Nigeria has so many tourist destnations accross the 36 states of the federation. recently, Cross river state is unarguably said to be the tourist heaven in nigeria for any one seeking leisure. if you think this statement is wrong, wait a minute and go through this.
Tourism In Nigeria:
Nigeria offers a wide variety of tourist attractions such as extended and roomy river and ocean beaches ideal for swimming and other water sports, unique wildlife, vast tracts of unspoiled nature ranging from tropical forest, magnificent waterfalls, some new rapidly growing cities and climatic conditions in some parts particularly conducive to holidaying. Other attractions include traditional ways of life preserved in local customs; rich and varied handicrafts and other colourful products depicting or illustrative of native arts and lifestyle, and the authentic unsophisticated but friendly attitude of many in the Nigerian population.
However, many of these attractions are still largely untapped and even at their raw states, they are still being enjoyed by few outsiders, either very rich visitors in quest of exoticism or adventurous people in search of new challenges and experiences.
The lack of required modern infrastructural facilities and in some parts of the country acute conditions of underdevelopment and poverty can be seen which many potential Nigeria bound tourist may not like to be confronted with.
These are impediments to tourism, which the new administration has been tackling since assumption of office. Investors, both foreign and local are therefore called upon to come and invest in the abundant tourism potentials in the country. The richness and diversity of Nigeria's tourism resources coupled with economic liberalisation policies will provide investment opportunities in various areas as follows:
Heritage/Cultural Tourism Resources Development of slave trade relics
Establishment of museums and preservation of monuments
Wildlife Tourism Resources
Development of hiking trails and Jeep tracks in the national parks
Development of picnic and camping sites at strategic locations within the trail circuit system in the national parks
Building of tourist lodges
Building of reception centres at Natural/Physical Attractions
Provision of cable bus system to take tourist through the very rugged but scenic terrain of the mountains especially in Kanyang, Obudu and Mambilla Plateau Construction of lodge cabins for expedition tourist and rangers.
Establishment of hotels and resorts near waterfalls, springs, caves and temperate climate areas such as Obudu, jos and Mambila Plateau.
Beach Tourism potentials Establishment of boating and sport fishing facilities
Development of water transportation Provision of educational facilities for water skiing and swimming
Establishment of holiday resorts along the coasts.
Development of Amusement parks, entertainment facilities and shopping services
Development of arts and crafts which constitute symbol of the people's cultural values and love for nature.
Some Business Opportunities
.
Transportation Nigeria has attained a high level of good transportation system especially Airline and Road Transportation, investment opportunities are still needed in water recreation transportation and rail services.
Hospitality The hospitality sector of the tourism industry seems to be the most competitive area with the presence of starwood Hotel Groups, owners of Sheratons, Hilton, Le Meridien, Shangra Lai the Asian Hotel giant in restaurants and many
Beach
Meanwhile, most of Nigeria's beautiful beaches locations are still largely without accommodation facilities, which are targets for investors in most tourism destinations across the globe.
Tour Operations
Like the Europeans and Americas tour companies invaded the North, South and East Africa by having tour offices in these regions which enable them to market destinations in their home countries is lacking in the case of Nigeria.
Any Company willing to do so for Nigeria will be highly welcome.local hotel and restaurant groups battling for a better share of the market.
Investment Climate
Apart from the enormous potentials and investment opportunities in the Nigerian tourism sector, the country's investment climate at present is one of the most favourable in Africa for a number of reasons: Political Stability.
The enthronement of a viable democratic system, which guarantees political stability, improves international relation and respect for human rights would in various ways enhance investment opportunities in the country.
Tourism Incentives
The provision of incentives in the 1990 National Tourism Policy were also to enhance private sector participation. These are in the following areas:
Conclusion
Tourism investment atmosphere in Nigeria is now conducive given the abundant resources available, large market, enthronement of enduring democracy, and a package of incentive put together by government. Foreign investors and other interested individuals should take these advantages to invest in the Nigerian tourism industry for sustainability and profitable returns.
Tourism Investment Opportunities In Nigeria
A Tourism policy was produced in 1990 with the basic objectives to make Nigeria the ultimate tourism destination in Africa.
The main thrust of government policy on tourism, is to generate foreign exchange, encourage even development, promote tourism based rural enterprises, generate employment and accelerate rural urban integration and cultural exchange.
Due to the importance the Nigerian government attaches to the tourism industry, the following strategies were adopted:
Infrastructure
Government would ensure that the provision of basic infrastructural facilities, namely, good roads, water, electricity, communications and hotels, to centres of attraction, in order to accelerate their development for the purpose of exploiting fully their touristic value. In furtherance of this goal, the appropriate government agency responsible for tourism promotion and development, shall establish and maintain close laison with other government agencies responsible for the provision of the infrastructure.
Concession of Land
State governments will provide land without any hindrance for tourism development at concessional rates and conditions favourable to investment and the realisation of investment thereon. This will necessarily include the abolition of annual ground rent within the period of construction and development of tourism. For orderly development of tourism and tourism product, it is mandatory for all state governments to demarcate potential Tourism Zones and their products from other usage, to avoid undue pollution. 100% equity ownership of companies in Nigeria and repatriation of profits and dividends etc.
Fiscal and Other Incentives
In order to boost the level of private sector investment in tourism, it is treated by government as a preferred sector, like agriculture. Government has also introduced such incentives as, tax holidays, tax rebate and soft loans, with long period of grace to potential investors in tourism.
Patrol and Regulation of the Industry
The government has enacted laws and regulations, which govern the activities of the categories of people involved in the industry, like hoteliers, travel agents, tour-operators, car hire services. This is to ensure that their conduct, is not detrimental to objectives of the industry and the security of the nation, as well as tourists.
Beach and Coastal Resort development (Nigeria has over 700km of unpolluted sandy beaches). Conservation and Protection of 8 national parks and over 10 game reserves. Development of hotels and standard restaurants Transportation: water recreation, package tour services, air and rail services. Development of caves, tunnels, waterfalls and spring waters. Youth hostels, camps and centres Lake and River sport fishing. Scenic and Mountain Holiday resorts Theme/Amusement parks Conference/Congress Services Conservation and protection of endangered wildlife especially drill monkey, manatec, white throated monkey and pigmy hippo. Heritage, cultural and archaeological sites.
YANKARI GAME RESERVE
The Yankari National Park is the premier game reserve in Nigeria. Yankari Park and Wikki Warm Springs are located around the Gagi River, approximately 1 1/2 hours by road, southeast of Bauchi Town. The beauty and size of The Yankari Game Reserve make it the most popular reserve in Nigeria.
Set up in 1956 and opened to the public in 1962, the main game-viewing areas of the reserve are open all year round. Japanese, Western Europeans, Americans and Southeast Asian tourists visit this park in abundance.
The reserve covers 2,058 sq. km. of savanna woodland and is well-stocked with elephants, baboons, waterbucks, bushbucks, oribi, crocodile, hippopotamus, roan antelope, buffalo and various types of monkeys. Lions are occasionally spotted as well, despite their natural camouflage. The best time to visit is between November and May, when tourists are likely to see more game since the dense vegetation has dried out and the animals congregate around the rivers.
The Wikki Warm Springs is one of the best features of the game reserves. Flood-lit at night, it is wonderful after a hot day’s game-viewing to relax in the warm water. The spring gushes out from under a cliff, where the water is at least 6 ft. deep, with a bathing area that extends for 600 ft. to an open area. The park is inhabited by a variety of birds, including the huge saddlebill stork, golliath heron, bateleur eagle, vultures, kingflshers, bee-eaters and more. It is excellent for serious bird-watchers.
Other facilities include: Tennis courts, squash courts, a small museum in the reception area plus gas stations with convenience stores at Wikki Camp and Bauchi.
Reservations: It is advisable to make reservation during the holidays and weekends with Easter a particularly busy season. Reservations can be made at Durbar Hotel in Kaduna, Bauchi State House in Lagos and at the Zaranda Hotel in Bauchi. Or call Yankari Game Reserve at (069) 43-656.
Route: You can travel by road from Lagos to Abuja, where you make an overnight stop, then on to Jos and Bauchi, as it is a 2-day journey by car over well-maintained roads.
Hotels: Basic accommodations are available in chalets or rondavels. Also available are suites, double rooms and family chalets that include small kitchens. There are many other National Parks besides Yankari, as illustrated on the map. Notable ones include Mambilla, Gumti National Park, Cross River National Park, and Kainji Lake National Park.
Mambilla Plateau
The Mambilla Plateau, in the southeast corner of Taraba State, shares a border with Cameroon. A high grassland plateau averaging about 1800 meters, it is scenic, cool and a pleasant change from the heat and humidity of Lagos. Because the roads are still under construction, a sport utility vehicle or jeep is recommended and visitors should pack essentials, camping equipment and food. As an option, there are a few hotels on the plateau.
The Park provides an attractive setting, well worth a visit. Mambilla has cattle ranches, tea plantations and rolling, grassy hills. It is different from the rest of Nigeria with regard to flora and fauna and is home to some rare species of birds and animals, especially at the Gashaka-Gumti National Park.
Route: There is a major road to Mambilla from Lagos, Benin City, Onitsha, Enugu, Otukpo, Yandev, Katsina Ala, Wukari, Mutum Biyu, Bali, Serti and Gembu. You can also fly into Yola Airport, then drive a few miles south to Mambilla.
Gashaka-Gumti National Park
This is a vast land of spectacular wilderness (6,000 sq. kin) in the southeast corner of Taraba State, adjoining the Mambilla Plateau. Mostly mountainous, from 457 to 2407 meters, it contains Nigeria’s highest mountain, Chapal Waddi (2409m). It is the most ecologically diverse conservation area in the country and contains swaths of guinea savanna, gallery forest, moist forest, mountain forest and grassland. Many rivers flow through the park, including the Taraba, a major tributary of the River Benue.
A wide variety of animal life can be found, including buffalo, roan antelope, chimpanzee, colobus monkey, hippopotamus, hyena, giant forest hog, lion and leopard. The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise with a wide variety of species, and there is excellent fishing in the River Kam. The reserve headquarters is in the Forest Rest Houses at Serti, on the main road between Bali and Mambilla Plateau.
These rest houses provide self-catering accommodation at a small fee. The entrance to the park is about 15 km south of Serti. In the dry season, it is possible to drive to the former headquarters at Gashaka village, some 30 km from the entrance gate, where more self-catering accommodation is available. The park is best explored on foot and it is possible to hire game guards; guides and porters are available at Serti or in Gashaka village.
Cross River National Park
The Cross River National Park was created from two existing forest reserves of Bashi-Okwango and Oban Forest Resveres. It is famous for its unique rain forest vegetation which, according to conservation experts, is some of the richest in Africa. This park contains the last remaining rain forest in Nigeria, which is being preserved with the help of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. It has a herd of forest elephants, the white-faced monkey (indigenous to Nigeria only), buffalo, leopards and lowland gorillas, besides over a thousand other animal species. The park has a tropical climate characterized by a rainy season between April and October and a dry season between November and April. The moist green vegetation cover makes the forest an excellent place to see birds and butterflies.
The Kainji National Park
This Park, in Kwara State, was established in 1979 and incorporates the Borgu Game Reserve and Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast in Niger State. The Bourgu sector of the park alone covers an area of about of 3,929 sq. km. of savanna woodland, and Zugurma cover an area of about 1,370 sq. km.
The Kainji National Park also contains the Kainji Dam, an artificial lake which covers the town of Old Bussa. Here Mungo Park, the explorer, was said to have come to grief in 1805. Now the lake hides the scene of the accident. The lake is 136 km long and tours of the dam are available on request from the Nigeria Electric Power Authority. Boat trips on the lake can be arranged by the Borgu Game Reserve office at Wawa. To reduce the expense, it is better for several visitors to share the cost. Fishing is allowed on the lake.
Tourist Sites:
The Borgu Sector of Lake Kainji National Park was set up as a Federal Game Reserve and is one of the largest in West Africa. The area was uninhabited and the idea for the park was conceived in 1960. It is in the northern guinea vegetation zone which is characterized by tall grasses and savanna woodland. The park retains a robust animal population including antelope, lion, hippopotamus, buffalo, roan antelope, jackal, baboon, monkey and crocodile.
The park is usually open from December to June, with the best time to visit towards the end of the dry season, when the grass has dried out and the animals move closer to the water. Tourist should expect Harmattan (dry wind) from December to mid-February.
The best times for game viewing are in the early morning or evening, and trips can be arranged from 6:00 am, either in park vehicles or visitor’s own vehicle. Bird life is abundant, especially near the river. Visitors should call the Wawa Game Warden’s office (11 miles from New Bussa) for a briefing and to also reserve a game guide. The entrance to the reserve is approximately 19 miles from Wawa along a laterite road, and the oil river camp is a further 32 miles from the entrance. Many Nigerians and foreigners make day trips to
Kainji or pass by it on their way to other parts of the country. Despite the provisions at Kainji and New Bussa, hotel accommodation is insufficient to encourage many people to stay for long periods
Coconut Beach
Coconut Beach is a beautiful beach in the coastal town of Badagry, west of Lagos. The beach is attractively set in an area surrounded by coconut trees. About 20 miles towards the border of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, Coconut Beach is accessible through the Lagos-Badagry expressway. Visitors will find a friendly relaxed atmosphere.
Bar Beach
Bar Beach, also known as Victoria Beach, is the most popular beach among Nigerians. The main beach on Victoria Island is located along Ahmadu Bello Way opposite the Federal Guest House. It is usually crowded with Nigerians on public holidays.
Tarkwa Bay
Tarkwa Bay is a sheltered beach along the Lagos harbor. It is accessible by a ‘trazan’ boa from Maroko or ‘fiki’ boat from under Falo Bridge on Victoria Island.
This beach provides a pleasant outing with safe swimming conditions, even for small children. Tourist may obtain deck chairs and an awning on the beach, for relaxed, casual comfort. Local yen dots sell delicious pineapples, coconuts and variety of other delightful treats.
Calabar Beach
This superb beach, at the mouth of the new Calabar River, is about 2 miles long and 500 feet wide, uninhabited save for a solitary fisherman’s hut. The beach is virtually isolated and lends visitors the luxury of privacy in a beautiful setting off the beaten path. Since the beach is flanked by a swamp and can only be reached by boat or canoe, getting there is half the fun and enhances one’s fascination with this enchanted locale.
Lekki Beach
There are several beaches along the Lekki Peninsula, the foremost being Lekki Beach, located a few miles from the city center. Lekki Beach is another of Lagos’ attractive beaches and remains popular with foreign tourists. Beach shelters made of palm fronds and umbrellas, available for rent, keep the sun at bay, as well as provide a place to enjoy snacks or refreshments sold by local traders.
Eleko Beach
Opened in 1989, Eleko is the newest of Lagos’ Beaches, down the Lekki Peninsula about 30 miles from Lagos. There are no traders and no distractions on Eleko Beach, just peace and tranquillity, ideal for those seeking privacy.
The Obudu Ranch The Obudu Ranch is a popular holiday destination for adventurous tourists wishing to explore the remote corners of Nigeria. Situated in the northeast corner of Cross River State, only 45 miles from the Cameroon border, a tourist can enjoy the countryside of both Nigeria and Cameroon at the same time.
The Obudu Plateau is spread over an area of 40 sq. miles. It is 5,200 feet above sea level. The climate is cool and pleasant with no mosquitoes.
The landscape is spectacular, with rolling grasslands, deep-wooded valleys and waterfalls. Iris best to visit Obudu in the dry season since during the rainy season much of the ranch may be covered in mist and low clouds and there are thunderstorms. Between Dec. and Feb. the harmattan is heavy; therefore, the best times for a visit are the end of Oct. to Dec. and March to May before the rainy season.
Attractions:
Gorilla Camp, 13 km from the hotel, is accessible either by vehicle or on foot, where one can take a long, picturesque walk to the camp, and observe gorillas in their natural habitat. Guests may also ride horses or embark on hiking trips into the wild (comfortable shoes and a guide are recommended). Birdwatching here is unparalleled and there is a pleasantly shaded natural swimming pool near the Ranch House. If visitors accept the challenge of a three-hour hike, they’ll be rewarded with a stop at the waterfall, nestled amid captivating scenery. In spite of the altitude, it can get quite hot in the day, with five sunshine hours in the dry season (Oct. - April) and roughly two during rainy season (July to Aug.). Other activities include: golf, badminton, lawn tennis, squash and horseback riding.
Accommodations:
The Ranch Hotel maintains 33 chalets and boasts a friendly staff, superb restaurant and bar, and laundry/dry cleaning services. Chalets provide exquisite comfort with a large sitting room, color TV, VCR, cocktail bar, kitchen & spacious bedroom with double bed. The Ranch Hotel operates 24-hours during peak periods, Sept.-Dec., reservations should be made at the Cross River State House in Lagos. Or, by mail to: Hotel Manager, Obudu Cattle Ranch, P.O. Box 87, Obudu, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Route:
The sights are spectacular on the drive east, through rolling mountains and the dense forest with trees so high their branches form a canopy, shading out the sun entirely. This phenomenon has led to the area being called “Nigeria’s Amazon,” and is not to be missed. However, should one prefer to fly, they can do so from any major city to Calabar then proceed by car over the five hour route via Ikom.
Obudu Cattle Ranch-Cross River State
Obudu Cattle Ranch
The Obudu Cattle Ranch is a cattle ranch and resort located in the highlands of Cross River State in South Eastern Nigeria, only 45 miles from the border with Cameroon. It possesses a temperate climate due to its high altitude. The management recenly had a cable car installed, it brings guests from the base camp or 'bottom hill' to the summit of the ranch, it also plays host to the annual Obudu Mountain Race.
Obudu Cattle Ranch is located in at the hilltop not far from the Obudu town. The ranch is about a 35 minute drive from Obudu town which is about five hours from Calabar, the Cross River State capital. The Obudu ranch has a helipad and a small airport for access by air.
At the base of the hills on which the ranch is located lies a newly built world-class water park with state-of-art swimming facilities and water slides for children, teens and adults. The hilltop (cattle ranch) is about 11 km of winded road from the base and can be accessed by either the cable-car or the road.
The ranch has numerous pleasant mountain-area and country-side views. Tourist attractions include: the waterpark, cable-car, ranch cattle and horses, waterfall, Becheve nature reserve (canopy walk), honey and yoghurt factories and the ancient Anape village. There is also a standard golf course and hotel resort facilities for tourists and visitors.The biggest attraction is undoubtedly the cable-car which runs from the entrance to the resort at the bottom of the mountain up to the ranch resort at the summit. It is claimed to be the world's longest cable car system. It is built to a very high standard, is well maintained and is a very impressive achievement The ranch boasts of newly built ultra-modern conference centre, governor and presidential lodges and special chalets for tourists. The ranch community has a clinic, school, police post, night club and staff quarters. Unfortunately all this comes at a price! The resort's tariff is similar to that of the swankier Abuja and Lagos hotels; not overly expensive by international standards but beyond the resources of the vast majority of Nigerians and other West Africans
Tourists can easily access, Tinapa Resort, the newest tourist and business resort located in the same Nigerian State. it was used for the gulder ultimate search
Obudu Cattle Ranch is located in at the hilltop not far from the Obudu town. The ranch is about a 35 minute drive from Obudu town which is about five hours from Calabar, the Cross River State capital. The Obudu ranch has a helipad and a small airport for access by air.
At the base of the hills on which the ranch is located lies a newly built world-class water park with state-of-art swimming facilities and water slides for children, teens and adults. The hilltop (cattle ranch) is about 11 km of winded road from the base and can be accessed by either the cable-car or the road.
The ranch has numerous pleasant mountain-area and country-side views. Tourist attractions include: the waterpark, cable-car, ranch cattle and horses, waterfall, Becheve nature reserve (canopy walk), honey and yoghurt factories and the ancient Anape village. There is also a standard golf course and hotel resort facilities for tourists and visitors.The biggest attraction is undoubtedly the cable-car which runs from the entrance to the resort at the bottom of the mountain up to the ranch resort at the summit. It is claimed to be the world's longest cable car system. It is built to a very high standard, is well maintained and is a very impressive achievement The ranch boasts of newly built ultra-modern conference centre, governor and presidential lodges and special chalets for tourists. The ranch community has a clinic, school, police post, night club and staff quarters. Unfortunately all this comes at a price! The resort's tariff is similar to that of the swankier Abuja and Lagos hotels; not overly expensive by international standards but beyond the resources of the vast majority of Nigerians and other West Africans
Tourists can easily access, Tinapa Resort, the newest tourist and business resort located in the same Nigerian State. it was used for the gulder ultimate search
Comments from taurists
This happened to be my first visit to Obudu Cattle Ranch but not Calabar. I was not too sure what to expect in this outing so I chose to go with my wife and the last of my four kids, Allwell. I started my Journey to the PortHarcourt International Airport at about 10 Am. Flew Aero Contractor's Flight to Margaret Ekpo International Airport and continued with the same flight to Bebi airstrip. Unfortunately the weather became very cloudy making it impossible for the plane to land. So the pilot did not take chances but took us back to Calabar. Good Experience that arrangement was already on ground to take us and other families to the ranch by road to ensure that we still catch a glimse of the fun for the day - courtesy of Executive Travels. We eventually left on a six hour journey to the ranch by 6pm arriving by 1:15am the following morning. The weather was cold but not freezing, equivalent to what obtains in europe on your first visit as an African during summer. We were well received and given a treat to some excellent accommodation. We woke up with the rising sun to have a sceneric view of the mountain cliffs. We were treated to delicious meals by Protea Hotels at the resort before embarking on exploring of the ranch. The ranch boast of excellent accommodation facilities, self sustaining power generating system, a golf course, tennis court, cable cars which we gladly utilized down and up the hills, Natural water fall, and other interesting facilities. The ultra modern swimming pool which other experts rated as one of the best is undergoing finishing touches and is expected to be fully completed by end of first quater in 2006. Interesting were two oldest bull of about five years in age. We played with one of them named Donald. Other construction sites include the accommodation for honey mooners, huts with village settings, the presidential villas etc.The evening was great again with the Protea hotel organising a burn fire. The meal was an excellent treat to roasted chicken and beaf with a chioce of continental and national dishes. There was a live band, traditional dances, and a host of other attractions to give us the neccessary excitement. One striking thing to me was how the host communities were being carried along by the management of the ranch. To me I see this as one of the critical success factors and I want them to keep it up. We eventually left early the third day by road to Calabar from where we flew by Aero to Portharcourt.Overall it was an exciting outing. I only regret that I did not go along with my other kids and I could have made my stay a little longer. Obudu Cattle Ranch for sure will still be my next destination by which time I would exploit TINAPA and even stay longer to enjoy myself to the fullest. It is Recommended to all lovers of nature. Dennis UFOT
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...Marina Resort
Anchored in Calabar, savouring sips of ParadiseBy MAURICE ARCHIBONG
• Garden at Marina ResortPix: Sun News Publishig
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Welcome to a taste of paradise. But just as every cloud has a silver lining, so some sparkle their dull sides too. That’s what our latest tour of Cross River State , Nigeria ’s famed "People’s Paradise " translates to. There’s so much talk of how Calabar, Ikom, Obudu, Ogoja, Ugep and many other Cross River settlements had been transformed that any one that last visited any of these towns long ago would hardly find his/her way round. However, much as a lot of work has been done to improve the standard of infrastructure in these parts, a lot more remains to be done. For example, streets such as Webber, Nelson Mandela, Ekpeyong Ekpeyong, et cetera are barely passable for a motorist. And these avenues are all in the state capital Calabar. The same could be said of numerous roads elsewhere, not to talk of the parlous condition of major roads in Cross River , which are the responsibility of the federal government. Aside getting a feel of the roads, our visit to Calabar coincided with a traditional wedding, which we couldn’t but attend, for the purpose of some readers, who may not understand what Efik traditional costumes look like. Many Efik women, who have lived among the Yoruba, wear "Iro" and "Buba," but their native attire is "Oyonyon," an adaptation of the Victorian gown. "Travels" were also inside the Marina Resort Calabar, another landmark left by immediate-past Governor Donald Duke. We also stopped by the state headquarters of the Nigeria Police, where the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Tom Adama Okpoene, assured everything was being done to keep crime at its lowest and that investigations were ongoing as regards a homicide case that took place in Akparabong, near Ikom, some 215 km away from Calabar. Cross River State borders Cameroon ; this is why we again visited that hub of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to see what was being done to curtail smuggling, which could pose serious threat to the growing tourism prospects of that part of the country and Nigeria as a whole. Furthermore, we toured Tinapa, even as we returned to Cross River to see, if any effort had been made to protect the endangered Ikom Monoliths, which we drew attention to a few weeks ago. There, we gathered that the state government had ordered the immediate employment of the six gardeners and two security staff of Alok Open-Air Museum (AOAM), swept away in the curious "right-sizing" exercise currently racking the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM). After the workers’ sack, Alok Museum , which holds numerous precious stones were exposed to crass insecurity and its antiquities left at the mercy of thieves. From what we gathered, as things stand, the re-engaged staff would continue their work for the federal government-run commission, but are now on the payroll of the state government. Aside efforts by Cross River government, the federal government apparently showed commendable responsiveness through the visit of the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode to Cross River State last week. The minister was received at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport Calabar by Chief Edem Duke, President Federation of Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria (FTAN), Mrs. Florence Usang, State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Nzan Ogbe, Acting Managing Director, Cross River State Tourism Bureau, among others. Barely two hours after the minister’s flight touched down in Calabar, Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, seized the opportunity offered by the prince’s visit to his office to express worries over the condition of federal roads in that part of the country. Governor Imoke drew attention to the adverse impact of bad roads on tourism development in Cross River , when he observed that "90 per cent of the roads leading to various tourists sites in Cross River are federal roads, and these roads need urgent rehabilitation to facilitate tourism." Although the governor did not specify, the 210km Calabar-Ikom, Calabar-Itu, Ikom-Ogoja and Ikom-Obudu Roads are among major highways in need of urgent rehabilitation in Cross River State . Governor Imoke also alluded to the need to integrate National Parks in the state, which are also under the purview of the federal authorities into the tourism schemes of the areas, where such reserves are located. Despite the problems posed by poor state of roads, power outages and so on, to tourism development, Governor Imoke, however, expressed confidence in the new minister’s ability to move the industry forward thus: "We have no doubt, whatsoever, in our mind about your capacity to deliver." The Cross River helmsman, however, reminded that tourism is not one body’s responsibility to develop but required concerted effort to bring it to the point, where it could yield invaluable dividend to the people of Cross River , and Nigeria as a whole.Oil and gas will dry up but tourism earnings would remain tremendous,
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Welcome to a taste of paradise. But just as every cloud has a silver lining, so some sparkle their dull sides too. That’s what our latest tour of Cross River State , Nigeria ’s famed "People’s Paradise " translates to. There’s so much talk of how Calabar, Ikom, Obudu, Ogoja, Ugep and many other Cross River settlements had been transformed that any one that last visited any of these towns long ago would hardly find his/her way round. However, much as a lot of work has been done to improve the standard of infrastructure in these parts, a lot more remains to be done. For example, streets such as Webber, Nelson Mandela, Ekpeyong Ekpeyong, et cetera are barely passable for a motorist. And these avenues are all in the state capital Calabar. The same could be said of numerous roads elsewhere, not to talk of the parlous condition of major roads in Cross River , which are the responsibility of the federal government. Aside getting a feel of the roads, our visit to Calabar coincided with a traditional wedding, which we couldn’t but attend, for the purpose of some readers, who may not understand what Efik traditional costumes look like. Many Efik women, who have lived among the Yoruba, wear "Iro" and "Buba," but their native attire is "Oyonyon," an adaptation of the Victorian gown. "Travels" were also inside the Marina Resort Calabar, another landmark left by immediate-past Governor Donald Duke. We also stopped by the state headquarters of the Nigeria Police, where the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Tom Adama Okpoene, assured everything was being done to keep crime at its lowest and that investigations were ongoing as regards a homicide case that took place in Akparabong, near Ikom, some 215 km away from Calabar. Cross River State borders Cameroon ; this is why we again visited that hub of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to see what was being done to curtail smuggling, which could pose serious threat to the growing tourism prospects of that part of the country and Nigeria as a whole. Furthermore, we toured Tinapa, even as we returned to Cross River to see, if any effort had been made to protect the endangered Ikom Monoliths, which we drew attention to a few weeks ago. There, we gathered that the state government had ordered the immediate employment of the six gardeners and two security staff of Alok Open-Air Museum (AOAM), swept away in the curious "right-sizing" exercise currently racking the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM). After the workers’ sack, Alok Museum , which holds numerous precious stones were exposed to crass insecurity and its antiquities left at the mercy of thieves. From what we gathered, as things stand, the re-engaged staff would continue their work for the federal government-run commission, but are now on the payroll of the state government. Aside efforts by Cross River government, the federal government apparently showed commendable responsiveness through the visit of the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode to Cross River State last week. The minister was received at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport Calabar by Chief Edem Duke, President Federation of Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria (FTAN), Mrs. Florence Usang, State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Nzan Ogbe, Acting Managing Director, Cross River State Tourism Bureau, among others. Barely two hours after the minister’s flight touched down in Calabar, Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, seized the opportunity offered by the prince’s visit to his office to express worries over the condition of federal roads in that part of the country. Governor Imoke drew attention to the adverse impact of bad roads on tourism development in Cross River , when he observed that "90 per cent of the roads leading to various tourists sites in Cross River are federal roads, and these roads need urgent rehabilitation to facilitate tourism." Although the governor did not specify, the 210km Calabar-Ikom, Calabar-Itu, Ikom-Ogoja and Ikom-Obudu Roads are among major highways in need of urgent rehabilitation in Cross River State . Governor Imoke also alluded to the need to integrate National Parks in the state, which are also under the purview of the federal authorities into the tourism schemes of the areas, where such reserves are located. Despite the problems posed by poor state of roads, power outages and so on, to tourism development, Governor Imoke, however, expressed confidence in the new minister’s ability to move the industry forward thus: "We have no doubt, whatsoever, in our mind about your capacity to deliver." The Cross River helmsman, however, reminded that tourism is not one body’s responsibility to develop but required concerted effort to bring it to the point, where it could yield invaluable dividend to the people of Cross River , and Nigeria as a whole.Oil and gas will dry up but tourism earnings would remain tremendous,
Tinapa - Calabar
Nigeria's Tinapa: new Dubai or white elephant?
Estelle Shirbon, Reuters
Published: Wednesday, December 26, 2007
TINAPA, Nigeria - In the minds of its creators, the Tinapa resort in southeastern Nigeria will rival Dubai or London as a shopping and trading paradise for rich and enterprising Nigerians.
In reality, about $340 million has been spent since 2005 but 80,000 square meters of pristine retail space lie empty, the silence broken only by the footsteps of a few security guards.
The 243-room hotel with a river view is not quite finished. Neither is the water park with its giant snaking slide and wave pool, or the movie theme park -- though a King Kong figure already tops a golden dome.
A general view of Tinapa Business resort project in Calabar, Delta region, December 13, 2007. In the minds of its creators, the Tinapa resort in southeastern Nigeria will rival Dubai or London as a shopping and trading paradise for rich and enterprising Nigerians.
Originally set for 2006, the launch keeps being postponed, and many fear that inertia is setting in, both because of construction delays and bureaucracy.
Nigeria is Africa's top oil producer, but decades of misrule and corruption have left most of its 140 million people stuck in poverty and its infrastructure in decay. In that context, Tinapa is a bold experiment -- visionary to some, foolhardy to others.
Nigeria's biggest banks have invested in it, though the state of Cross River where the resort is located and the federal government have contributed more and are now heavily in debt.
"The investors knew it would take time for the vision to take hold," said Donald Duke, the former Cross River governor who masterminded the project, in an editorial this month.He predicted that three years after completion, Tinapa would be drawing 3 million visitors a year and generating an annual 300 billion naira ($2.5 billion) with an enormous multiplier effect on the economy of Cross River and Nigeria as a more
Estelle Shirbon, Reuters
Published: Wednesday, December 26, 2007
TINAPA, Nigeria - In the minds of its creators, the Tinapa resort in southeastern Nigeria will rival Dubai or London as a shopping and trading paradise for rich and enterprising Nigerians.
In reality, about $340 million has been spent since 2005 but 80,000 square meters of pristine retail space lie empty, the silence broken only by the footsteps of a few security guards.
The 243-room hotel with a river view is not quite finished. Neither is the water park with its giant snaking slide and wave pool, or the movie theme park -- though a King Kong figure already tops a golden dome.
A general view of Tinapa Business resort project in Calabar, Delta region, December 13, 2007. In the minds of its creators, the Tinapa resort in southeastern Nigeria will rival Dubai or London as a shopping and trading paradise for rich and enterprising Nigerians.
Originally set for 2006, the launch keeps being postponed, and many fear that inertia is setting in, both because of construction delays and bureaucracy.
Nigeria is Africa's top oil producer, but decades of misrule and corruption have left most of its 140 million people stuck in poverty and its infrastructure in decay. In that context, Tinapa is a bold experiment -- visionary to some, foolhardy to others.
Nigeria's biggest banks have invested in it, though the state of Cross River where the resort is located and the federal government have contributed more and are now heavily in debt.
"The investors knew it would take time for the vision to take hold," said Donald Duke, the former Cross River governor who masterminded the project, in an editorial this month.He predicted that three years after completion, Tinapa would be drawing 3 million visitors a year and generating an annual 300 billion naira ($2.5 billion) with an enormous multiplier effect on the economy of Cross River and Nigeria as a more
From a related site
Tinapa is located on the Calabar River, and contiguous to the Calabar Free Trade Zone. Tinapa is the realization of an exciting dream of the first integrated business and leisure resort in Nigeria. Tinapa is the utopian dream of Donald Duke, the broad-minded governor of Cross River State in South Eastern Nigeria; to transform Calabar into a cosmopolitan business and tourist hub in Africa. And over $350 million have been spent in the development of Tinapa.
Top retailers in Nigeria and other countries have already signed up with Tinapa to benefit from Tinapa's large markets with four anchor emporiums covering a vast area exceeding 80 000m2. The four anchors will be supported by retailers catering to diverse markets including cosmetics, toys, books, and computers.
Top retailers in Nigeria and other countries have already signed up with Tinapa to benefit from Tinapa's large markets with four anchor emporiums covering a vast area exceeding 80 000m2. The four anchors will be supported by retailers catering to diverse markets including cosmetics, toys, books, and computers.
Ibom Gulf Resort - Akwa Ibom State
Akwa Ibom StateTHE newest African destination tucked in the palm forest of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort has dug up a 150-year slave boat as its marina beach Club which they intend to complement their Ecotourism resort. The marina beach now equipped with a floating jetty was formerly a harbour used by European slave raiders but later taken over by the British protectorate company, John Holt for freighting timber from Cameroun forests to Europe, which is just a distance of about 10meters.
The boat which is about 10x5, size built with raw steel was said to sit about eighty slaves at a time and constructed by Isaac Pinblott & Sons Ltd Shipping Builders Northwich Chesire,. Now, Le Meridien Ibom Hotel is turning this ancient boat into tourist edifice by an Italian named Riccardo Bigazzi. The Marina Club also excites party organizers due to its eco-friendly nature as rich indigenes of the state prefers it to other venues. The beautiful fauna and aquatic plants offer a soothing effect to an overstressed since Marina Club is buried deep into the belly of Ibom forest habitated by local natives who live on salty water seafood and local gin. Sitting out at this wonder of a place one is just about ten meters from Cameroun, fifteen minutes from Sao Tome & Principe and 20 minutes from Equatorial Guinea. Every weekend, an escape of discoveries waits one at Le Meridien Ibom Marine Club with irresistible packaged offers that includes free breakfast for two and other pampering.
Ibom Golf Resort Set To Host Tiger Wood
WHY UYO IS THE NEW MECCA OF GOLF
By the time Le-Meridien Ibom Hotel's Golf course is reopened this July World's pro like Tiger Woods, Goose and Nancy Lopez would be amazed about this best kept secret of Nigeria tucked in the belly of Uyo's Palm Forest in Akwa Ibom State.
When the Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State Dr. Victor Attah initiated or rather mooted the idea of setting a five star hotel in his home State that will attract tourists with its golf course, he least expected that it (even still at its 70% near completion) will draw best of the best pros around the world while becoming the largest golf course in Nigeria. Ibom golf Resort run by Lemeriden Ibom hotel surpassed Ikoyi Club Golf Course (hitherto the largest) in size, amenities and staffers. Ibom Golf resort with five, hour of play when compared to other club's 4 hours has 6.361 km walk distance from hole one to eighteen which has continued to amaze lovers of Golf around the world that if something good must come from Nigeria not such a world standard course and Nigeria's first international luxury resort. With a well stocked pro shop that boasts of quality gloves, Golfballs, hats, caps, proshirt, gulf luggage and other essentials to make golf playing a pleasure / business.
Also players can enjoy the latest wireless booking and reservation ahead of their games from any part of the world, is why Ibom Golf Resort was chosen for the hosting of the biggest tournament in Nigeria, The MTN World Golfers championship in September last Year which produced finalists to represent Nigeria in the Worlds Golfers competition in October, Malaysia and Victoria Attah Golf classis Tournament in November last year. All these feats can only be achieved through competent, efficient and reliable ground staff headed by Graham Wylie an Irish of star wood standard who made sure that his crew are well equipped with latest communication gadgets and trouble shooting equipments.
Ibom Gold Resort can also boast of over ten buggies (golf car) on its course, medics scientific security morning, most hygienic and eco friendly environment providing warm limed water and ice cold refresh towel for cleansing and superb male / Female air - conditioned lockers for sport to office changing. With its ever smiling fashionable, good looking, smart and friendly host / hostess, one can relax after game with an unending entertainment starting from high tempo Mozambican band on stand backing an artificial fountain lake while steaming hot Soya chicken/ beef, grilled barracuda steaks and grilled whole croaker stare naked at one, igniting finger licking passion at every pass of a waiter. No pro can resist such lush lawn and lakes of lemeridien Ibom Hotel & Resort causing mass exodus of Golf addicts like Marc Debvroye, Daniel Dacosta, Godwin Asuquo from Ikoyi Club to Ibom Golf Resort.
Among top ten world players who has played at Ibom Golf course include Mr. Collin Montgomerie, the Scottish Britain No1, Retif Goose South African No, 1 Ms Nancy Lopez South African former world's ladies best, while Eddie Peters of handicap four rating, King Diette spiff of Bonny Brass and Ben Murray Bruce and likes had had a feel of this proud Africa resort situated at Uyo Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria which membership has continued to swell in numbers through heavy weights like Rtd General Edet Adam Akpan, Gov Victor Attah and Dr Ebong Bath Bassey, Union Bank C.E.O Right now, plans are no ground to woo worlds no 1 golf player Tiger Wood to Ibom to experience the beauty of playing in an ecotourism environment which has a first class Golf course construction expert from Australia called Gary White who said" click www lemeridien. Com / Ibom get winged to Uyo Via Calabar on a free bus shuttle and get lost in your own world."
ABOUT THE FINEST EVENT CENTRE IN UYO
For those who pay detailed attention to the planning of their events, parties and corporate meetings, conferences, seminars, wedding receptions etc. the mention of Nwaniba Conference Hall at Le Meridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort in Uyo Akwa Ibom stirs up some excitement.
The multi-functional hall which of course is the bet event venue in the south - douth is adequately equipped with modern electronic facilities to service all local and international events.
The boat which is about 10x5, size built with raw steel was said to sit about eighty slaves at a time and constructed by Isaac Pinblott & Sons Ltd Shipping Builders Northwich Chesire,. Now, Le Meridien Ibom Hotel is turning this ancient boat into tourist edifice by an Italian named Riccardo Bigazzi. The Marina Club also excites party organizers due to its eco-friendly nature as rich indigenes of the state prefers it to other venues. The beautiful fauna and aquatic plants offer a soothing effect to an overstressed since Marina Club is buried deep into the belly of Ibom forest habitated by local natives who live on salty water seafood and local gin. Sitting out at this wonder of a place one is just about ten meters from Cameroun, fifteen minutes from Sao Tome & Principe and 20 minutes from Equatorial Guinea. Every weekend, an escape of discoveries waits one at Le Meridien Ibom Marine Club with irresistible packaged offers that includes free breakfast for two and other pampering.
Ibom Golf Resort Set To Host Tiger Wood
WHY UYO IS THE NEW MECCA OF GOLF
By the time Le-Meridien Ibom Hotel's Golf course is reopened this July World's pro like Tiger Woods, Goose and Nancy Lopez would be amazed about this best kept secret of Nigeria tucked in the belly of Uyo's Palm Forest in Akwa Ibom State.
When the Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State Dr. Victor Attah initiated or rather mooted the idea of setting a five star hotel in his home State that will attract tourists with its golf course, he least expected that it (even still at its 70% near completion) will draw best of the best pros around the world while becoming the largest golf course in Nigeria. Ibom golf Resort run by Lemeriden Ibom hotel surpassed Ikoyi Club Golf Course (hitherto the largest) in size, amenities and staffers. Ibom Golf resort with five, hour of play when compared to other club's 4 hours has 6.361 km walk distance from hole one to eighteen which has continued to amaze lovers of Golf around the world that if something good must come from Nigeria not such a world standard course and Nigeria's first international luxury resort. With a well stocked pro shop that boasts of quality gloves, Golfballs, hats, caps, proshirt, gulf luggage and other essentials to make golf playing a pleasure / business.
Also players can enjoy the latest wireless booking and reservation ahead of their games from any part of the world, is why Ibom Golf Resort was chosen for the hosting of the biggest tournament in Nigeria, The MTN World Golfers championship in September last Year which produced finalists to represent Nigeria in the Worlds Golfers competition in October, Malaysia and Victoria Attah Golf classis Tournament in November last year. All these feats can only be achieved through competent, efficient and reliable ground staff headed by Graham Wylie an Irish of star wood standard who made sure that his crew are well equipped with latest communication gadgets and trouble shooting equipments.
Ibom Gold Resort can also boast of over ten buggies (golf car) on its course, medics scientific security morning, most hygienic and eco friendly environment providing warm limed water and ice cold refresh towel for cleansing and superb male / Female air - conditioned lockers for sport to office changing. With its ever smiling fashionable, good looking, smart and friendly host / hostess, one can relax after game with an unending entertainment starting from high tempo Mozambican band on stand backing an artificial fountain lake while steaming hot Soya chicken/ beef, grilled barracuda steaks and grilled whole croaker stare naked at one, igniting finger licking passion at every pass of a waiter. No pro can resist such lush lawn and lakes of lemeridien Ibom Hotel & Resort causing mass exodus of Golf addicts like Marc Debvroye, Daniel Dacosta, Godwin Asuquo from Ikoyi Club to Ibom Golf Resort.
Among top ten world players who has played at Ibom Golf course include Mr. Collin Montgomerie, the Scottish Britain No1, Retif Goose South African No, 1 Ms Nancy Lopez South African former world's ladies best, while Eddie Peters of handicap four rating, King Diette spiff of Bonny Brass and Ben Murray Bruce and likes had had a feel of this proud Africa resort situated at Uyo Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria which membership has continued to swell in numbers through heavy weights like Rtd General Edet Adam Akpan, Gov Victor Attah and Dr Ebong Bath Bassey, Union Bank C.E.O Right now, plans are no ground to woo worlds no 1 golf player Tiger Wood to Ibom to experience the beauty of playing in an ecotourism environment which has a first class Golf course construction expert from Australia called Gary White who said" click www lemeridien. Com / Ibom get winged to Uyo Via Calabar on a free bus shuttle and get lost in your own world."
ABOUT THE FINEST EVENT CENTRE IN UYO
For those who pay detailed attention to the planning of their events, parties and corporate meetings, conferences, seminars, wedding receptions etc. the mention of Nwaniba Conference Hall at Le Meridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort in Uyo Akwa Ibom stirs up some excitement.
The multi-functional hall which of course is the bet event venue in the south - douth is adequately equipped with modern electronic facilities to service all local and international events.
click here to view full article>>>
other tourism sites in Akwa ibom state
Oliver Tweest restaurants
Ibom Tropicana
Michael SimireFollowing the clearance of the project site as well as the laying of the foundation stone, construction work is about to commence on the Ibom Tropicana Complex.
The multi-dimensional entertainment complex contemplated by the Akwa Ibom State Government has a landmass of 128,227 square meters (12 hectares). It is located along the Sir Udo Udoma Avenue in Uyo (the state capital)and is bonded by roads around its perimeter.
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The complex comprises following facilities such the dome, hotel rooms/VIP suites, mall/cineplex, Ibom Tropicana Park, open theatre, utilities building and a multi-storey car park
The dome, for example, is designed for sport and entertainment activities with an overall area of 15,500 square meters, providing seating capacity for more than 10,000 persons. According to sources, it will draw international and local celebrities and exhibitions. The facility will amortize its construction cost in less than five years.
The 258-room hotel has 15 floors including its ground floor, with a 24-hour cafÈ/lounge-bar, and continental restaurant on the ground floor. The banquet hall is also located on the ground floor in a separate structure connected to the hotel via an internal covered walkway.
The hotel will feature a swimming pool, tennis court and gymnasium center. The hotel is designed to international standards in order for its facilities to be certified by Sheraton, Hilton, Marriott, Holliday-Inn, and Intercontinental Hotels - one of which will eventually manage the hotel.
The hotel, with a built-up area of 13,500 square meters, will be expanded to provide central catering to all the facilities in the complex, namely the Dome and the Tropicana Park
The mall and cineplex will have retail shops, eateries, coffee shops, five cinemas as well as Atriums. The mall will include a kindergarten facility to assist parents in their daily activities as well as staff working in the mall. The retail facilities will be selected to reduce competition, and expected to attract world-class retailers such as Marks & Spencers, Macy's and home appliances supermarket will be provided, as well as an office, depot store, and office and residential furniture show rooms.
The mall and cineplex will cover an area of 22,000 square meters.
The Ibom Tropicana Park will feature facilities and wet and dry parks. An experienced International electromechanical maintenance firm together with Silverbird will eventually manage it.
The theme park will comprise two sections - a wet park and a dry park - accessed from two different gates. The wet park will have its administration services/food outlets/toilets/box office/kiosk near the main entrance while the wet rides consist of wave pool, TOTS pool slide, lazy river ride, activity pool/play structure, inner tube slide and high thrill slide.
This section of the park will have its own mechanical, electrical and plumbing maintenance offices and team.
The dry park it will have at the main entrance the box office, toilets, retail kiosks (souvenirs, shirts and caps). The dry park will have structures/rides like: mini jets, kiddie wheel, mini tower, tea cups, space gun, giant wheel (33 meters), drop zone, bumper cars, pirate ship, jolly jump, top dancer, traffic jam, family coaster and comic shows in open theater.
There will also be several retail kiosks all around the park. A stream bisects the theme park and, in order to enhance the ecosystem, a small barrage will be erected to create an artificial lake to increase the birds' habitat.
The utilities building will house the generators, automatic/manual change over switch, high voltage switch gear, low voltage gear and the control room, transformers, diesel tanks, site management offices and technicians rest rooms.
Located near the mall, the multi-storey car park will provide spaces for 520 cars, and another 800 surface car parking spaces will be provided around the site.
A car park is planned across the main road and accessed via a pedestrian overhead bridge. Additionally, medium buses shuttling between the adjacent parking space across the road and the dome during main events will provide a "Park and Ride" facility.
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other related links on ibom tropicana
1. ibom tropicana is, as at now....
2. you can also log onto the official website of the state to see more tourist sites at www.akwaibomstategov.com
click here to view photographs of ibom tropicana
Bar Beach - Lagos state
Lagos Beaches
Lagos environs has over ten beaches all with pretty much the same features – white sand, palm trees and the rough unforgiving waves of the Bight of Benin. The beaches are relatively quiet most weekdays and weekends, considering the size of the city. However, all the beaches are besieged on public holidays, when Lagos residents suddenly seem to remember they have a beach on their doorsteps!
Bar Beach: This is the main beach on Victoria Island, alongside Ahmadu Bello Way and one of the more popular beaches in the state. Bar Beach is the main (inner city) beach and runs from the Institute of Oceanography in the west to the Eko Hotel in the east. Being smack in the middle of the city, it attracts its fair share of squatters, druggies, “ladies of the night” with their “customers”, and fervent religious types, creating a heady blend of life forms, with the wealthiest walking along the poorest and no one batting an eyelid. Bar Beach is named after the sand bars that characterised the coastline of Lagos, not because of the myriad of bars that run along the beach itself (a popular misconception!)
The Eko Hotel end of Bar Beach was recently fenced off by the Lagos State government, to create a more “organised” beach called Kuramo Beach, named after the small lake which lies behind it. A uniform range of beach huts were rented/sold off to operators of bars and restaurants and for a while, this beach was very inviting. Like all things in Lagos, Kuramo was soon taken over by “the mob” and is now as rough and ready as the rest of Bar Beach.
from wikipedia
For other uses, see Lagos (disambiguation).
LagosEko
Lagos Island as seen from the harbour near Victoria Island.
Flag
Seal
City of Lagos showing main urban areas
Coordinates: 6°27′11″N 3°23′45″E / 6.45306, 3.39583
Country
Nigeria
State
Lagos State
LGA
Lagos Island
Area [1]
- Urban
999.6 km² (385.9 sq mi)
Population (2006 census, preliminary)[2]
- Density
7,941/km² (20,569.9/sq mi)
- Urban
7,937,932
Time zone
CET (UTC+1)
Website: http://www.lagosstate.gov.ng/
Lagos (pron. IPA: /ˈleɪgɒs/ or /ˈlɑːgoʊs/ overseas) is the most populous conurbation in Nigeria with 7,937,932 inhabitants at the 2006 census.[2] It is the most populous in Africa, and currently estimated to be the second fastest growing city in Africa (7th fastest in the world),[3] immediately following Bamako. Formerly the capital of Nigeria, Lagos is a huge metropolis which originated on islands separated by creeks, such as Lagos Island, that fringe the southwest mouth of Lagos Lagoon, protected from the Atlantic Ocean by long sand spits such as Bar Beach which stretch up to 100 km east and west of the mouth. From the beginning, Lagos has spread on the mainland west of the lagoon and the conurbation, including Ikeja and Agege, now reaches more than 40 km north-west of Lagos Island. The city is the economic and financial capital of Nigeria.
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