Governments issue travel advisory/warnings to their citizens who want to travel to other countries based on several factors like political instability, social unrest, safety or health concerns within the country. Because of the unfortunate issue at Kajuru Castle where a Briton died a few months ago, the British Travel Advisory has listed some states in Nigeria as unsafe for tourism.
Some Nigerians have complained on Twitter that their peaceful state was unnecessarily included in the list (e.g. Akwa Ibom). I guess that’s because as Nigerians in Nigeria, we know when it is okay to move around the country and which parts of the different states are ‘drama’-free.
To enjoy Tourism in Nigeria, tourists are welcomed to visit these 15 states not mentioned on the British Travel Advisory list. Some of their tourism attractions include:
1. Edo State – Benin Museum, Ogba Zoo, Kada and Film House Cinema, Igun Street, University of Benin Ekehuan Campus Art Gallery, Okomu National Park, Igwe Festival, Oba’s Palace, etc.
2. Lagos State – Lufasi Nature Park, Kalakuta Museum, Tarkwa Bay Beach, Badagry/Gberefu Island, Rufus and Bee arcade centre, Eyo Festival, GTB Food Fair, Lekki Leisure Lake, etc.
3. Ogun State – Olumo rock, Hi-Impact Planet, Yemoji Natural swimming pool, June 12 Cultural centre, Abeokuta Museum, Sungbo Eredo, Ojude Oba Festival, etc.
4. Oyo State – Agodi Gardens, Ado Oke Mountain with Iyake Lake (the only suspended lake in Africa), University of Ibadan Zoological and Botanical Gardens, The National Museum of Unity, Game World at Dugbe, etc.
5. Ondo State – Idanre hills, Caves of Ashes, Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre, Owo Museums of Antiquities, Deji of Akure Palace, Igbo-Olodumare (forest), Egungun Festival, Araromi Beach, etc.
6. Osun State – Oluimirin (Erin-Ijesha) waterfall, Osun-Oshogbo grove, Kiriji War Museum, African Heritage Gallery, MiCom Golf course, Ibodi Monkey Reserve, Nike Art Gallery, The Royal Palaces, etc.
7. Enugu State – Ngwo Cave, waterfall and Pine Forest, Nsude Pyramids, Oakland Amusement Park, Mmanwu Festival, Ezeagu Tourist Complex, Opi Lake complex, Ugwueme and Udi Hills, Nike Lake Resort, etc.
8. Imo State – Oguta Lake & Holiday resort, Amadioha shrine, Mbari cultural and art centre, Nekede Zoo, Channel O, Okigwe Rolling Hills, Nwgu Spring Natural Water, Owerri Amusement Park, etc.
9. Ekiti State – Ikogosi warm Spring, Oroke Ewo War Centre, Fajuyi Memorial Park, Erin Ayonigba Fish River, Arinta Waterfall, Ikere Hills (Olosunta and Orole hills), Ero Lake and Water Dam, etc.
10. Benue State – Benue Book and Arts Festival, Dajo Pottery, Enemabia warm spring, Ikyogen Hills, Anwase-Abande Ranges, Montane Game Reserves, Ikwe Holiday Resort, etc.
11. Ebonyi State – Abakaliki Green Lake and Golf Course, Amanchor Cave, the Golden Sand Beach, Okpsi Salt Lake, Slave Market and Routes in Ezza and Afikpo LGA, New Yam festival, National Gallery of Art, etc.
12. Taraba State – Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserve, Marmara Crocodile pond, Barup-Timga waterfall, Rock Formations in Ussa LGA, Mambilla Plateau, Akwana Salt village, etc.
13. Nasarawa State – Farin Ruwa Falls, Eggon Hills and Caves, Hunki Ox-Bow Lake, Akiri/Akuriwari Warm Spring, Dye Pits and Calabash Carving centre, the man-made Doma Dam, Peperuwa Lake, etc.
14. Niger State – Gurara Falls, Bina Footprints, Kainji National Park, Lord Luggard Colonial Ruins, Gani Cultural festival, Baro Empire Hill and Port, First Railway Locomotive Engine, etc.
15. Kwara State – Owu Falls, Edu, Agan and Durbar festivals, Pategi Regatta & Beach, Esie Museum, Traditional ‘Aso-Oke’ weaving centres, Dada Pottery, Wanzaya Cave, etc.
FCT, Abuja – Millennium Park, Jabi Lake & Boat Club, Zuma Rock, Aso Rock Presidential Villa, National Christian Centre, Abuja Arts & Crafts Village, National Arboretum Abuja, etc.
When counting the 36 states of Nigeria, Abuja is usually an addendum and this we have tried to maintain in this list. So the next time people talk smack of Nigeria as too dangerous for tourists, show them this article.
Featured image source: Channels TV