
NCMM
1. National Museum of Colonial History, Aba
(Colonial History)
46, Ikot Ekpene Road, Minima PMB 7116, Aba State
2. National Museum, Abakaliki (Ethnography)
6, St. Patrick Road, Kiriri Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
3. National Museum, Abeokuta (Ethnography)
PMB 2004, Abeokuta, Ogun State
4. National Museum, Akure (Ethnography)
Oba Adesida Road (opposite Post Office)
PMB 444, Akure, Ondo State
5. National Museum, Asaba (Colonial History)
PMB 95071, Asaba, Delta State
6. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Mausoleum (Life
History) Kofar Ran Road, Bauchi, Bauchi State
7. National Museum, Benin (Ethnography)
Ring Road, Benin City PMB 1115, Edo State
8. Rock Art Interpretative Centre,
Birnin Kudu (Ethnography) Kano-Bauchi Road, Birnin Kudu,
Jigawa State
9. National Museum, Calabar (Ethnography)
Ekpo Eyo Drive, Calabar PMB 1180,
Cross River State
10. Slave History Museum, Calabar (Slave Trade History)
Marina Resort, Calabar PMB 1180,
Cross River State
11. National Museum, Damaturu (Ethnography)
Maiduguri Road, behind Cultural Centre,
Opposite Ben Kadio Housing Estate, Damaturu,
Yobe State
12. National Museum of Unity, Enugu (Ethnography)
65, Abakaliki Road, GRA PMB 1285, Enugu,
Enugu State
13. National Museum, Esie (Archaeology/
Ethnography)
PMB 301, Esie, Kwara State
14. National Museum, Hong (Ethnography)
Local Govt. Secretariat Complex, Hong
PMB 2262, Adamawa State
15. National Museum of Unity, Ibadan (Ethnography)
Alesinloye Area, Ibadan PMB 5524, Oyo State
16. National Museum, Igbo-Ukwu (Archaeology)
Km 4 Umudege Ezinifite Road, Igbo-Ukwu Aguata
LGA, Anambra State
17. National Museum, Ile-Ife (Archaeology)
Enuwa Square, Ile-Ife PMB 5515, Enuwa, Osun State
18. National Museum, Ilorin (Ethnography)
14 Abdulkadir Road, GRA Ilorin PMB 1549, Kwara State
19. National Museum, Jos (Archaeology/Ethnography
PMB 2013, Jos, Plateau State
20. Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture
Greater Heritage for
a Greater Future
MUSEUMS
IN NIGERIA
omoniyi david
(MOTNA), Jos (Architecture)
Opposite High Court, Jos PMB 2931, Plateau State
21. Zoological Gardens, Jos (Zoological)
Opposite National Museum, Jos
PMB 2013, Plateau State
22. National Museum, Kaduna (Ethnography)
33, Akilu Road, PMB 2127, Kaduna State
23. Gidan Makama Museum, Kano (Ethnography)
Opposite Emir’s Palace, Kano
PMB 2023, Kano State
24. National Museum, Katsina (Ethnography)
Kofa Uku (along Mohammadu Dikko Road)
PMB 409, Katsina State
25. National Museum, Koko (Historical)
Nana Living Spring Museum, Koko, Delta State
26. National Museum, Lafia (Ethnography)
Shendam Road (behind Deputy-Governor’s Office
PMB 127, Lafia, Nasarawa State
27. National Museum, Lagos (Ethnography)
King George V Road, Onikan
PMB 12556, Lagos State
28. National Museum of Colonial History, Lokoja
(Colonial History)
PMB 1022, Lokoja, Kogi State
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)
Hairle Street, Old GRA (opposite Delta Hotel)
PMB 5766, Rivers State
39. National Museum, Sokoto (Archaeology)
Federal Secretariat Complex, Sokoto
PMB 2367, Sokoto State
40. Interpretation Centre, Sukur (Ethnography)
Mubi-Maiduguri Road, Madegali LGA
PMB 06, Adamawa State
41. National War Museum, Umuahia (War/Military)
Ugunchara Road, Amafor Isinawu
PMB 7074, Umuahia, Abia State
42. National Museum, Uyo (Ethnography)
Ring Road II, Aka Offot (behind Ibom Hall)
PMB 1109, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
43. National Museum, Yola (Historical/Ethnography)
2, Mohammed Tukur Road, Jimeta
PMB 2262, Adamawa State
44. Kanta National Museum, Argungu (Ethnography)
Gidan Nabame, Kebbi
Apart from the museums under the management of NCMM, there
are several others managed by individuals or groups, as well as local
and state governments.
The oldest museum in Nigeria is the National Museum, Esie in
Kwara State which was opened in 1945. The museum is reputed to
have the largest collection of soapstone images in the world.

12. 22 | S.E.E NIGERIA S.E.E NIGERIA | 23
NigeriaNigeria
This is
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
National Theatre, Lagos
Obudu cattle ranch
Argungu Fishing Festival
Polo sport, Kaduna
Palace of Emir of Zaria
National Museum, Benin City
Yankari Games Reserve, Bauchi state
Olumo Rock, Abeoukuta
Kwa Falls, Cross river state
National war museum Umuahia
Nigerian golf star, Odoh

13. S.E.E NIGERIA | 25
Jemi-Alade Tours
5, Olaide Tomori Street, Ikeja, Lagos,
Nigeria. 100001
Tel: +234-803-470-7553,+234-809
8229 374, +234-708-4410-365.
Email: info@jemialadetours.com
Web: www.jemialadetours.com
Destinations Covered: Nigeria
West Africa.
Grand Express Tours (GETCentre)
4, Salvation Road, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: (+234) 0700GETCENTRE,
(+234) 01 - 291 6333, (+234) 08188009911,
(+234) 08188009922
Email: info@getcentre.com bookings@get-
centre.com
Web: www.getcentre.com
Destinations Covered: Nigeria, Seychelles,
Gambia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya,
South Africa, Egypt, Mozambique, Mauritius,
Tanzania.
TravelNextDoor
16 Independence Street, off Akinremi Street,
Anifowoshe, Ikeja, Lagos
Tel: (+234) 803 973 3757 or
(+234) 807 0999 670
Email: ask@travelnextdoor.com
Web: www.travelnextdoor.com
Destinations Covered: Adventure tours and
excursions to cultural, historical and scenic
attractions in Nigeria. Packages can also be
tailored to tourists’ specific interests.
Trebet Travels Tours LTD
16B Allen Avenue, P.O.Box 9331, Ikeja lagos
Tel: +234(0)7085717155;+234(0)9038466568;
+234(0)8139039755
Email: info@trebettravels.com
Web: www.trebettravels.com
Destinations Covered
Indian Ocean: Mauritius, Seychelles, Zanzibar
Southern Africa: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Namibia
East West Africa: Ghana, Gambia, Kenya
Nigeria: Calabar, Lagos, Badagry
America: Florida, Texas, NYC
Rest of the world: Dubai, Paris, Spain Italy
Alongside our Personal travel packages for Leisure and
Adventure, we also do Business, Educational Religious
tours. Our clients can take advantage of our in-house built
packages in existence or can rebuild their package to suit
their needs.
TOUR OPERATORS
IN NIGERIA
Avantgarde Tours Ltd1 Sunday Ogunyade Street, Behind Mobil Fill-
ing Station, Gbagada Phase II, Lagos.
Tel: +234 1 8788929, +234 8080210001
Mobile: + 234 8076767671, +234 8033284578
Email: efetobo@avantgardetours.com
Web: www.avantgardetours.comInbound and Domestic Nigeria: Lagos, South
West Nigeria, Abuja, Cross River State, Yan-
kari, Jos.
Outbound - Ghana, Gambia, South Africa,
Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, Maldives, Sey-
chelles, Kenya, Tanzania, UAE, Singapore.
COMING
SOON...

14. 26 | S.E.E NIGERIA
Nigerian and US Tourism Leaders Form
Strategic International Partnership
Press Release
WASHINGTON: WashingtonLagos: Afro Tourism, a
Nigerian firm specializing in the promotion of tourism to and
within the African continent, and PRIMAPACT, a US consor-
tium of nine companies covering multiple aspects of tourism
development and marketing, have created a international part-
nership 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
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 begin-
ning of next month, when representatives of both organiza-
tions 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 tour-
ism 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 devel-
opment sectors. PRESS RELEASE
Get untapped informa on about Africa
w w w . a f r o t o u r i s m . c o m
To download,
Scan QR code
Introducing...
S.E.E. Africa App
SEARCH EXPLORE ENGAGE

15. 28 | S.E.E NIGERIA
W W W . A F R O T O U R I S M . C O M
DISCOVER
AFRICAAFRICA
16 Wema Terrace, Udi Street, Osborne Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
Web: www.afrotourism.com | Email: info@afrotourism.com | Tel: 0700 TOURISM
@frotourism Afrotourism Afrotourism Afrotourism Afro Tourism Afrotourism Afro tourism