Anambra, the Light of the Nation, is a state located in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria. Its name was said to be inspired by one of its Northern and riverine clans Anam and merged with ‘branch’, which was deduced from the colonial masters usually referring to the area as Anam’s (the clans) Branch. The term was then coupled with Omambala, the Igbo name of the state’s river.
Sharing boundaries with Delta State to the West, Imo and Rivers to the South, Enugu to the East, and Kogi State to the North, Anambra is endowed with natural gas, crude oil, bauxite, ceramic and an almost 100 per cent arable soil, which permits agro-activities.
With its capital and seat of government in Awka, Anambra has over 30 tourist and relaxation centres where people from all over the world visit. Below arefiveof the numerous exciting places you must visit if you find yourself in the light of the Nation.
- Agulu Crocodile Lake: located along Awka road, the Lake is a home to about three hundred crocodiles and water turtles. The lake is immaculate white and sometimes made green by algae depending on the season of the year. History suggests that these crocodiles were pivotal in delivering the town from enemy soldiers during the Nigerian civil war. It is also believed that the sacred crocodiles and turtles transformed themselves into beautiful ladies and lured the soldiers into the lake where they disappeared without trace.At noon the crocodiles and the turtles appear at the banks of the lake to take in sunlight and oh, what a beautiful nature sight to behold. It is important to note while visiting that fishing is not allowed on the lake and the crocodiles are forbidden to be killed. The best time to visit Agulu Crocodile Lake is during the day when the tour guide is willing to show you around and invite the crocodiles out in his special way.
- Rojenny Tourist Village: is located in Oba, a peaceful town located on the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Anambra State. The village which occupies a stretch of about eight kilometres long land was described as a dream tourist destination. Inside the green oasis village is a zoo, which is home to a variety of wildlife including lions, baboons, reptiles, primates, turtles, crocodiles and much more. There is also a museum, a stadium, which has played host to some big national events, an amusement park, tennis court, Olympic sized swimming pool, a night club, restaurants, tourist accommodations and many more with all the comforts you need to ensure you have a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Read also:Â Travel: Ancient Kingdom Of Benin, 8 Taboo You Must Know When You Visit The Oba’s Palace - Ogbunike Caves: Discovered by a hunter named Ukwa,this is a collection of caves, situated in a rain forest valley behind Ogba Hills. The caves were hiding places for place Africans during the slave trade era. Beside this portion of the river is a tableland used as a relaxation spot by visitors to the caves. Every year, the caves host the Ime Ogba festival to commemorate the discovery of the caves, along other spiritual reasons. Ogbunike Caves was added on the UNESCO tentative list in 2007.n 2015, the Anambra State Government commenced plans to make the caves a resort centre to boost tourism.
- Igbo Ukwu: Igbo Ukwu is a town in Anambra famous for its highly sophisticated bronze pieces dating back to the ninth century and have given it international acclaim. According to radiocarbon dating, the Igbo Ukwu bronze pieces have been in existence, long before those of the popular Ife bronze pieces. Five bronze artefacts from the original excavation are now in the British Museum’s collection. They include a small staff, a head of a ram, a large manilla, an intricately designed crescent-shaped vessel and a small pendant in the shape of a tribal chief’. The works excavated are some of the earliest works of art known to the region. At the Igbo Ukwu bronze village, you can visit the various excavation sites and learn more about the history of the pieces. We are sure this will be very exciting for you as it sounds already.
- River Niger Bridge: located at Onitsha, the bridge was built in 1964-1965. It is notable as the link between South-Eastern Nigeria and Western Nigeria. During the Nigerian Civil War of 1967 – 1970, in an attempt to halt the Nigerian advance, retreating Biafran soldiers destroyed the River Niger Bridge at Onitsha, trapping the Nigerians on the other side of the river. After it’s rebuilt, the bridge is still very useful as it serves as a link of trade between Onitsha and the rest of Western Nigeria. Although it is a commuting area, one cannot deny the beauty of the 1,400 metres construction.
River Niger Bridge, Onitsha. Photos Credit: Getty
