Abuja, Nigeria's new Capital City was created as a result of the need to establish for Nigerians an ethnically neutral, climatically comfortable and centrally accessible territory to all parts of the Federation. An enabling Decree (Decree No. 6 of 1976) was promulgated to effect the creation of the Federal Capital Territory. Thereafter, the Federal Development Authority was entrusted with the responsibility to design, build and manage the new Capital Territory.

The seat of the Federal Government was moved from Lagos to Abuja on December 12, 1991. As a result, many ministries and parastatals have since moved into the Federal Capital Territory.

The beauty of Abuja is in its landscape profiled by rolling hills, isolated highlands and gaps with low dissected plains. It's South-West, area has the lowest elevation, where flood plain ofGurara River is at an elevation of about 70m above sea level.

The land rises irregularly from there, eastwards. The Bwari-Aso range in the North-East, the Gurara Range, South-West of Suleja and the Idon Kasa Range, North-West of Gwagwalada. There are other isolated inselbergs dotting many parts of the Federal Capital Territory. The area is thus, touristically conducive for eco and adventure tourism.

Abuja is located in the centre of the country, on the guinea savannah of the middle-belt between 60 45'W and 7 30'E of the Greenwich meridian. It occupies an area of about 8,000sq kilometres and is bounded in the North by Kaduna State, in the East by Nasarawa State (former Plateau State) in the South-West by Kogi State and in the West by Niger State.

Abuja climate is characterised by 2 major seasons. The dry season which begins in November perpetuating through February is ruled by warm sunshine and the hazy harmattan in the months of December and January. The rainy season begins in mid-March and terminates in November.

The Generality of Abuja ensures that it is easily accessible from all parts of the country, whether by air or road. Abuja, is today, without any doubt, one of the fastest growing cities with immense tourism potentials, with an estimated population of about 0.5 million people currently, and an expected population of about 3.2 million at full development.

The Gbagyi, (Gwari), Gade, Koro, and Gwandara speaking peoples of Nigeria first inhabited the land now known as Abuja. The Gbagyi or the Gwaris as popularly known have a very ancient culture which is comparable in age and beauty to the famed Nok culture in Kaduna State. They are expert potters, crafts-men and farmers who have remained unaffected by the enticement of modernity.

Their women are known for carrying loads only on their shoulder. This has been a long standing tradition which is strictly adhered to by all Gbagyi children, as they believe that the Head is the most sacred part of the body which is already saddled with the task of thinking for the whole body, and therefore should not be over burdened.

With the Gbagyi, there is always something to celebrate. Their colourful festivities, are enacted to mark the burial of their loved ones, marriages, naming ceremonies and propitiations to their pantheons.

THE FULANI PEOPLE OF ABUJA

The Fulani in Abuja, both the Sedentary and Nomadic are a frequent sight in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These people are peculiar as they have remained true to their ancient cultures, and have not been very much influenced by the trend of things in modem Nigeria.

This is, in some ways, a beneficial thing, as it allows for the ancient culture of Abuja to seep through into modern society and ensure we never forget our roots.

The Fulani are devoted to their culture, and although what side of Nigeria you see will depend on where your airline tickets are booked for. The Fulani are definitely the most un-influenced aspect of the Nigerian people.

Though they travel through the various regions of Nigeria (if they are nomadic), they continue to spread the old ways rather than take on the new ones, ensuring the people of Nigeria never lose their connections to where they came from.

The Fulani culture of the nomadic type presents complex systems involving age-groups and initiations. The most important being the Sharo or Shadi (flogging meetings ) believed to have originated among the Jafun Fulani where it is still widely practised. The Sharo is a test of will-power and perseverance, a test that prepares the youth to endure life's hardship and keep secrets at all times. It ensures a high moral standard, fierce pride and independence. A Sharo gathering often last for five to seven days. It is usually staged twice in a year - during either the guinea-corn harvest or Muslim holidays, marriages, honouring or installation of chief and settling scores between small villages.

Their main occupation is cattle rearing, they do very little farming, hunting and fishing. However, the Sedentary Fulani depend highly on trade. Nearly all pastoral Fulani keep sheep, goats and chicken. Milking and diary operations are normally performed by men, though women sometimes participate.

The Federal Capital Territory Abuja is fast emerging as a leading tourist and business destination in the country. Here are some places you may want to visit when driving through the streets of Abuja and its environs.

International Conference Centre

The International Conference Centre serves as venue for Conferences, Seminars and Conventions. It has an auditorium with a" sitting capacity of 2,000 and other smaller committee rooms with communication equipment and gadgets capable of translating at least four languages simultaneously. The centre is located along Herbert Macaulay Way in Garki District ofAbuja.

Ecowas Secretariat

Situated in Asokoro District of the City is the elegant Ecowas Secretariat. This building serves as the administrative Headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States with facilities for international conferences.

Centre for Women Development

The Centre for Women Development is unique in Africa. It serves as a training, research and mobilisation centre for Nigerian Women and is located in the Central Area of the City. The centre has standard bedrooms and bed spaces for both higher and lower income visitors. Other facilities include restaurant, travel agency, shops, local handicraft from all parts of the country, auditorium with capacity of 3,000 and committee rooms for hosting both national and international workshops.

Aso Rock and Cave

This is the largest of the Rock outcrop within the Abuja Metropolis, ranging about 936 metres above sea level, dominating the landscape of the New Capital City and overlooking residential quarters and office buildings like the National Assembly, the Supreme Court and the Presidential Villa. Aso means victory in Gbagyi dialect, and Asokoro people are often referred to as 'people of victory. The Rock which has become synonymous with the nation's seat of power is thus, a symbol of strength, power and success. The Rock has some caves within the structure which can be visited by tourists with the permission of the Local Priest. Aso people used to take refuge in the cave during inter-tribal wars.                                            Top

IBB Golf Course

This is an 18-hole green international standard Golf Course, attracting local and international tournaments in collaboration with major hotels in the city and Golf Association throughout the country. It is located at the Maitama District of Abuja Municipality.

The fall is more impressive in the wet season when the river becomes fullest, it is quite wide, and measures about 30m during the rainy season, it has large amount of water cascading over the top, creating rainbows in the spray below. While it is low between November and December and lowest in January to March, this beautiful work of nature is worth visiting by all categories of tourist, especially the adventurers, naturalists and picnickers.

Also, worthy of mention, are some attractions whose environment have not been fully developed for tourism. They include: Lower Usman Dam, Lower Gurara (outlet of the Gurara Fall) at Yaba, and Ushafa Traditional Pottery.

TRANSPORTATION IN ABUJA

Abuja has a well organised transport system. The Abuja International Airport meets all the requirements of a modem Airport. It is about 30 minutes drive from the central area of Abuja city. Several domestic Airlines ply Abuja daily. The green taxis with white horizontal stripes are abundant for intra-city services. Car rental services are also available. However, tourists should always negotiate the fare before they embark on theirjourney to avoid squabbles with transporters. For group tours, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation is always available and willing to arrange with reputable tour operators to take you around the city and its environs at affordable fee.

ACCOMMODATION                                      Top

Abuja boasts of some of the finest hotel establishments in the world. From the magnificent Nicon Noga Hilton and prestigious Sheraton Hotels, to a collection of many standard hotels catering for different categories of tourists. Hotels in Abuja are equipped and manned by capable hands to meet the competition in the rapidly growing hospitality industry in the Federal Capital Territory.

HOTELS IN ABUJA REGISTERED WITH THE NIGERIAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Noga Hilton
1. Name of Hotel: Nicon Noga Hilton Hotel
Address: Maitama District P.M.B. 200 Abuja

Size: 797 Rooms, 149 Standard twins, 18 Alcove Twins, 30 Presidential Suites, 266 Superior Twins and 20 Ambassadors Suites. All rooms are equipped with air conditioners.

Facilities: Computerising equipment, IDD-Telephones, Radio, Colour television, Air-conditioners, clock alarm. Satellite Reception dish. Congress diplomatic and presidential halls, Multisystem, Business centre, Travelling agents. Studios, Sports and recreational facilities, parking lots and Multiple stores, Car Hire Services.

Reservation Phone - 09 - 5231811 - 840,
Telex - 09 91504 HILTON NG Fax:09-5232418

	Sheraton Hotels,
	Agura Hotel
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2. Name of Hotel: Abuja Sheraton Hotel and Towers

Address: Ladi Kwali Way, Maitama, P.M.B. 143 Abuja.
Size: Over 640 Rooms in All: 571 King size and Double rooms, 4 Presidential suites,
2 Ambassadors suites, 4 Diplomatic suites, 16 Suites, 32 Executive suites.
All rooms are equipped with Air conditioners.

Facilities: Conference Hall, IDD Telephones, Laundry centre, Car hire services. Satellite reception dish, parking lots, Air conditioner, Airport shuttle bus, Sports and recreational facilities, Travel agency. Business centre and Secretarial services

Reservation: Phone - 09 - 5230225 - 244, Fax:09-5231570, Telex SHERABU.

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3. Name of Hotel: Agura Hotel Limited

Address: Festival Road, P.M.B. 40 Abuja.
Size: 300 Rooms including Executive Superior suites

Facilities: All rooms are equipped with air-conditioners, local and international telephone, sports
                 and recreational facilities, travel agency, bank, night club, business centre, Car hire
                 services, etc.

Reservation: Phone - 09 - 2341753 - 760, Telex 71496 AGURA NG. Fax: 09 - 2342750.

 

4. Name of Hotel:   Banex Plaza Hotel

Address:    Plot 750 Aminu Kano Crescent, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, Zone A7 Wuse II, Abuja. Facilities: All rooms are equipped with Air conditioners, local and international telephone,
                 Sports and Recreational facilities, etc.

Reservation: Tel: 09 - 5236420 - 5, Fax: 09 - 5236423

 

5. Name of Hotel: Niger Links Holiday Inn

Address: Plot 243 Malenje Street, Zone 4, Wuse Abuja.
Size: 24 Rooms
Facilities: All rooms are equipped with air-conditioners, local and international telephone.
Reservation: Phone - 09 - 5235291 & 3, 09 - 5235292

6. Name of Hotel: Airwaves Hotel,

Address: Zone A8, Wuse II, P.O. Box 6173 Garki Abuja
Size: 20 Rooms
Facilities: All rooms are equipped with air-conditioners, local and international telephone.
Reservation Phone - 09 - 5232215

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7. Name of Hotel: New Rendezvous Hotel Limited

Address: Plot 188 Block 3 Makeni Street Zone 6, Wuse Abuja P.O. Box 2291, Garki Abuja
Size: 46 rooms
Facilities:  All rooms are equipped with air-conditioners, local and international telephone.
Reservation: Phone - 09 - 5231195

8. Name of Hotel: Admiralty Suites

Address: Plot 656 Asokoro, P.O. Box 5064 FCT Abuja
Size: 8 Rooms
Facilities telephone facilities and fully air conditioned
Reservation: Phone 09 - 2342697

9. Name of Hotel: Rockview Hotel

Address: Plot No 789 Cad. Zone A 8 P. 0. Box 5879, Garki Wuse II Abuja
Size: 106 Rooms
Facilities: All suites and rooms have their individual air conditioner, colour televisions,
               satellite   channels and telephone. Other Facilities include - a restaurant and bar,
               banquet hall, sports and recreational facilities, secretarial services, airport shuttle
               bus service, etc.
Reservation: Phone - 09 - 5236722 - 27, Fax: 09 - 5236768

 

10. Name of Hotel: Otiti - M - Plaza

Address: 0. A. U. Quarters, Wuse 2 by IBB Way, Abuja. Size: 13 Rooms
Facilities: Restaurant, Secretarial and General consultancy. Reservation: Tel: 09 - 5236046,
Fax:        09-5233666

 

ABUJA CUISINE

Both Oriental and Continental Cuisine are served in all major Hotels and most Restaurants in Abuja. Indigenous dishes are available in all restaurants and hotels, some of the leading restaurants are Talk of the Town, Shagalinku, McDowals, Big Daddy, Aggies and many more

Julie Useni Park

The Julie Useni Park established by the Environmental Protection Board, Abuja is a mini zoological garden located in Area 1, Section 2, opposite area 1 shopping centre along Festival Road in Garki District. The park has a collection of wild and domestic animals like turtles. Antelopes, Rabbits, Jackals, Alligator Lizard and Birds such as the Ostrich, Parrot, Duck, Bush Fowl, Geese, Pigeon etc. Facilities being developed within the park include a business centre, a cafeteria, a snooker hall, Suya spot among others. The park is ideal for animal lovers and children recreation.            Top

Abuja Amusement Park

The Abuja Amusement Park located on Bumbuna Street Zone 1, Wuse, is open to visitors Monday to Sunday from 8.00 a. m to 10.00 p.m. Children amusement facilities are available such as Merry - go - round. Bump cars. Galloping horses. Hydra ride, Train octopus, rally cars and a restaurant.

Medical Facilities:

Medical facilities available in the Federal Capital Territory include Garki General Hospital, Wuse General Hospital, Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital and several public and private medical centres, clinics and drug stores located in all neighbourhood centres, to take care of visitors health.

 

NIGHT LIFE IN ABUJA                                                  Top

Abuja without doubt is the safest and the most secured cosmopolis in Nigeria with its buoyant and irresistible night life that abounds in all the districts of the city. Tourists have varied kinds of night spots to choose from.

a) Kesthern Hilltop tourist relaxation centre

Set on a tranquil area of the city in Asokoro District, the Kesthern Hilltop Tourist Relaxation Centre is one of the most interesting places to visit in the night. The centre offers delicious roasted chicken and pepper soup. Here you can experience the electromagnetic body manipulations of the Tiv traditional dancers led by their tribal life band, and the occasional gymnastic display at the centre. Within the picturesque centre is a 'Love Garden Bar' which is enhanced by the many terraced open air sitting position. There is always plenty to drink. 7 days a week 6.00 p.m. - 10.00 p.m.

b) Area 2 Chicken (Night) joint

Savour the characteristic bustling Bonny Close in Area 2, Section 2 Garki, at night where special roasted chicken is served, with specially roasted internal parts known as 'Walking Talking'. The place features a one man Highlife Band occasionally. The Chicken Joint opens every day of the week between 6.00 p.m. and 10.00 p.m.

c) Nicon Hilton Hotel

The exquisite Nicon Hilton Hotel offers a full night's entertainment, with: the Safari Night Club, the Capital Bar, and the Buka and Oriental Restaurants.

d) Verdict

Located along Crescent Road in Wuse II district, it is an ideal place for night entertainment. Taste the delicious Local Pepper Soup while you relax in front of a Karaoke.

e) Blinkers

Discover the thrilling Blinkers Night Club, located in Addis Ababa Crescent at Wuse Zone 4, where variety of local and international music are played to the delight of guests. Variety of dishes are served at affordable prices.

f) Sheraton Hotels and Towers

The wonderful Elephant Bar, Lobby Bar and the Dazzle Night Club in the Sheraton Hotels and Towers offer you a fascinating night outing. Enjoy the High brow Jazz and the African music.

 

NEARBY DESTINATIONS                                        Top

LOKOJA

Lokoja is the capital ofKogi State, one of the 36 States of the federation. It is 198km from Abuja, about 2 hours drive. It is a major tourist destination with several historical relics and other interesting tourist attractions as described below:

The Confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue

The source of the Niger River was discovered by Mungo Park. Richard and John Lander continued further exploration after his death. They discovered the Y shape Confluence of the Benue and Niger River flowing South-wards into the ocean. The two Rivers are the longest in West Africa

Mount Patti

It is a hill with a wide flat top. It was first discovered by Frederick Lugard. This hill once served as a place of refuge for the earliest inhabitants of Lokoja. The Niger and Benue Confluence and much of Lokoja could be viewed from the hill.

The Cenotaph

This is a war monument erected in remembrance of the fallen heroes of both the British and Nigerian Military who fought in the First and Second World Wars in 1914 and 1938. It is situated along Murtala Mohammed Way. Other attractions within Lokoja town include; the European Missionary Cemetery, the exiled Northern Emirs grave-yard, the Magazine Hill, IBB Tourist Camp, the Oldest Vault and the 1st Prison-yard in Northern Nigeria. Top

The first primary school in Nigeria

The Holy Trinity Bishop Crowther Primary School was founded in 1865 by the late Bishop Ajayi Crowther and Pastor John. The Pyramidal Block of classrooms erected since its inception are still functional. The compound also houses the famed Iron of Liberty which slaves touched to regain their freedom.

Lord Lugard Senior Staff Quarters

Lord Lugard's pre-fabricated buildings, imported from Britain, and assembled to provide accommodation for his Senior Staff. Today, the buildings still stand proudly defying the vagaries of time. One of these buildings currently quarters the Kogi State Tourism Board, Lokoja.

To be continued......

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