Located in the Southeastern geopolitical zone of Nigeria is Ebonyi State, created in 1996. Named “Salt of the Nation” because of huge salt deposit in famous salt lakes, it is peopled by the Igbos. The state is divided into thirteen local government areas which include Abakaliki, Afikpo South, Afikpo North, Ebonyi, Effium, Ezza, Ezza South, Ikwo, Ishielu, Ivo, Ohaozara, Ohaukwu and Onicha.
Top three sites include:
The Abakaliki Golf Course
The Abakaliki Golf Course is located at the Abakaliki Township stadium. It is well kept to international standards, offering recreational sites to golfers, tourists and callers. It also has a clubhouse, practice facilities, and a snack bar.
Okposi Salt Lake
You have unfinished business with Ebonyi if you do not check out the Okposi Salt Lake. On your visit, you get a firsthand experience of the traditional salt making process and how women engage in the thriving business of salt trading. Salt production has existed for about 400 years in Okposi Okwu. History has it that the trade was discovered by two hunters namely Ekwuna Chita and Uta Anoo. You can buy the salt as a souvenir.
Abakaliki Greater Rice Husks
Rice husks piled into mountainous heaps is significant proof of how the rice trade has continued for decades. The rice mill industry serves is the source of the local rice delivered to most Nigerian homes. The rice husks is a landmark for the people of Ebonyi State and they are proud of it.
Plan on visiting? The hotels in Ebonyi are quite affordable and inexpensive. The price range is between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000. Some of the hotels are Salt Lake Hotel, Ebonyi Hotel Abakaliki, Grace Court Hotel & Salts, and Klasson Suites Limited. You can select other amazing hotels from online sites like Jovago. For shopping, you can visit King Nancy provision, Omeh Okoro ventures and Michael provision stores. Popular restaurants include Ogbuefi joint, Flavour Gardens and Restaurant, Paradise Bush Bar, and D Base Bar, where you can have the popular Igbo delicacy, isiewu (goat head soup) with a cup of freshly tapped palm wine.
Fun Fact
Despite the Abakaliki rice, Nigerians still prefer to import rice from other parts of the world. A good thing the hashtag #BuyNaijaToGrowTheNaira is trending on social media. Perhaps, someday Abakaliki rice will be the staple in every Nigerian home.
