Blessed with rich land resources, Nigeria has been exploring its tourist attractions as another means of revenue generation. Tourism is one of Nigeria’s biggest export to foreign countries. From the South to the North to the West to the East, there are numerous places to visit for a lifetime adventure, sight-seeing and fun.
As we explore South-Western Nigeria, which is made up of Lagos state, Oyo state, Ekiti state, Ondo state, Osun state and Ogun state, we take a tour to the must-see destinations in these selected regions:
Old Oyo National Park
Old Oyo National Park is one of the national parks of Nigeria, located across northern Oyo State and southern Kwara State. The park is 2,512 km2 of land in northern Oyo state, south west Nigeria, at latitude 8° 15’ and 9° 00’N and longitude 3° 35’ and 4° 42’ E. The location placed the park at a strategic position of abundance land area as well as diverse wildlife and cultural/historical settings.
Ikogosi Warm Spring
The Ikogosi Warm Springs is a tourist attraction located at Ikogosi, a town in Ekiti State. Flowing abreast the warm spring is another cold spring which meets the warm spring at a confluence, each maintaining its heat properties. Research suggested that the warm spring has a temperature of about 70oC at the source and 37oC at the confluence.
Erin Ijesha waterfall
Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls (also known as Olumirin waterfalls) is located in Erin-Ijesha, Oriade local government area. The waterfalls was discovered in 1140 AD by one of the daughters of Oduduwa. However, according to The Nation,”Olumirin waterfall was discovered by hunters in 1140 AD”. Another source posits the tourist site was discovered by a woman called Akinla, founder of Erin-Ijesha town and a granddaughter of Oduduwa, during the migration of Ife people to Erin- Ijesa.
Idanre hills
The Idanre Hill is located in Idanre town in Ondo State. The hill of Idanre is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Nigeria and includes cultural sites as “Owa’s Palace, Shrines, Old Court, Belfry, Agbooogun footprint, thunder water (Omi Apaara) and burial mounds and grounds. It resides 3000 ft(914.4meters) above sea level and houses a unique ecosystem.
The New Afrika Shrine
The New Afrika Shrine is an open air entertainment centre located in Ikeja, Lagos State. It serves as the host location of the annual Felabration music festival. It is currently managed by Femi Kuti (eldest son of Fela Kuti) and Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti. It serves as the replacement of the old Afrika Shrine created in 1970 by Fela Kuti until it was burnt down in 1977. The New Afrika Shrine showcases photo galleries of Fela and music performances by Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti.