FOCUS ON ENUGU STATE CULTURE AND TOURISM

FOCUS ON ENUGU STATE CULTURE AND TOURISM

               COAL CITY STATE

Enugu, usually referred to as Enugu State to distinguish it from the city of Enugu, is a state in southeastern Nigeria. Its capital is Enugu, from which the state – created in 1991 from the old Anambra State – derives its name. Wikipedia

Founded: August 27, 1991

Area: 7,161 km²

Area code: 042

 

Cities & Towns Other important cities and towns include Nsukka, OjiRiver, Awgu, Nkanu, Ezza, OgboduAba, Lejja, Amaokwe, Umana, Achi, Opi, lnyi and Ngwo, Nenwe and Oduma etc.

[tab:Attractions] Nike Lake Resort
Situated on the banks of the Nike Lake in Nike town, a short 15 minutes drive from the local airport and only 10 minutes from Enugu metropolis, Nike lake resort is an ideal spot for leisure, picnicking, weddings, private parties and banquets. The resort is managed by the famous African Sun Hotels.

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Iheneke Lake
This is a tropical lake with maximum density during the warmest season. During the rainy season, the lake cools and then cools further as harmattan advances. It is a lovely place to rest and have relaxation.

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Mmanwu Festival
In the primordial times, masquerades were principally used as law enforcement agents because of the general belief that they were spiritual elements. They were effective in ensuring compliance with traditional norms and values and in setting moral code in the communities. Masquerades were also relevant as an institution for cultural entertainment. They come out in very colourful robes, accompanied by traditional dancers. The masquerade institution is very important in Enugu State and its annual festival which comes up in November every year has become one of the greatest tourist attractions in the State. The festival usually attracts tourists in large numbers to Enugu. In the last few years, the government has tried to elevate it to an international tourist event like the famous Brazilian Samba Carnival.

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New Yam Festival
Yam is an important food crop in Enugu State and as a result, it has cultural significance. The harvesting of new yam is, therefore, celebrated by the people between the months of August and October. The time for the celebration varies from one community to the other. The New Yam Festival is an occasion to offer special prayers to God for a fertile land and good harvest. It is marked with feasting and merry-making. Other cultural activities that often keep the various communities in the State alive are chieftaincy coronation ceremonies, Ozo title taking ceremonies, traditional marriage ceremonies and cultural troupes.

Opi Lake Complex The complex is located in Opi, Nsukka and it is a conglomerate of eight natural lakes within a community in an intricate arrangement. The site is beautified by the surrounding wooded environment and the breathtaking landscape. The lakes are each inhabited by crocodiles.

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Silicon Hill
Silicon hill is located near the Nkalagu campus of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and it has very important mineral deposit called “silicon”. The hill which is more than 300m above sea level and almost half a kilometer long has strong>“silica” an important raw material for the manufacture of glasses. The surrounding environment is very captivating with hills, valleys and plains beautifully wrapped up such that one cannot ignore its breathtaking views and awe inspiring blend.

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Awhum Waterfall
Awhum waterfall is situated at Amaugwe village of Awhum town in Udi Local Government Area.  The waterfall is as a result of massive outcrop of granite rock with water cascading over the top forming a stream. A section of the fall is warm through the season. The fall is 30 metres high and is located close to Awhum Monastery. The water is said to be curative (have healing power) and capable of dispelling evil or satanic forces if and wherever sprinkled. It takes about 45 minutes walk from the parking spot to the fall. Read more

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Milken Hills
These hills are found at Ngwo in Enugu North LGA, along old Onitsha/Enugu road. The hills are hundreds of metre above sea level, offering beautiful standpoint for a panoramic view of Enugu metropolis, especially at dawn and dusk. The hill was named after one of the earliest colonial administrator in Enugu. The first road into Enugu city winds through the foot of the hill bounded by a deep gully. Underneath the hills are relics of coal mine and its beautiful tunnels. Beneath the milken hills is the Iva valley. The hills are good for mountaineering. However, drivers are advised to drive slowly with caution through the meandering road.

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Africa Princess Resort This beautiful African style facade of the building cannot be missed driving on the Onitsha- Abakaliki expressway. It is on the edge of New Haven, not very far from the airport.

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Ezeagu Tourist Complex
The complex is located at the south central pan of the State. It is made up of a waterfall, a three kilometre cave, natural spring and a lake. The complex has a unique beautification due to its natural setting.

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Ugwueme/Udi Hills
The Ugwueme and Udi Hills are hills about hundreds of metres above sea level. These hills are good for mountaineering and landscape admiration points. Underneath the Udi hills are the coal mines. There are also beautiful tunnels for tourist sites.

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Ani Ozalla Lake
The Ani Ozalla Lake and Shrine is a natural lake located at Ozalla in Nkanu West LGA near Enugu where crocodiles which are regarded as goddesses appear from the lake at the command of the chief priest to take offerings from supplicants.

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Enugu Museum
Enugu museum houses artifacts dating back from the Stone Age to post colonial era. Military defense artifacts of the then Biafra war are also found in the museum. The museum is under the national commission for museums and monuments.

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Ogelube Lake
A tropical oligotrophic lake having a desmid dominated phytoplankton with maximum density during the warmest season. During the rainy season, the lake cools, phytoplankton declines and dominance shifts to algae other than desmids.

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Macdavos
This is a brilliant resort close to the Port Harcourt expressway with stylish bar and restaurant. The garden is pleasantly laid out with swimming pool, bird cage, tennis court and barbecue.

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Polo Amusement Park
Polo amusement park is one of the centres visitors to Enugu usually go for relaxation and entertainment. The park is idea place for people wanting to relax after a busy day on a visit to Enugu.

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Other places of interest include
Eastern region parliamentary building,
The old government lodge,
Enugu golf course,
Enugu zoological garden,
Bona Gallery,
Institute of Management and Technology (lMT) sculptural garden and art gallery,
The University of Nigeria, Onuiyi Haven etc.
Tags: ENUGU TOURISM BOARD