LOH CONTEST #148 - NIGERIA; MY BELOVED COUNTRY

This week's contest is super interesting, and I can't wait to introduce you guys to my country. There are a lot of nice places, but I am going to introduce you to some of the places I have visited.

Welcome To Nigeria
Nigeria is located in the western part of Africa. Nigeria, my beloved country, is a nation filled with diverse cultures, beautiful and magnificent scenery, energetic cities, and loving, welcoming, and hospitable people.

Come with me and let me take you on a tour to some beautiful places and learn why you should consider visiting them.

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Cross River State
Obudu Mountain Resort (formerly Obudu Cattle Range) is a popular tourist attraction and a heaven for nature lovers that offers the ideal balance of adventure and relaxation(I think I should visit this place again). The journey from Obudu town to Obanliku, where the ranch is located, is about 40 minutes drive. The journey to the ranch is a beautiful adventure, as everywhere is covered with mountains and breathtaking scenery. This resort is located above the Obudu Plateau. As you draw closer to the ranch, you will be welcomed by refreshing, pure mountain air. The breathtaking views on the ranch, which include rolling hills, waterfalls, and mist-covered mountains, would put you in awe. The accommodations are impeccable and outstanding; the rooms are beautiful and luxurious. There are a lot of fun activities to do while at the mountain resort; there's a cable car ride that takes you through the clouds, mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and horseback riding to explore the magical surroundings. It also has a spa, swimming pools, and hot tubs where you can relax and revitalize your body and mind. Before I forget, there's also a restaurant there where you can treat yourself to delicious delicacies.

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Abuja
The capital city of Nigeria has a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, soft city life, beautiful buildings, and good roads. Abuja is the city for every traveler; be it food, art, adventure, or history lovers. Looking for a fun place for picnics, resting, or relaxation? Try Millennium Park or Jabi Lake Park.

If you are a history or art lover, there's a place in this city for you; the Nigerian National Museum is your go-to place. It contains a large collection of artifacts and pieces of art that highlight the various cultures and historical periods of Nigeria.

While we have magnificent and big shopping malls, I would also recommend Garki, Wuse, and Jabi Lake markets. In this market, you get to shop and also feed your eyes with beautiful African textiles( also known as Ankara), handcrafted goods, fresh local produce, and the like.
If you are a night lifer, Abuja has numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment places that cater for all your needs and leave you with an unforgettable experience.

Food lovers are not left out; you can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences with different restaurants offering different ranges of food, from traditional Nigerian dishes to intercontinental dishes that will satisfy your taste bud. You can also enjoy the local street food.

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Kano State
It's located in the northern part of Nigeria, and its slogan is Centre of Commerce. Kano State is known for its ancient heritage, and if you are a lover of history, you sure want to visit Kano State. This ancient city has beautiful places you definitely want to visit.
Kurmi market( kasuwar kurmi in Hausa) is one of the oldest markets in west Africa; it should be over 500 years old. It was actually set up in the 15th century as a warehouse for slaves. This market is not like your regular modern market; most of the things sold are entirely hand-made with traditional and historical attachments. Without a tour guide, a stranger going into the market on his own would end up going on a merry-go-round, finding himself in the same place where he started.
There are other markets like Sabon Gari and Kantin-Kwari. Kantin-Kwari is where you get any and every type of textile (this is one market I don't miss out on visiting whenever I go to Kano).

Gidan Rumfa (the Emir's Palace) is the home of the present Emir; the palace has housed Emirs as far back as the late 15th century.The palace building is a masterpiece of both traditional and modern architecture.

Kano City Wall is another place you sure want to visit. Just like the longest wall in China, this wall was built long before modern civilization. This ancient wall was built to protect its citizens and inhabitants against external attack.

The Gidan Makama Museum (Kano Museum) preserves the rich history and heritage of Kano. I'm not sure, though I was told it was Built by Lord Lugard in the 1950s.

Dala Hill is another ancient hill you sure want to see; it stands tall in the city, and you get to see the whole place in Kano when you are at the top of the hill.

The Kofar Matar Dye Pits is an historical and old place. I visited this palace during a field trip in high school, and the place is amazingly fascinating.You get to see how various fabric are designs before dyeing.
For people that loves shopping Ado Bayaro Mall, which was named by the longest-serving emir of Kano State, is the place for you, it has virtually everything.

While in Kano, you sure want to try out their local delicacies like Masa(one of my favorites), Pate, Guraza, Danbu, Tuwon shinkafa, etc.

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Lagos state state is another city you sure want to visit.

All images were edited by me on canva

THANK YOU FOR READING TO THE END 🤗