Nigeria is indeed a beautiful country. This beauty is encapsulated by the listing of some of Nigeria’s exciting and interesting destinations on the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. These list according to UNESCO seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. It is a significant achievement that Nigeria is on that list. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 Hotel Booking Portal writes about the sites identified in Nigeria. Perhaps, this will convince travellers that Nigeria is an awesome destination for vacation.
Nigeria has two sites that are officially recognized by the World Heritage Sites while 12 others are on the tentative list i.e. yet to be recognized.
OSUN/OSOGBO SACRED GROVE (2005)
Osun state, south-west Nigeria is often regarded as the cradle of the Yorubas. The state is replete with history and historical sites. One of which is the Osun/Osogbo Sacred Grove. The Grove is a highly philosophical forest along the banks of River Osun.
SUKUR CULTURAL LANDSCAPE (1999)
This mind-blowing landscape sits along the Nigerian/Cameroun Border in Adamawa State. The Sukur Cultural Landscape in Madagali local government area of Adamawa state is a city that has been in existence since the 16th century. Over the years, Sukur have been preserved its natural habitat despite the threat of deforestation.
The tentative Nigerian Destinations on the list are
BENIN IYA / SUNGBO’ S EREDO (Ogun State) (1995)
In time past, it is a norm for the outbreak of war among different communities and towns in Nigeria. Hence, to protect themselves during warfare, the people usually built defensive walls or took advantage of their environment like what was done with Olumo rock. In line with this fact, the Benin Iya/Sugbo’s Eredo wall was constructed as a shield during war. It was built around 800 AD and 1,000 AD. The length is 160 Km and the height is 20 metres. The forest where the wall is located is purported to be the final resting of the Queen of Sheba. It is located in Ijebu-ode, Ogun state.
OGBUNIKE CAVES (2007)
Ogunike cave is arguably one of the most vibrant and popular destinations in Anambra. The cave is revered by the people. In fact a festival is celebrated annually to extol the sacredness of the caves. Click here to know about Ogbunike caves.
ANCIENT KANO CITY WALLS
Built between 1095 and 1134 by Sakri Gijimasu and completed in the 14th century, the Kano city wall tells the story of Kano in a nutshell. It is also interesting, that the people constructed this solid wall with mud. In fact, parts of the wall are still standing till today.
Other Sites on the temporary list are:
Niger Delta mangroves (1995), Old Oyo (1995), Kwiambana/ningi (1995), Oban hills /korup (1995), Gashaki-gumpti national park (1995), Oke idanre (idanre hill) (2007), Arochkwu long juju slave route (cave temple complex) (2007), Surame cultural landscape (2007), Alok ikom stone monoliths (2007) and Ogbunike caves (2007).
