Abuja & Neighbouring States/Cities

Abuja

Abuja the federal capital of Nigeria, is located in the central region of Nigeria. It replaced Lagos State as the capital on the 12th Dec. 1991, following the decision was made to centralized operations in an ethically neutral and climatically comfortable territory of the country, that would provide central access. It comprises of 5 major districts namely Garki District, Central Business District, Wuse District, Maitama District and Asokoro District.

Abuja is conducive for adventure and eco tourism, as it is profiled by rolling hills, isolated highlands and gaps with low dissected plains. It has 3 major ranges namely the Bwari-Aso Range in the NE, the Guara Range which is SW of Suleja and the Kasa Range NW of Gwagwalada, while the lowest elevation is the Gurara River flood plain in the SW area is located.

Abuja is one of the fastest growing cities in Nigeria as it is expected to accommodate a population of 3 million. It is easily accessible by road and by air and is bordered by Kaduna State on the North, Nassarawa State on the East, Kogi State on the So. West and Niger State on the West.

People - Abuja was originally inhabited by the Gade, Gbagyi (Gwari), Gwandara and Koro speaking people who are known mostly for their ancient culture. The Gbagyis (Gwaris) are mostly craftsmen, farmers and potters. They are also known for their colourful festivities. The Fulani population in the region are also known for their cultural practices, including the Sharo or Shadi (flogging meetings) which they have retained to ensure high moral standards, pride and independence among their people. Being a combination of sedentary and nomadic people, the sedentary Fulani are mostly traders, while the nomadic Fulanis are mainly cattle rearers.

Aso Rock and Cave

Aso means victory in the Gbagyi dialect, and as thus the people are referred to as a "people of victory". Aso Rock is the largest rock outcrop with the city's metropolis and dominates the landscape of the city. The name Aso Rock is thus synonymously used to describe Nigeria's capital as a symbol of power, strength and success. The Rock overlooks the offices of the National Assembly, the Supreme Court and the Presidential Villa. In the past, the caves within the huge rock provided a hiding place and one of protection during inter-tribal wars and it can still be visited with permission from the local priests that oversee its maintenance.

Aso Rock Park and Zoo

These are located on one of the sides of the Aso Rock providing a play area for children, while the animals including giraffe, monkey, donkeys, etc., are set within the habitat. A restaurant is also available.

Gurara Water Fall

One of the nation's most beautiful tourist attractions, it is located along the Sulema- Minna road in Niger State, only 100km from Abuja.

IBB Golf Course

Located in the Maitama District, this 18-hole green international standard golf course, attracts both domestic and international tournaments. It collaborates its efforts with major local hotels and other golf associations in the country.

Jabi Dam

This lush resort is a picnic site with horse stables located 4km from the city centre. Permission is needed for public use.

Usama Dam

This water treatment site located in Ushafe offers a breath taking scenery.

Zuma Rock

This is an Inselberg located a few kilometres from the Abuja metropolis, enroute Kaduna State. This rock offers a different view from all compass points. Most outstanding is the grotesque face that appears to have a set of gouged eyes and a crooked nose. Another view appears to be that of an upturned Egyptian Sphinx, while another is that of a giant head with a broken nose facing skyward, and the last resembles a crouching elephant .

Other Noteworthy Structures/Sites

Abuja Amusement Park

Abuja Plant Nursery

Centre for Women Development

Ecowas Secetariat

International Conference Centre

Julie Useni Park

Strabag Hill

Ushafa Traditional Pottery

Main Markets

Wuse Main Market

New Wuse Market

Garki Village Market

various other markets exist in addition to these

Accomodation

Abuja has some of the finest hotels in the world. These include the magnificent Nicon Hilton and the prestigious Abuja Sheraton Hotel in the Maitama district, as well as many others which meet various needs.

Admiralty Suites

Agura Hotel Ltd

Airwaves Hotel

Banex Plaza Hotel

Dilik Hotel

New Rendezvous Hotel Ltd

Niger Links Holiday Inn

Otiti-M- Plaza

Parkview Hotel

Rockview Hotel

Nightlife

Area 2 Chicken (Night) Joint

Blinkers

Kesthern Hilltop tourist relaxation centre

Nicon Hilton Hotel

Sheraton Hotel & Towers

Verdict

Nearby Destinations/Neighbouring States

Suleja

An ancient city located 40km from Abuja. A town of many peacefully cohabiting tribes. Mainly the Fulanis, Gwaris and Hausas, but including Igbos and Yorubas who have migrated there. Pottery is the main occupation

Capital Ceramics

Dr. Ladi Kwali Pottery Centre

Minna

Capital of Niger State is located 158km from Abuja. A beautiful city and home to the Fulani, Gwari, Hausa, Kambari and Nupe people.

Shiroro Dam - Built in a gorge, it offers a breathtaking scenery of undulating hills and lush vegetation. Boating and fishing are permissible in the Dam. It has a resort that offers various recreational activities including basketball, tennis and swimming. It also has a restaurant and bar offering different cuisine and snacks.

Lokoja

Capital of Kogi State, located 198 km and about 2 hours drive from Abuja is a major tourist destination that offers several historical relics.

Cenotaph - War Monument in memory of 1st &2nd World war heroes

The Confluence of Rivers Benue &Niger. 2 longest rivers in W. Africa (R. Niger's source was discovered by Mungo Park)

1st elementary school in Nigeria (Holy Trinity Bishop Crowther Primary Sch.) founded in 1865

Lord Lugard Staff Quarters - prefabricated from Britain

Mount Patti - Previously a place of refuge for the earliest inhabitants of Lokoja. offers spectacular views of the confluence and Lokoja proper. Discovered by Lord Lugard.

Royal Niger Flag - where the exchange of the National African company to the Royal Niger company occurred, before the flag of the latter was lowered to accommodate the British Union Jack flag.

Kaduna

Located 202 km from Abuja, this State which derives its name from the Hausa word meaning 'crocodile' because the River Kaduna was a natural habitat in which they were found. It is a giant commercial centre and harbours one of Nigeria's oil refineries.

Arewa House - Sir Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the former Premier of Northern Nigeria, and the Sardauna of Sokoto once lived here. His personal belongings and books are on display for tourists.

Gen. Hassan Katsina Amusement Park - One of the oldest parks, established in 1914. The repository of the famous Foot Bridge. Lord Lugard built in 1880, and the still functioning swimming pool constructed for the training of soldiers for the 2nd World war.

Jacaranda Restaurant and Pottery - A top rated pottery store with a (lunch) restaurant located amidst a beautiful garden and Crocodile pond, with Japanese bridges.

Lord Lugard Hall - Meeting centre and house of legislature during the 1st & 2nd Republic.

National Museum - Accommodates the 2500+ year old Terrakota, as well as other sculptors.

Nok Culture - A 2500 year old settlement of one of the oldest cultures in Africa located 89km from Kaduna located in Kwoi. Distinguished by its 'clay' sculpture.

Bida

Located in Niger State, 242km from Abuja. Populated by the Nupe people known for their brass, glass and aluminum works. Valuable souvenirs for tourists.

Zaria

Located 72 km from Kaduna and 272 km from Abuja, is the seat of the Emir of Zazzau, who heads Zaria's Emirate council.

Emir of Zazzau's Palace - built by Hausa architects

St. Bartholomew Church - built of mud by the 1st European missionaries

Jos

A beautiful metropolis of Plateau State, which flat grass, rocky summits and beautiful weather, located 338 km from Abuja.

Assop Fall - A perennial fall cast in a beautiful milieu of vegetation and stones. Excellent for picnics, mountaineering and other adventure.

Liberty Dam - Good for picnics, meditation, mountaineering and offers melodious songs of insects & birds

Naraguta Leather Works - Leather craft is the ancient tradition of the Naraguta people of Jos.

Jos National Museum &Museum of Traditional Nigerian Agriculture (MOTNA)

Riyom Rock Formation - It's natural gallery displays one of the largest collections of nature's sculptures available in the world. Spectacular views of Rocks ingeniously placed by nature.

Shere Hills - Combination of foot hills and rock formations. Excellent for picnics, mountaineering and adventure. Used for Boys Scout, Girls Guide, Boys Brigade and Man O'War meetings.

Jos WildlifePark - Has over 65 species of mammals, and various birds and reptiles, including elephants, hippopotamus and monkeys.

Jos Zoo - many species of animals (including the elend, eagles, hyenas, lions, wart hogs, etc.) are set in their natural habitat.

For photos Abuja

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