| Tourism
& Culture in Nigeria
Collectively, culture
is a way of life in a given society. Tourism is the vehicle through
which this way of life is appreciated.
In Nigeria, culture
is manifested in art, dance, language, literature, folklore, mores,
music, governance, and even the environment. According to archaeological
finds, Nigeria’s artifacts depicting the early life of the people
date back to 2000 years. The Nok Culture, the earliest of the finds
depicted the early life of the people of the Nok region North of
the Benue River. The characteristic features of the Nok culture,
which flourished from 500, BC to AD 200 is the terracotta figurines
associated with it and the extensive use of iron. The source of
the knowledge of an iron technology has been attributed to the civilization
of ‘Meroe’ in what is today the Republic of Sudan, as well as to
Carthage in North Africa.
Arts
& Culture
Brass
or Bronze
Casting is still made but there is nothing produced now to compare
with the fabulous Ife and Benin Bronzes. These perfect example of
portraiture and the "cire peerdue" method of casting, together with
the equally perfect terracotta thought to be of the same period
and possibly by the same craftsmen, have no equals anywhere.
Apart from the Benin
and Ife bronzes, archaeological finds at Igbo-Ukwu, in Enugu State,
have revealed advanced ancient works of art. The Igbo-Ukwu bronzes,
which have elaborate intricate symmetrical designs, are as remarkable
as the better-known Ife works.
Grass
Weaving
Because grass is plentiful in the northern parts of Nigeria, northern
craftsmen and women make grass baskets, fans, tables and floor mats.
Some of the objects are beautifully colored and durable.
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Culture
Wood
Carving
Though places like Benin and Awka are acknowledged as center of
wood-carving, wood carvers have flourished all over southern Nigeria
since time immemorial, making figures for shrines, portraiture,
masks, representations of the spirits of the field, forest stream,
earth, sea, sky, water, fire and thunder. The works of old carvers
remain in many villages where they provide the villages with their
shrines, utensils and ornaments to this day. Many of the older examples
of these products are preserved in the national and other museums.
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Culture
Ivory
Carving
Ivory carvings have for many years adorned ancestral altars in Benin
and the palaces of Nigerian rulers. Ivory carvings are also available
in homes and offices as paper knives, inlaid cigar boxes, cigarette
holders, ladies earrings, hatpins, necklaces, bangles, and innumerable
small pieces of décor.
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Culture
Glass
and Metal Works
The metal works, glass beads and bangles of Bida are familiar articles
to visitors to Nigeria. The bead makers in particular preserve their
ancient skills as a family tradition. The metal workers were originally
the armored of the north. Their art is now applied to the production
of skillfully fashioned and decorated trays, bowls and pots rings,
bangles and the like.
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Culture
Leather
and Calabash
 The
skin popularly known as Morocco leather comes from goatskin from
Sokoto. It was erroneously given the name "Morocco leather" because,
until recently, it reached Europe through Moroccan traders who bought
them from Nigerian caravan traders across the Sahara Desert. Excellent
leatherwork and calabash carvings are produced in Kano and, Oyo.
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Culture
Pottery
Excavations have shown that pottery attained a high level of development
in Nigeria several hundred years ago. The tradition has been maintained
and Nigerian pottery today ranks among the most artistic in the
world. The best-known pottery center in the country is Suleja in
Niger State. In 1963, a Nigerian pottery worker, the Late Dr. Ladi
Kwali, toured Great Britain and Europe to demonstrate the art of
pottery making in Nigeria. Products of the Pottery center at Okigwe
in Imo State are widely distributed in Nigeria and abroad.
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Culture
Clothe
Weaving
 Another
outstanding craft of Nigeria is cloth weaving. The popular Akwete
cloth woven in a town of that name in Abia State is fast changing
the dress fashion of many women who live in, or come to the country.
Produced on a broad loom, Akwete is usually about 1,200 millimeters
wide. It is produced in attractive designs and rich colors.
There are also the
"Aso-Oke" woven on narrow looms notably at Iseyin in Oyo State,
the Ebira weaving at Okene, Kogi State.
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Culture
Painting
Apart from such crafts as bronze-casting, wood carving, leather
work, pottery and weaving, a form of artistic expression that has
quietly gained a stronghold but has not been given its due recognition
in Nigeria is painting. As a medium of artistic expression, painting
is not completely new in the country. The two groups of rock paintings
in Kano and Bauchi are the most important yet found in the country.
The Birnin Kudu cattle paintings and symbolic drawings show affinity
to some Saharan paintings.
The coloring of
masks monochromatically or polychromatically is also a form of painting
that has been in existence in Nigeria for as long as the festivals
and ceremonies for which such objects were made. Body paintings
and decoration for ceremonial rites and festivals are also a common
practice in many parts 'of the country. The designs and decorations
used in body painting possess esoteric connotations and the human
body so painted at times in varied contours, visually becomes a
really beautiful "living art piece".
Another form of
artistic expression closely akin to painting that has been in practice
in the country for a long time is the multicolored decoration of
the inner and outer walls of houses with beautiful and elaborate
symbols and designs. Some of such designs have their origin in the
Islamic influence on Nigerian culture and are popular in the northern
parts of the country.
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Culture
International
Fame
Those who have gained prominence at home and abroad in this field
within a relatively short time include Ben Enwonwu, well known for
his landscapes, Simon Okeke, E. O. Okebolu, Erhabor Emokpae, Bruce
Onobrakpeya, Ayo Ajayi, Felix Idubor, Muraina Oyelami, Twin Seven-Seven
and a host of others. A large number of the works of these Nigerian
painters can be found in many galleries and private collections
in Nigeria and abroad.
Though it is just
a little over 80 years since the first acclaimed modern painter
emerged in Nigeria, painting as an art form has become so popular
that apart from regular one-man or joint exhibitions held abroad
by individuals or groups, some artists have emerged to form a "school"
or "movement". For instance, the Oshogbo Movement has gained global
identification by breaking fresh grounds with fruitful experimentation.
While most Nigerian
painters started their career with such traditional means as oil,
charcoal, pencil, pen or watercolor, a number of innovators and
experimentalists among them have widened the dimensions and horizons
of fine arts in and out of the country.
Works in the new
areas have been classified as bronzed Iino relief, into cut, deep
etching, print, collage, bead-mach pointillism, etc. The scope for
experimentation seems limitless and the future of fine arts looks
very promising with the continued development of the country.
YANKARI GAME RESERVE 
The Yankari National park is the premier game reserve in Nigeria. Yankari is located around the Gagi River, approximately 1 ½ hours by the 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 tourist visit the park. The reserve covers 2,058 sq. km. of savanna woodland and is well-stocked with elephant, baboons, waterbucks, bushbuck, oribi, crocodile, hippopotamus, roan antelope, buffalo, & 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 tourist are likely to see more game since the dense vegetation has dried out and the animals congregate around the rivers.
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. And it can be fun any time of the year people visit this beach from all over the world.
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Government
Assistance
The Federal and State governments of Nigeria have always shown keen
interest in the development of arts and crafts as a source of employment
and means of developing aptitude and have given every possible assistance
to the industry. The governments encourage the formation of cooperative
societies to advise on the best way of increasing production and
sales, and help to arrange exhibitions both in Nigeria and abroad.
As a further step towards the development of arts and crafts, governments
have opened art schools and colleges, such as the College of Technology,
Yaba and the School of Fine Arts at the Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria, where students can develop their talents under the guidance
of qualified instructors, Many of the students are sponsored by
the government or private organizations. Government has also established
various agencies for the coordination promotion and preservation
of the Arts. Below are some of them:
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National
Council for Arts and Culture
The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) was established
by Decree No. 3 of 1975 after the dissolution of the former Nigerian
Arts Council. It started operations in and African Arts and Civilization
(CBAAC), is the custodian of cultural materials for Black and African
peoples all over the world. The institution is a vital Center for
the study, propagation and promotion of understanding of Black and
African ideals and civilization.
Its core collection
consists of all the unique and rare archival, library, audio-visual
and museum materials deposited for safe keeping with the Nigerian
Government, by the 59 Black and African Governments which participated
in the FESTAC '77. The materials, being preserved, utilized and
augmented, represent the invaluable contributions made by the intellectuals,
writers and artists who were the moving spirits behind the execution
of FESTAC '77.
The Center was officially
declared open on 22nd June 1978, and has been declared a depository
for UNESCO books, documents, etc. All the materials in the Center
are distributed into four components, namely Archives, Library,
Audio Visual and Museum Divisions. Among the collections in its
museum is an exhibition on "African and the Origin of Man", an invaluable
discovery which provides material evidence that AFRICA IS THE CRADLE
OF MAN.
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National
Commission for Museum and Monuments
The National Commission controls the registration and clearance
for export of antiquities as well as arts and crafts (even newly
made) for Museums and Monuments. There are severe penalties for
attempting to export antiquities without a permit issued by the
National Commission for Museum and Monuments. Export permits can
be obtained at any of the National Museums in the country. The clearance
permit serves as a conclusive part that an object is not an antiquity.
Permits for export of antiquities should be directed, and with as
much notice as possible, to the Director-General, National Commission
for Museums and Monuments, National Museum, Lagos or to the Director-general,
through the Curator and head of station of the National Museum in
the state in which the applicant is located.
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Walls
and Ancient Buildings
City Wall and Moat, Benin City
These are the most impressive city walls and moats in southern Nigeria.
At their highest point, the walls were nine metros high and the
moat (ditch) nine metros deep, making a total incline of 18 metros.
Unfortunately in the past few years, the walls and moats has been
the victim of extensive soil excavation used as a source of building
materials.
City
Wall, Zaria
The Zaria City wall perhaps remains the best preserved among the
cities of northern Nigeria. The need for defensive walls has disappeared
since the occupation by the British of the Western Sudan at the
beginning of this century. Moreover, the rains of over 50 wet seasons
have battered down the tall mud walls rampant in this part of the
country. The walls of Zaria, which circumnavigate the city, are
between 14 and 16 kilometers long and are pierced by eight gates.
Gobirau
Minaret, Katsina
This imposing minaret, or tower which originally is said to be some
120 metros tall and which was built of mud and palm timbers, is
all that remains of the mosque constructed in Habe times, before
the holy wars of Sheik Unman Dan Fodio. Parts of the 15.25-meter
tower are thought to be about 250 years old.
Chief
Ogiamen's House, Benin City
This building is protected under the Antiquities Act of 1953 principally
because of its architectural eminence as a fine example of Benin
traditional architecture. It has an elaborate system of court yards
and altars. It is a chief's house and was probably built before
the 1897 British expedition against Benin. The big fire that gutted
the city following the British invasion did not affect the building.
Foot
Bridge, Kaduna
This is an interesting example of indigenous engineering before
the advent of roads and railways in Nigeria. The bridge was originally
erected by Lord Lugard at Zungeru in 1904 and re-erected in 1954
in the Kaduna Gardens.
Nigeria: Enjoy Sights Of LifeTime
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Nigeria, with a land mass of over 356,000 square miles is a country with spectacular sights ,a wide range of fauna and exciting places for vacationing, exploration and sightseeing. The country is blessed with tropical rain forests, savannah grasslands, mangrove swamps and the sahel savannah near the Sahara.
Visitors to Nigeria will be thrilled by the marvels of nature that abound in the land, rare, amazing plants and animals seen only on special television programmes or magazines. These plants and animals live in their natural habitats undisturbed by man. Nature has also endowed Nigeria with many natural resources and with some of the wonders of the natural world, which can be viewed by visitors to those locations.
Natural Tourist Atractions
Nigeria’s prime natural tourist attractions include the following:
- Ikogosi Warm Springs – this is a natural warm spring that flows and mixes with cold water issuing from another spring. This place attracts tourists from all over the world.
- Owu Falls – located in Kwara State of Nigeria, it is the steepest natural waterfall in West Africa and is surrounded by a tropical rainforest in which can be found a wide range of animals and plants not seen in other parts of the world.
- Niger-Benue Confluence – This is where the Rivers Niger and Benue join at Lokoja. It can be toured on available boats, on canoes or viewed from a closeby hill giving a panoramic view of the confluence.
Assop Falls – located about 40 miles from Jos city, it is a lovely place for picnicking, swimming and enjoying the grand view of the scenic landscape.
- Wikki Warm Springs – Deep inside the Yankari Game Reserve is this warm water spring that stays the same warm temperature day and night.
With a coastline of about 350 miles, Nigeria has natural sites with tropical coconuts, mangrove and other seaside vegetation for vacationers and visitors to enjoy the Atlantic. Several beaches are open to visitors including Badagry, Lekki, Bar, Eleko, Calabar etc
Festivals To See
The display of the full culture and heritage of the people of Nigeria is usually colourful, exciting and memorable. Periodic festivals of the people include the following which tourists will find remarkable and interesting:
- EYO FESTIVAL: Eko people of Lagos holds annually and usually culminates in the display of masquerades adorned resplendently in white flowing dresses and hats to match.
- KWA-GHIR FESTIVAL: A festival of the Tiv people in Benue state of Nigeria, it is a display of traditional masquerades, puppet theater, some forms of acrobatics, dancing, music and sartorial display. A colourful festival indeed, it attracts many people and is accentuated by the friendliness and warm welcome of the Tiv people of Nigeria.
- THE DURBAR: This is usually a festival culminating in a horse race at the behest of an Emir, a traditional ruler. With roots in the Islamic way of life, the Durbar is colourful, exciting and open to all to watch.
- ARGUNGU FISHING FESTIVAL: Argungu is located in Sokoto state in the North Western part of Nigeria. It is famous for its fishing festival in which a lake is stocked with fish which are fed until the time of the festival. Individuals go into the lake without the aid of boats and the competition goes to the one with the largest catch. This festival is international and attracts visitors from all over the world.
- ARGUNGU MOTOR RALLY: As part of the fishing festival, car manufacturers and marketers have organised the annual motor rally in which cars go through an endurance race over country roads. Notable names like Toyota, Mercedes and Peugeot feature in the rally.
- BOAT REGATTA: The Izons and other peoples of the Niger Delta Area have festivals that include extremely colourful boat regattas and water races. Canoe races are also a feature and visitors are attracted to these from various parts of the world.
NEW YAM FESTIVAL OF THE IGBOS: The new yam festival is rooted in the ancient worship of the gods of the land for a fruitful harvest. Modernised and still as flamboyant as ever, the festival holds around August and features masquerades, traditional dances, wrestling competitions and other sporting and gaming events.
Tourists And Vacation Sites
- KAINJI LAKE GAME RESERVE: See elephants, lions, hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitats. Also visit the craft shops at Wawa and enjoy the delicate cuisine of the local communities. This game reserve is located in Niger and Kwara states of Nigeria.
- ESIE MUSEUM: this museum displays terracotta artifacts and figurines dating from the 13th to the 16th century and shown to be doing various things from dancing to weaving. The Esie Museum is located in Esie town, about 100km from Ilorin in Kwara State.
GOLF COURSES: Nigeria has many golf courses where vacationers can get the best of games surrounded by the grandest views of nature. Golf courses include the IBB Golf Course in Abuja, Lamingo in Jos, and others in Ewekoro, Ikeja, Ilorin, Ibadan and other parts of Nigeria.
- ROCK PAINTINGS OF BIRNIN KUDU: Reputed to be thousands of years old, these painting depict the lifestyle of the people that inhabited that area of Jigawa State in times gone by.
- OBUDU CATTLE RANCH: The ranch is located in Cross River state of Nigeria and has near temperate climate owing to its location on high hills. As a tourist attraction, it has a waterfall, a gorilla habitat, and opportunities to see a variety of birds.
Visitors to Nigeria will find a warm welcome from the people. Airlines have regular shuttle flights from Lagos to the major tourist and commercial centres of the country. Hotels and guest houses also provide excellent local and international cuisine as desired by visitors.
For more information contact:
Federal Ministry of Culture & Tourism
Fed. Sec. Complex, Phase II, Bulet Building, (Block A 1st Floor, Block B 5th Floor), Maitama District, Abuja.
PMB 473 Garki, Abuja.
Tel: (09) 2348297, 2348311
Fax: (09) 2348257
Email: culturetourism@yahoo.com
Website:www.fmct-nigeria.net
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