7 Unforgettable Places to Visit in Nigeria on Independence Day

You’re familiar the wise saying: “Fail to plan and plan to fail,” right? It’s a statement we have heard time and time again from as far back as our childhood. Now, let’s apply this same principle to the Independence Day celebration coming up tomorrow. Imagine watching this highly anticipated holiday pass you by, all because you failed to devise fun activities and outings to keep you and the family occupied. Fortunately you wouldn’t need to worry about this. The Connect Nigeria team has compiled a list of top destinations across Nigeria to visit on this special day. Take full advantage of the amazing places Nigeria has to offer, cutting across the arts, culture, nature and history of our motherland. 1. The town of Calabar (Cross Rivers) If you’re a resident or have money to spare for a phenomenal trip, take a tour of what is truly the seat of our country’s colonial history. Interesting landmarks to see include Mary Slessor’s tomb, the country’s first Presbyterian church, and the Slave History Museum which was originally the residence of a colonial governor.   2. National Museum (Lagos) Nestled in the heart of Lagos Island, the museum was established in the 1950s and features local art works and artifacts that were initially taken out of Nigeria and sold abroad. Preserving our historical heritage means that much to us. Read also: Top 10 Holiday Destinations in Lagos   3. The Benin City National Museum (Edo)   The nation-renowned museum exhibits a wide array of artefacts from the Old Benin Empire including terracotta and cast iron pieces.  The Empire boasts of being one of the most advanced and organised in West Africa and perhaps the world in precolonial times. Read also: 6 Amazing Places to Visit in Benin City   4. Millenium Park (Abuja) Here’s a lovely treat for nature loving Nigerians. The Millenium Park is undeniably Abuja’s largest park and is a centre for a wide variety of fauna and flora species. It was significantly inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003, with each Commonwealth Head of State planting a ravenala madagascariensis palm. Major features include a nicely flowing river, a section primarily dedicated to scientific research and a unique Italian-styled garden layout.   5. Port Harcourt Tourist Beach (Rivers)   Experience Independence Day like you’ve never experienced it before at this popular destination by the ocean. The beach is a popular destination in a town officially commissioned in 1912 as a port by Lord Frederick Lugard, our country’s first governor. You can have fun sunbathing, horse-back riding and playing beach volleyball among other activities.   6. Tafewa Balewa Square (Lagos) The square was named after our country’s first prime minister and features some remarkable monuments of national significance – the Gargantuan horses, the Remembrance Arcade (with memorials to WWI, WWII and civil-war victims) and the 26-storey Independence House, built in 1963.   7. Nike Art Gallery (Lagos) Immerse yourself in rich Nigerian arts and culture this Independence Day. Founded by Nike Davies-Okundaye – proudly one of our own who has taught at Harvard University without a degree, believe it or not – the gallery is home to beautiful paintings and textile designs from the motherland.   Did I miss any of your favourites? Let me know in the comment section below.   Happy Independence Day!