Ovation Competition Saddle
Tourism in Lagos state: A Thrilling experience
The Sun waits patiently in the Time exchange zone to commence the morning shift, a duty he had assiduously discharged from time immemorial. He looks at the Time judge, clothed with the garment of precision and wealth of experience. An unbiased umpire, (in the competitive regulation reign between the Sun and his colleague the ‘Darkness’) saddled with the responsibility of raising the green flag to approve of the Sun’s ascension.
“Not yet”, his gentle eyes convey the message, unwilling to face the risk of a query from the Creator for his ill- timed decision. The Sun warms up one last time, to get on to Life’s field of play, enthusiasm getting the better part of him. He senses his time has come, and moves closer to the touch line, eyes on the umpire waiting for the signal to lift off. After a couple of seemingly stretchy seconds, he recognizes the ritualistic smile dangling at the corners of the umpire’s mouth, who calculatively raises the green flag on the dot of the approved hour.
The Sun nods in appreciation and begins the gradual ascension process. The Darkness in compliance with the regulated natural laws, starts the retraction process, slowly folding up his blanket stretched self from the sky. The chord of envy strikes within the heart of the Darkness as it glares menacingly at the rising Sun. Despite this apparent resentment towards his colleague he’d taken over working shifts from since creation days, the darkness takes an exit bow before the one he considered a formidable and undefeated opponent.
Lagos yawns and stretches his 3,5777 Square kilometres body in response to the rising call, as the tendentious figure of 9 Million multi- ethnic based inhabitants, awake to face the challenges of a new day. Lagos state, once capital of Nigeria, was created on May 27, 1967, but zoomed off administratively on April 11, 1968. The state has indubitably metamorphosed into Canaan land, unapologetically retaining the title as the “Economic and Commercial nerve Centre of the Nation” for the umpteenth time. Taking into cognizance the mega opportunities that abound in the Green land with regards to Tourism, a high influx of Tourists and Investors to the “Centre of Excellence” (formerly tagged as the State of Aquatic splendour) has been recorded.
The State with certitude is the Land of Aquatic splendour, courtesy of its location along the littoral lines of the Country. Tourists tootle down to the various sandy beaches (Victoria/Bar, Lekki, Eleko, Alpha, Coconut, kuramo, Akodo, Whispering Palm) where Nature’s tranquility medicine offers a guaranteed rejuvenating experience for the flurried, forlon, sombre incarcerated and enthusiastic fun seekers. The Ocean sends out an informal invitation to the tourists, for a momentary embrace, to which some eagerly respond to. Splashing contest courtesy of the breaker erupts chortles from different angles. Tourists can enjoy the horse rides, or simply take a walk on the sandy beaches. Those who opt for a beautiful tan can recline comfortably on the locally made beach chairs, or simply stretch out on the sand. Tourists can also relax in the cool shady comfort of the ingenuity made local beach huts, and tap into the mirthy feeling pervading the beach, while they gladly undergo the life- enhancing therapy, soothingly administered by Nature. Picnics, beach parties and games (volley ball, soccer) uplifts the downcast and gives fun seekers the passport to Funtopia.
The Exquisite Sea side Holiday and Leisure resorts (whispering Palm Beach and resort, Eko Tourist beach resort, Galilee Holiday resort, Halem Sea side resort, La Campagne Tropicana, Funtopia Leisure resort) provides the idyllic environment for those who cherish quietude, with jovial attendants at their service. A “home away from home” feeling is guaranteed to flood your very being. There’s never a hum-drum moment in Lagos state as more investors are ploughing their resources in to the city’s fertile soil.
History prone tourists can also avail themselves of the opportunity to travel back in time via the creative time portal, provided by the “Mobee Museum”, Badagry, to the slave trade era, and for a fleeting moment share in the psychological trauma, anguish and pain our ancestors passed through when they were stripped of their inalienable rights, and forcefully subjected into wearing the chains of slavery spearheaded by the colonial masters, as they cried out, longing to be set free from their bonds.
‘Relics of the Slave trade era’ such as the ‘mouth lock’ (used to prevent them from speaking), ‘hand lock’ (used on children), ‘hand chains’ (used in fastening them to trees), ‘neck chains’ (used to link the neck of a slave to another while moving in a single file). The “Slave market”, served as the contractual base where slaves were traded by the kings in return for bottles of gin given to them by the slave merchants. The slaves were then transported to the “slave port”, a.k.a “The point of no return”. The name was based on the established, undisputed fact, that once the slaves were on board the sailing ships, they could “never return” to the land of their birth. The bowl where the slaves drank from while their hands were tied to the back, and “The Canon gun” used in fighting the slave traders pursuant to the proclamation of slave trade abolition in England, invokes the reality of a past inhumane era.
The “Early missionary cemetery”, the “first well” built by the missionaries can also be found in the land’s historic tourism data base. The “National Museum” Onikan proudly displays vital relics of the past, including but not limited to the replica of the ‘Festac 77’ symbol, traditional Benin bronzes, weapons used by sango (a.k.a god of thunder) revered among the Yoruba tribe in ancient times, outfits of masquerades, original crowns and full regalia worn by kings from different ethnic groups, warrior’s outfit laden with local charms, a chain mail version worn by another tribe, weapons of warfare such as spears, swords, Dane guns (of Portuguese origin before the locals began making theirs), the gun used during the second world war, “bullet- ridden car in which the Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed was assassinated in” while on his way to the mosque on Friday 13th February 1976, amongst others.
“The National Arts Gallery” showcases the finest of artistic ingenuity works to those who have an interest in the Arts. The “Verekete shrine” where Richard Lander was charged with espionage and proven not guilty after drinking and surviving the concoction prepared by the juju priest, the fallen “Agia tree”, under which Christianity was first preached in 1842, are found in the town of Badagry, replete with mind blowing, yet emotionally draining sites and relics from its historical archives.
The ‘First storey building’ in Nigeria, with its antique architectural design is also located in Badagry, and welcomes visitors who are eager to get a glimpse of its interior parts. “The wooden stairs, Missionary trust fund, Copy of the Bible translated from the English language to Yoruba” can still be found in it. “Glover Memorial Hall” prides itself amongst other things as the venue where the “first film exhibition” took place in August 1903, which triggered off the movie era that successfully paved the way for various Cine film productions from the Nigerian movie pioneers (Ola Balogun, Eddie Ugbomah, late Herbert Ogunde, Adeyemi Afolayan a.k.a Ade Love (father of Kunle Afolayan of the “Irapada”, “The Figurine fame”), Ladi Ladebo, Moses Adejumo, Adebayo Salami and Afolabi Adesanya) and later the emergence of the Home video revolution which birthed Nollywood. The throne of the Nigerian Movie Industry (Nollywood) is located in Lagos, which has become the second largest movie producing Industry in the world as at 2009 and a good number of the stars(actors, actresses, directors, film makers, producers and others) live and work in Lagos.
“The National Theatre” Iganmu , a magnificent architectural masterpiece, plays host to remarkable theatrical performances and other entertainment inclined events. The “Heart beat of the Music industry” is also located in Lagos which has also produced world class high flying artistes such as Tu face Idibia, P-Square, D’banj, amongst others. A plethora of music promenade shows, concerts powered by various entertainment and Blue chip companies takes place at different times in the year. Some foreign artistes have performed in Nigeria such as 50 cents, Beyonce, Akon, Nas, Neli, Y- cleff , Shaggy, Sean Paul, Kirk Franklin, Donnie Mcclurkin, amongst other top rated ones.
The International exposure and great opportunities abound on a mega scale in Lagos and Nigerian artistes are relocating from different parts of the world and the country to partake of the ceaseless flow of milk and honey. Artistes enthusiastically look forward to major Awards ceremony held at various times during the year. A few of the Nigerian artistes who have won MAMA, Kora Awards are based in Lagos. The state is incontrovertibly the seat of Entertainment, also hosting stand-up comedy shows (Basket Mouth uncensored, AY live, Live N Naked, Crack your ribs, Nite of a thousand laughs, Stand up Nigeria) and dance (with venues where you can dance to hip hop music , and of course salsa, yeah salsa! )
The “Silver Bird Galleria, Nu Metro, Genesis Deluxe, City mall cinemas”, offers movie goers/lovers the opportunity of watching latest flicks from Hollywood and even Bollywood. The feeling of watching flicks from a wide genre, and eating popcorn makes edgy tourists feel more relaxed and at home. The “Lekki conservation centre”, “The Remembrance Arcade”, “Tafawa Balewa Square” are remarkable sites/monuments spread across the state.
Tourists can also participate in various festivals held at different times in the year such as the popular “Eyo Masquerade and Olokun festivals” which comes out tops on the list besides the “Fanti carnival, Lagos beach carnival”, off the hook “Lagos international jazz festival and Black heritage festival” poised to hit the Nation big time. The “Badagry Christmas carol”, “Ovation red carol” powered by the publisher of Ovation magazine Dele Momodu, gives tourists a wonderful, memorable time.
A variety of mouth watering luscious local cuisine such as “Pounded yam and Egusi soup”, “Amala and Efo soup” with assorted meats (beef, pomo, shaki, offals a.k.a round about), “Garri/Fufu and Edikang ikong, Afang, Nsala soups”, “Isi Ewu”, are amongst hundreds of delicacies available for consumption from the multi ethnic based groups represented in the state. Tourists can also decide to order for “spicy fresh fish, beef, and chicken pepper soup” or opt for “fish, beef or chicken suya” available at various spots and compliment same with various brands of drinks and good mellifluous music, especially at night. They can also decide to get a wide variety of snacks from various fast food joints ( Eateries) located in different axis of the state such as Mr Bigg’s, Tantalizers, Sweet Sensation, Tasty Fried Chicken, Chicken Republic, Mama Cass amongst others. Fun enthusiasts ritualistically storm night clubs and other events places dominantly on Fridays/ Saturdays to have fun.
Luxury Hotels with an untainted record of International hospitality services with state of the art security are located in major parts of the city such as “Eko Hotel and Suites”, “Sheraton Hotel and Towers”, “Protea Hotel” and of course if you’re tired of spending time on land, the massive exquisite “boat hotel” floating on water serves as the tempting alternative tourists would love to fall for. “Ikoyi” and “Federal Palace Hotels” are also eagerly flocked to by Tourists. Continental dishes drawn from occidental, oriental and other areas are prepared by experienced chefs and a range of world class exotic wines are available, much to the delight of tourists. Tourists can also opt to dine at the various exquisite restaurants such as “Tanjia”, “Marcopolo”, “Bonzai”, and “Golden Gate”.
The bee hived Murtala Mohammed International Airport plays host to numerous tourists, as most flights into Nigeria are recorded therein. Besides, various Travel agencies, Tour companies have their offices in Lagos, with tour guides ready to give them an insight to the local communities and various sites. Souvenirs can be gotten at the shops and local fabrics, jewellery, shoes, bags, wares and various items of interest to Tourists made by different tribes resident in the state can be bought at the local markets situated on the Island and the Mainland. They can also shop at the “City mall” Onikan or at “De palms” Lekki where a large number of people flock to buy various products especially at (“Shop rite”, “The Game”). Other notable shops include “Park and Shop”, “Mega Plaza”). Tourists can also have access to the aerial view of the landscape via helicopter services, or take jolly rides in ferries, cruises, and car hire services on offer by private companies.
The Sun takes its mandatory bow before the natural elements, and earthly creatures inhabiting the terrestrial and aquatic domain with its ruler “man”. They in turn in one accord give an acknowledging nod embedded in an appreciative silence for yet another job well done as the darkness gradually comes on the scene watching once more with envy as the sun retracts its visually blinding rays with grandeur. To the human eye, the convergence point, portraying the beauty of the setting Sun can only termed as Nature’s magnum opus. The beautiful sights and sounds ably projected by the zillion dazzling lights from the residential and non-residential buildings, street lights, invokes a mesmerizing effect on passers by who constantly reel out words of admiration at the breath taking sight.
The Executive Governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Fashola SAN, is driven by the passion to transform Lagos into a “Mega city”, no doubt a herculean task, but one he’s set his heart to accomplish and certainly will. The state is indeed the “Centre of Excellence” and proudly runs with the Tourism flag ahead of its counterparts. Tourists who have visited the beautiful city have debunked the unpleasant rumours propagated in their countries, having under gone the memorable experience of a life time. Lagos state indeed ranks as one of the Top tourism states in Nigeria and as our charismatic, vision driven Governor constantly declares “Eko oni baje o!”
So long… auggiepo@yahoo.com
About the Author
Augusta Okon is a lawyer, novelist and runs ‘wise Insight’, an information hunting/writing services outfit in Lagos, Nigeria.Wise Insight helps Nigerians and foreigners to have access to credible, authentic information in topics,issues,areas, where they have little or no knowledge about within the Nigerian jurisdiction.
