Friday, September 21, 2007

TOURISM GUIDE ON NIGERIA.FOR FREE

EFIK:-
They are related to the Ibibios in their language and culture. Their Towns and Villages between 17thand19C became important, thanks to theTrans Atlantic Slave trade and the palm oil trade. Their major towns are old Calabar, which is made up of Duke Town (Atakpa), Creek Town (Obio Oko), Big Qua Town etc. Their traditional ruler is called the Obong of Calabar. Many of their rich and influential men belonged to the Ekpe Secret Society in the time past. Calabar, their ancestral home has a seaport and presently the capital city of Cross River State South-South Nigeria.The state government headed by Donald Duke is presently creating an export free zone known as TINAPA. FULANI:-
They live in large area of West Africa between Senegal and Northern Part of Cameroon. Traditionlly, they do not live in towns, but move about with their herds of cattle in search of.pasture The Fulanis are in Nigeria and live in the Northern part country, In the 19th Century, a Fulani cleric, Uthman Dan Fodio, led a Jihad that dethroned their Hausa Overlords. He subsequently set up the theocratic state of Sokoto, which remained till 1904 when the Briti.sh defeated them in the battle of Guimi.

HAUSA:-
This is one of the most numerous ethnic groups in West Africa,whose language hausawa is spoken in many countries of West Africa. They live in the Northern parts of Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic etc. History has it that Bayajida was their ancestor, and that he led them(his followers) from the present day Saudi Arabia to where they now found themselves. They are Muslims, and known to be farmers, as well as traders. They have cities like Bauchi, Kano, Zaria, Zamfara and Katsina.etc These are major cities in Nigeria today.

IBIBIO:-
They live in the present day Akwa Ibom State of South-South Nigeria and are related in Culture and language to the Efiks. Their main food crop, is yam but many of them make palm oil, pottery and wood caving. Like their Efik counterparts, they are members of the Ekpo Secret Society. Their towns are Uyo, Ikot, Ekpen,Eket and Itu.

IDOMA:-
They live mainly in Benue State North Central Nigeria and have faming as their main occupation. They grow Yams, Guinea - Corn, Maize, Millet and Cassava. They are well known for their weaving and dying of cloths craftsmanship.. Traditionally, a number of the family groups live together. Eachgroupis dedicated to the ancestors and the earth. Different groups of the Idoum were not united in the pre-colonial times, but by 1948, a paramount Chief, the Ocidoma was elated. As the traditional ruler of the Idomaland.

IGBOS:
They occupy the South Eastern States of Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu States some also live in Rivers and Delta States of Nigeria.
Their language is grouped into a group known as "Kwa" which also included Yoruba, and Akan. Their main occupation is farming and they grow crops like yam, Cassava, Maize etc. Bishop Shenanan described them in the pre-Colonial times as being industrious, Bold and Obedient (IBO). Their famous god before the advent of the pax Britanica was the long "Juju"known in their local dialet as ibinukpabi that resided in cave Which was located in Arochukwu. Their cities are Onitsna, Eungu, Owerri, Aba etc. It is one the three major tribes in Nigeria.

IJAW:_
They are found in Delta, Rivers, Beyelsa, Akwa Iboon, Cross River Delta and Edo State - Coastal States of Nigeria. The main occupation is fishing, making of local gin - Ogogoro, Palm oil etc. Most of their towns and villages are rich in crude oil. The first crude oil in Nigeria was discovered at Olorbiri in 1958. It is the fourth longest tribe in Nigeria.

ITSEKIRI:-
The Itsekiri people live on the Western edge of the Niger Delta, in the present day Delta State of Nigeria, traditionally, they are fishermen and traders. In the 17th - 19th Centuries, they acted as Middlemen in Carrying trade between Euopeans at the Coast and the hintertand people. Oral tradition says that the first Olu (King) of all the Itskiri people was Ginuwa, a son of the ruler of Benin in the 15th C. The largest towns of the Itsekiri people are Warri, and Koko, which have become centers petroleum industries in Nigeria. Their language is closely related to Yoruba.

NUPE:-
They live in the valley of the middle Niger and Kaduna Rivers in Nigeria, they skilled in bronze and brass making ,and the craftsmen are organized in Societies or guilds according to their work. Many of the men are farmers, who grow rice, guinea corn, Millet and yams According to tradition, the Nupe State was founded Tsoede, who came from Igala Kingdom, probably in the early 16th Century. He and his descendant ruled as Etsu Nupe (Cliefs of Nupe) and made the the State powerful. In the 16th - 18th Centuries, they fought successful wars against the Yoruba State of Oyo. During the 18th to 19th Centuries, the Fulanis were spreading Islam in the region, and by the mid 19th Century, Malam Dando Captured the seat of Government and ruled it before the British established their influence in Bida.

TIV:-
They are found in Benue State, North - Central Nigeria Acording local tradition, they are all descended from an ancestor who lived 14 - 17 generations ago, and each Tiv group traces its descendant from him through the sons. The smallest effective group in their traditional organization (the tar) is made up of people descended from an ancestor who lived 3 or 4 generations before the present elders. A Tiv man has the right to farm land which is controlled by his 'tar'. The traditional leader of the Tiv is the 'Tortiv'.
The main food crops of Tiv are yam in the South and Millet in the North. Many farmers now also produce soya beans and benniseed for sale. The Tiv are traditionally brave warriors, and many now join Nigerian army. Many of them also work in the growing towns of Markurdi and Gboko.

IGBO - UKWU:-
At Igbo-Ukwu in Anabra State South-East Nigeria, archaeologists have found remains, of a Culture which at least is as old as 1000 years old. There is a very fine metal work, such as decorated pots of bronze and copper. An important man was Buried close by with many precious objects. All this indicates a rich and well organized Society, with a ruler who probably had religious as well as political power. Some of these sites are well patronized tourist attraction centers.

IWO ILERU:-
This is another archaeological site in the Western part of Nigeria. It was used as a shelter by hunting people as long ago as about 10,000BC. This shows that the forest areas of West Africa were inhabited in early times. Many stone weapons and tools have been found at Iwo Ileru, and give an idea of how the people lived, remains of skeleton were found which had some of the features of the present day population LONG JUJU SHRINE.
This is Situated in Arochukwu, South-East Nigeria. The religious influence derived from the control of this oracle almost made the Aros to have a political contrl over their neighbouring Igbo countries. This oracle commanded universal respect as a result of what was believed to be its impartiality and supernatural knowledge of people and events. Again, amongst all the Igbo oracles, the long Juju was the only one backed up by military action in the 19th Century. Its decisions were enforced by mercenary troops from Abam and Ohafia who raided any village that ignored its verdict. This made, the Aros to be very influential in the 19th Century.
In 1902AD, the British Military expedition destroyed the Oracle, but the cave where it used to be is presently a tourist attractive center.


Last Word: My name chidi elezer okei. I am a tour guide, certified by the Nigeria Association Of tour Operators (NATOP) and my company veek power internation., is registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission (RC No:386056) and also by Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation. I am resident in Nigeria.
Most of all, I will give you the friendliest, most informative and most exciting tour in Nigeria at a price that cannot be matched by any other tour operator in Nigeria.

thank to be part of this,



FOR MORE DETAIL ON NIGERIA YOU CAN CONTACT US ON


EMAIL.chidoyk@yahoo.com

2 comments:

mr chidi okei said...

THE PEOPLE OF NIGERIA
by okei chidi,
Nigeria is the most populous black country in the world, with numbers
close to about 130 million people. It is endowed with vast and abundant
natural and human resources. Nigerians belong to more than 250 ethnic
groups. Within these ethnic or language groups, there are different
dialects. Members of each group are normally concentrated in one area.
Now,
many Nigerians live in different parts of the country and speak the
language of their host. So the modern town Nigerian is a man or woman
of
many ethnic groups.
Picking a group of ten people in any major town in Nigeria, the chances
are about 90-1 that they belong to different ethnic groups. This
melting pot scenario does not preclude the facts that ethnic rivalry
and
jealousies do exist as a part of the culture.
The over 250 ethnic groups are related one way or another to one
another. They settled in the region, now called Nigeria, some 15
centuries
ago from yet to be proven origin, probably from the Middle East, where
most of the groups are said to originate. Inter and intra migration
helped increase the diversity and confusion in defining ethnic origins.
Most of the ethnic groups are to be found in the middle belt, where
every town has a different language.
There are three major groups with over 10 million people: Hausa-Fulani
in the north, Yoruba in the southwest, and the Igbos in the southeast.
These three dominate the regions in which they are found. There are
basically two types of Nigerians: the Nilotic Africans (Arab-type) and
the
Negroes. Each of the ethnic groups fall into these two groups.
Of the 250 linguistic groups that make up the 130 million people that
live in Nigeria, not less than 50% of them are Hausa-Fulani, Yorubas,
or
Igbos.


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Most of all, I will give you the friendliest, most informative and most
exciting tour in Nigeria at a price that cannot be matched by any
other tour operator in Nigeria.

mr chidi okei said...

Nigerian Festivals and Cultural Tours
by okei chidi

A "celebration of life" awaits when you participate in any of our
Cultural Festival Tours, by which you can gain contact with the people of
Nigeria that no 'ordinary' trip can not afford.

Argungu Fishing Festival
at Sokoto
Annual celebrations to mark beginning of the fishing season in Argungu,
Kebbi State, is one of the most famous cultural festivals in Nigeria.
Bare-hand fishing competitions among over 1,000 Fishermen, equipped
with a hand net and large gourd, is the main event of this cultural
extravaganza. For a whole year preceding the festival, fishing is prohibited
on the river Sokoto venue of the Festival and traditional rituals are
performed to prevent all the fishes in the area from migrating to
neighboring waters. Prizes are awarded to the fishermen with the biggest
catches. Since 1940, the score of the festival has been expanded to include
traditional water sports, wild duck catching, swimming, diving,
wrestling contest, arts and craft exhibition, agricultural shows and
traditional music and entertainment. Your tour includes Kabanchi displays, tour
of Sokoto and visit to the palace of the Emir of Gwandu, shopping &
sightseeing.
Argungu Festival Tour: 4 days/3 Nights. 5 days/4 Nights

Durbar Festival at Kano & Katsina: Durbar, the spectacular traditional
parade of horsemen from the various sections of the Katsina emirate
assembled to exhibit horsemanship and pay homage to the Emir during Sallah
(Islamic celebration) and on special occasions. It is sometimes held
as a mark of honor for important visiting dignitaries. This colorful
procession full of pomp and pageantry is led by the Emir and features
contest among the royal cavalry, drummers, trumpeters, praise singers and
wrestlers. It depicts the past glories of the emirate before the
influence of western culture.



Your tour includes Durbar Parade and festivities in Katsina and Kano,
tour of Kano & Katsina, visit to Jibiya boundary market, Camel ride,
shopping and sight-seeing.

Durbar Festival Tour: 4 Days/3 Nights. 5 Days/4 Nights

Igue Festival at Benin City: The oldest cultural festival in the
ancient Benin Kingdom came to limelight in 1440 A.D. during the reign of the
Oba Ewuare. The annual thanksgiving festival is the climax of all
traditional festivities in the Kingdom. It is celebrated to mark the end of
the Benin yearend to offer prayers for peace and prosperity in the new
year. This colorful festival featuring the best of Benin life and
culture is one of the rare occasions when the Oba dances in public. Your
tour includes Igue thanksgiving ceremonies at the Oba's palace, art &
craft exhibition, tour of Benin and Abraka, visit to Nana museum at Koko,
shopping and sightseeing.

Igue Festival Tour: 4 Days/3 Nights. 5 Days/4 Nights

"Mannwu" Festival at Enugu: "Mmanwu" or masquerade, a popular social
institution among the Igbo people of Nigeria. Masquerades at festivals
represent incarnated ancestral spirits visiting their descendants to
entertain, give guidance and exorcise evil spirit. Souls of departed people
are in a state of personal immortality because the process of dying is
never complete. This is one of the rich African cultural heritage that
have survived western influences. "Mmanwu" festival features an
assemblage of over 2,500 masquerades of various designs shapes and sizes from
different communities in Anambra State of Nigeria and is said to be
the largest concentration of masquerades on the Africans continent and
perhaps in the world. Your tour includes masquerade carnival, arts &
craft exhibition, visit to Ogbunike caves, visit to Akwete Village, tour of
Enugu, shopping and sight-seeing.

Oshun Festival at Oshogbo: Oshun-Lyalode, the Yoruba water spirit of
love, marriage and gold is one of the Orixhas that form the famous seven
African powers. It is known in Santeria religion as our Lady of La
Carida del the Cobre and is worshipped in Cuba, West Indies, Brazil and
Ameria. According to legend, Oshun has unlimited powers and is invoked
during difficult pregnancies. Osun is always pleasant and fun loving but
has a ferocious temper when her anger is aroused. She is often referred
to as the Venues of the African continent. The ancient shrine of Oshun
is located at Oshogbo. Traditional offerings are made to the spirit
annually to bring peace and harmony to the land and the people. Your tour
includes thanksgiving ceremonies at Oshun shrine, dance drama
presentations, arts & craft exhibition, visit to museum and historical sites at
Ile-Ife, shopping and sight-seeing.

Oshun Festival Tour: 4 Days/3 Nights. 5 Days/4 Nights

Eco-Tour Nigeria: Nigeria is richly endowed in eco-tourism potentials
with over 10% of the total land area preserved for conservation. Listed
are tour packages some of the national parks and conservation sites.
They afford the nature enthusiast an opportunity to explore the flora and
fauna of one of the most eco-diversified areas of West Africa.

Bird watching: For the first time in Nigeria, a Safari adventure tour
with emphasis on bird watching is being offered to naturalists,
beginners and expert bird watchers. With vast unexplored landscape, Nigeria
offers the best opportunity for bird watching in West Africa. A bird
expert will be your guide through an itinerary which covers excellent bird
watching sites established by the Royal Society for the protection of
Birds (RSPB) Britain, including the unexplored Hadejia-Nguru wetlands in
the north of the country and will also offer opportunity of seeing some
larger games at the Yankari and Kainji Lake National Parks. Longer
time is spent looking at the amazing variety of bird in all their full
array of colors. Experience a unique holiday off the beaten tracks when
you book this interesting holiday package of a life time.

Bird Watching Tour: 14 Days/13 Nights

Cross River National Park: The 2,800 Qs Km Cross River National Park
was established in 19898. It consists of the Bosahi Okweango Forest
reserve and the Southern Oban Hills Forest reserve. Located about 3 - hour
drive north of Calabar. It is the most bio-diverse ecosystem in West
Africa and contains several species of wildlife including Chimpanzee,
Drill, Red Columbus, Elephant and a small population of lowland Gorillas.

Cross River Tour: Depart Lagos by air for Calabar. Check-in on arrival
at hotel. Visit to Oban Hills and the Drill Conservation project site.
Game viewing at the Boshi Okuwangoi Forest and tour of Obudu Cattle
Ranch, Ikom and Calabar.
4 Days/3 Nights. 5 Days/4 Nights
*Optional: Gorilla Tracking by special arrangement.

Eco-Tourism Expedition
Gasshaka - Gumpti National Park
An expedition to the Gasshaka - Gumpti National Park, Nigeria's largest
park at 6402.98 Km. for small groups of 8-12 people led by profession
al wildlife guides. The park is an intricate patch - world of rain
forest, woodlands and mountain grasslands cloaked in wildness and drained
by a net work of fast flowing rivers. It is home to mount Gangirwal the
"Mountain of Death" which is Nigeria's highest mountain at 2,200 meters
altitude. The expedition offer an experience of adventure to explore
the most scenic and remote areas of Nigeria. An opportunity to view
unique game, bird life, flowers, butterflies etc. in their natural habitat.
Minimum of 4 people to book tour.

Gashaka-Gumpti Expedition: 7 Days/6 Nights

Kainji National Parks: The 5,340.82 sq. km Kainji lake National Park
was established in 1979 by the merger of the Borgu and Zugurma Games
Reserves. Located about 10-hours drive North of Lagos in the Guinea
Savannah region, it offers wide variety of Nigeria's flora and fauna
resources. Wildlife at the park include Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Crocodile, Lion,
Oribi, Warthog and Baboon. There is a profusion of migratory Birds
especially along the Kainji Lake shore.

Kainji Lake Tour: Depart Lagos for Kainji. Accommodation at Olli River
Lodge on arrival. Morning and afternoon game viewing, boat ride on
Kainji Lake, visit to New Busa and Kainji Hydro Electric Dam.. 4 Days/3
Nights. 5 Days/4 Nights

Obudu Cattle Ranch: The perfect place for a nature encounter holiday
experience. Enjoy an active day at the ranch where you can swim at the
"grotto" a natural pool, go horseback riding, bird watching, hiking in a
natural environment, participate in a game of tennis or join one of the
planned guest activities. In the evening, watch the sun set during an
open air cultural evening of music, dance and entertainment. Your tour
includes City Tour of Calabar, site of Ikom monoliths (a.d. 900) and
the Agboki Waterfalls. Available during the dry season from February to
May and August to October. Four people minimum required to book tour. 4
Days/3 Nights. 5 Days/4 Nights

Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary: One of the few remaining pristine rain forest
area in Southern Nigeria established by the Nigerian Conservation
Foundation (NCF) with the support of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to
save the Sclater's Guenon- one of the rarest monkeys in the world endemic
to Nigeria and few remaining Forest Elephants in Nigeria. It is
located at about an hour's drive from Benin City off the Lagos - Benin
expressway. It contains other primates native to the rain forest. It is ideal
for game viewing and as a nature trail.

Okomu Tour: Depart Lagos for Okomu by road. Accommodation at NCF Guest
House at Okomu or Hotel at Benin. Game viewing, nature trail, canoeing,
tour of Benin and recreational activities at Abraka. 3 Days/2 Nights.
4 Days/3 Nights

Yankari National Park: The 2,240 sq., Km Yankari National Park is the
best known park in Nigeria Located about-hour drive from Jos, it offers
a great opportunity for viewing variety of wildlife species in their
natural habitat. Most frequently seen animal species are Baboon, Water
Buck, Roan Antelope, Elephant, Hippopotamus and Crocodile, Lion is
occasional sighted. There is bird life in spectacular profusion particularly
close to the Gaji river.

Yankari Tour: Depart Lagos by air for Abuja or Jos. Transfer by road to
Yankari via Bauchi. Accommodation at the Wikki camp on arrival at
Yankari. Morning and evening game viewing, swimming at Wikki natural warm
springs, tour of Jo and Bauchi. 4 Days/3 Nights. 5 Days/4 Nights

Cultural Festivals . Slave route . Ecotourism
Conference & Incentive . Bird Watching . City/Country


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chidoyk@yahoo.com