Tourism: Tourism in Akwa Ibom State: Unveiling the Hidden Gem.

Akwa Ibom State, located in the southeastern region of Nigeria, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. The state’s tourism industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, offering unrivalled wealth of scenic landscape, long sandy coast, a wealth of wildlife and culture thus, attracting visitors from within and outside Nigeria. Here are some key attractions that showcases the potential of tourism in Akwa Ibom State:

– The Ibeno Beach

Popularly known as the longest sand beach in Africa, Ibeno beach is an amazing view of crystal clear waters with a beautiful sandy coastline spanning 30 km along the Atlantic ocean. Located in Eket, the beach is regarded as one of the oldest beaches in Nigeria and West Africa.
A brilliant work of nature, Ibeno beach offers a glorious blend of crisp white sand, grand waters, blue skies and an array of trees casting beautiful shadows on the seashore. This majestic scenery places it as the best beach in the country. A hotspot for tourism, Ibeno beach is the perfect vacation spot to relax and immerse yourself in the blissful landscape. The sound of the rise and fall of the waves is therapeutic to the ears, a good stroll along the sandy shore is good for meditation. The canopy of palm trees along the sandy shore is a perfect location for picnics, you get to enjoy the soothing sea breeze away from the scorching hands of the sun. Also, the lovely sounds from the seagulls with the mighty splash of waves is relaxing.

– The Itu Hill

The Rolling Hills of Itu in Itu Local Government provides an all encompassing package of natural beauty .The topography includes a lush forest,palm groves,fertile farmland and rugged valleys, offering breathtaking views from the submit to Itu base.

Locally known as Obot Itu,named after the community,the Itu Hills come with a river that holds historical significance serving as a reminder of Nigeria’s history and the transatlantic slave trade.This river was a major route for the slave trade and a ramnant of the old jetty and even old prisons can still be found in the area. In addition to its historical background,the Rolling Hills of Itu have connections to Mary Slessor,who championed various cases, including stopping of the killing of twins.

– Oron museum

This is a unique representation of the ethnocultural riches of Nigeria. Situated in Oron just opposite the Oron river, the museum was established in 1958 to accommodate eight hundred known ancestral figurines (Ekpu) of the Oron people which are believed to be one of the oldest and finest surviving wood carvings in Africa
The ancestral figurines referred to as Ekpu by the Oron natives date as far back as the early 19th century. It was all a process whereby an esteemed Oron leader was elevated to ancestral status. The wood sculptures were invoked to play an essential role in assuring the well-being of their offspring. They were seen as protectors and the museum was built to house these precious mini gods.
Apart from the Ekpu carvings, Oron museum is also the home of unique skin-covered and horned head masks; the powerful Obasi Njom masquerade from upper Cross River area, old manilla currency, water spirit masquerade relics, traditional raffia and metal works, the traditional pottery. Also, bunkers used during the civil war are on display. These artworks and materials of antiquity inspire your imaginations and give you a bit of connection to the Oron culture, the tour guides are good and very knowledgeable narrators, they bring the artworks to life with their excellent storytelling abilities.

– Biodiversity preservation center

Established in 1996,The Biodiversity preservation center aims at creating awareness and opportunities for individuals to appreciate nature and its biological resources. It is concerned with conservation of biodiversity both at In-situ and Ex-situ levels,Promoting a safe and healthy world through sustainable biodiversity conservation.
The biodiversity preservation center is involved in various activities, including snake conservation, bird club, tree planting, and anti-bushmeat campaigns, providing education and training programs, such as the Atlantic Humpback Dolphin Guardians’ inauguration and training thus, attracting tourists both within and outside the state as it has received numerous visits from students and organizations, offering a wildlife conservation sanctuary for enlightenment on preserving natural and biological resources.

– National Museum

Established in 1985, the national museum of colonial history is located within the Governor’s office complex surrounded by greenish courts lined on either side by whispering pines and fruit trees creating a captivating landscape, it was built to showcase our colonial history.
The museum houses historical collections on the creation of the state as well as ethnographic items such as artifacts, relics, valuable antiquities and carvings related to the people of Akwa Ibom.  Other facilities include a museum education centre, museum kitchen complex, museum shop, and research library.
The museum depicts the history and heritage of the Akwa Ibom as well as cultural artifacts from the pre-colonial and post-colonial era making it a national gem. A visit to the museum is sure to be a fulfilling one as the beautiful illustrations and artworks brandished play out a beautiful story on some historical events.It also contains an attractive, shaded waterfront garden where one can watch small boats drifting on the creeks reported to be one of the sites for slave trade during the colonial era. The delightful and serene environment is a good place for meditation and reflection on how far we have come as a nation .

The Lord Lugard’s residence

The British colonial master, Lord Lugard started living in the present day Ikot Abasi local government Area of Akwa Ibom state, around 1912. He built a network of structures which today are historical sites, to ease his stay and facilitate trading in the region.

These include his residence, his administrative office, the native authority building and his kitchen, the Beach Garden and others. Lord Lugard’s House, a wooden structure is still a beautiful sight to behold till date. With over 90 years of existence, the structure is yet to show any sign of dilapidation.

A first time visitor is likely to be struck by its simple technology. The wooden structure consists of his living room, the guest room and others. This was where it was gathered, the British colonial master actually conceptualised the idea of amalgamating the country to be made up of North and South.

Apart from the solid structure that is still comparable with modern structures, there were several colonial buildings in this area that served as courts, offices, residential houses and recreational centres. All these facilities are still intact as when they were built. One significant historical fact is that the area is situated at the bank oImo River estuary, a tributary from where King Jaja of Opobo was shipped into exile.

Aside from the few mentioned,there are other several historical sites that have made tourism the next one-stop-shop sector in Akwa Ibom state including the Mary Slessor Tomb, Old Opobo Boat, Monkey’s Den, Oron/Ibibio Museum, Blue River, Tom Shot Island, Ubiom Stone, etc.

In Conclusion,
Akwa Ibom State is poised to become a leading tourist destination in Nigeria, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality. With continued investment in infrastructure, marketing, and community engagement, the state is ready to unlock its full tourism potential and share its wonders with the world.

Written by Oboh Promise
(Obiwannem News Correspondent from Akwa ibom state)
Date: June 20, 2024
Ubochi Orie Mmiri
Published by Ngozi Odoh (Obinwannem Nsukka Office Secretary)