Historical Sites In Nigeria
From
spectacular landscape, mountains, beaches coastlines, waterfalls and natural
springs to iconic castles and beautifully constructed buildings-Nigeria has it
all!
Nigeria the giant of Africa is a home of natural wonders and wonderful people and places with diverse historical background, cultures, cuisines, music and fashion. Nigeria is one of the most visited country in Africa attracting tourist around the world to its fascinating sceneries. Here are top 10 historical sites to visit in Nigeria, these historical places, landmarks and monuments serve as a proof to stories passed down from generation to generation.
The Osun-Osogbo
Sacred Grove
The
Osun-Osogbo sacred grove is a sacred
forest located on the outskirt of Osun state along the banks of Osun river.
This sacred grove is regarded as the home of the goddess of fertility “Osun”. The
landscape of this dense forest has
shrines, sanctuary, art works, and sculptures created in honour of the goddess.
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| Osun Osobo Sacred Groove |
Kofar
Mata Dye Pits
The Kofar
Mata dye pits located in Kano state were established in the year 1498 and had about 270 dye pits . Many people
travelled from around the world to buy the fabrics weaved and dyed in kofar
mata and some visit the site for tourism as many are fascinated about the originality
of the process involved.
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| Kafar Mata Die Pits |
The walls
of Benin Kingdom
Located in
Benin city, the capital of Edo state; the walls of Benin Kingdom were ancient
defensive walls constructed around the Kingdom of Benin. It is regarded as the
largest man-made structure in length and also the largest earthwork in the
world.
The walls of
benin kingdom is considered as the evidence of the greatest architechtural and historical achievements of
the ancient Benin kingdom built in 13th
century. The walls offers insight of the
rich cultural heritage of Old Benin Kingdom.
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| The walls of Benin Kingdom |
The National
War Museum
The National War Museum located in Umahia, Abia state was launched in 1985 by Major-General Tunde Idiagbon. The museum has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country as it houses relics from different wars including the Nigerian Civil war, which lasted from 6th July 1967 to 15th January 1970. The traditional weapons used in battles in ancient cities in Nigeria were also exhibited in the museum.
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| The National War Museum |
The Ancient
Kano City Walls
The ancient Kano city walls were built between 1095 to the middle of 14th century to supervise all entry and exit into the ancient city of Kano. The walls has been in existence many years before the british colonist came to Nigeria. The walls serve as a form of defense from outside invaders to the ancient city of Kano.
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| The Ancient Kano City Walls |
Ikom Monolith
The Ikom monoliths are engraved stones distributed around the thirty communities of Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River state. The stones are in circles In every community they are found except those tampered with by weather or man. The stones are thought to be in existence since around 1500 years ago.
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| Ikom Monolith |
Oba Akenzua
II in Collaboration with the British colonial sculpted a life size bronze
statue of Emotan which was commissioned in 1954
Emotan was a
trader who sold her goods at the exact spot where her statue now stands in Oba
market, Benin city. Emotan played a significant role in the history of Benin
kingdom that was why a statue was built in her memory. She is the pioneer of the
first day care center in Benin City and also assisted Oba Ewuare in regaining
power several years after he has been sent on exile.
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| Emotan Statue |
Oduduwa Grove
Oduduwa Grove also knownOduduwa Temple, located in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The site is notable for being the point where Oduduwa, the legendary progenitor of the Yoruba race landed with a chain. He founded Ile Ife, which became his final resting place. At this location, a statue of Oduduwa with the chain and staff can be found.
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| Statue of Oduduwa |
National
Arts Theatre
The National Arts Theatre is a majestic structure built in 1976 in preparation for the 1977 Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC)to be a focal point for the celebration of Nigerian art and culture during the military regime of Olusegun Obasanjo. The theatre has an auditorium that can seat about 3,000 people and a conference hall that can seat about 800 people.
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| National Art Theatre |
Oba of
Benin Royal Palace
The Oba of
Benin’s Palace is located in the heart of Benin’s ancient city. It was built by
Oba Ewedo, who reigned the ancient Benin Kingdom between 1255 AD and 1280 AD.
Oba Eweka II (1914-1922)rebuilt it after the original structure was destroyed
during the War of the British of 1897.
Today the
Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin is dedicated to celebrating and preserving
Benin’s rich culture. It is a holy place because it has housed a long line of
divine rulers. From there, the Oba oversees the kingdom’s affairs with the
assistance of the chiefs, religious specialists, court officials, and
attendants. It is the most prestigious site in Benin. And one of the most
popular tourist attractions in Benin City
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| Oba Of Benin Palace |
