The 2019 edition of Calabar Carnival – Africa’s Biggest Street Party
The 2019 edition of Calabar Carnival – Africa’s Biggest Street Party – December 3rd to January 2nd 2020. The Calabar Festival is an annual street dance festival held in December of every year in Calabar. Calabar Festival is Africas biggest street dance festival and cultural display of the rich rich African cultural heritage. It features music, food, dance, drama, performances by different artists etc. The 2019 Calabar carnival promises to be bigger, better and stronger. The Calabar carnival is a whole month of a rich cultural display, creatives by some of the best artist in Nigeria. The Calabar festival also has a day dedicated to all international acts to perform and display. The Calabar Carnival is the biggest costume party in Africa. The yearly event is known to attract over two million spectators from all around the world. Each year focuses on a theme and the theme for this year’s edition is “Africa’s Biggest Street Party”. This year’s edition will feature guest and performers from different parts of Africa and the world in general. The Calabar Festival has witnessed performances from top artist like Lucky Dube, Young Jeezy, Fat Joe, Nelly, Tuface, Kirk Franklin, P Square and many other artists and upcoming musicians in Nigeria. Calabar has been at the forefront of promoting tourism in Nigeria and this has greatly positioned Calabar as one of the top tourist destinations in Nigeria. Apart from the cultural display, the carnival also features music performances, Fashion Show, Boat Regatta, Beauty Pagent, Traditional dances etc. The Calabar Carnival is the biggest and the most popular carnival in Nigeria with participants from over 25 countries in the world and has attracted tourist from many parts of the world. Brief History of Calabar Calabar is the capital of Cross River. Calabar was the former Capital of Nigeria before it was moved to Lagos. It is located in the Southern Part of Nigeria and it is known as the Canaan City, It was formerly known as the Akwa Akpa which was coined from the Efik language. Calabar is a beautiful city and one of the biggest tourism hubs in Nigeria. The home of Tinapa Resort. Calabar prides itself as the city that hosts the biggest street carnival in Africa. Calabar is blessed with beautiful tourist destinations. Calabar also has a history of the killing of twins which was abolished by Mary Slessor. It also has a history of the slave trade and also one of the biggest salve hubs during the slave era. It is also one of the biggest slave hubs after the point of no return in Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria. The History of Calabar carnival The Calabar Carnival was inaugurated by the past Governor of Calabar State Donald Duke in 2004 to put Calabar in the forefront of tourism in Nigeria. Mr Donalk Duke’s vision is to make Calabar the number one tourism destination in Nigeria. The Carnival is being organized by the River State Carnival Commission located at Okoi Arikpo House, Old Calabar Road, Calabar. The event is known to attract the traditional ruler of Calabar known as the Obong of Efik and other important chiefs in Calabar. The traditional rulers and the title holders in Calabar storm this event which has now become one of the biggest carnivals in Nigeria. It has witnessed significant changes over the years. Calabar carnival has witnessed different people from all works of life trooping to catch a glimpse of the performances and splendour displayed during the carnival. When is the date for Calabar Carnival This year Calabar Carnival and festival with start on 3rd December 2019 to 2nd January 2019. Book Your Cheap Flights to Calabar Here Book Hotels to Calabar Get a custom tour package to Calabar About Calabar carnival The carnival is an annual event and has witnessed so many episodes since its inception in since 2004. It features the street parade, battle of the bands, football competition, cultural dance, art shows, masque party, sporting events. The event has been graced with both local and international artists, actors, musicians, politicians from the world over. The carnival is known for the cultural display of elegance and glamour 2019 Programme schedule for Calabar carnival The yearly event always begins with a tree lighting ceremony, followed by food competition, writing competition for students, musical shows and performances, fashion parade, beauty pageant etc. Here are the schedule and the list of events for the 2019 Calabar carnival: The Christmas Party, the children’s carnival, Ekpe masquerade festival etc The Carnival features art shows and displays, cultural dances, ceremonies, musical concerts, masque parties, sports competition and a week-long non-stop street party. 1st – 10th December: The Millennium Week 12th – 17th December: Sports Week 19th – 24th December: The TINAPA Family Festival 25th– 31st December: Carnival Week 26th Cultural Carnival features a special parade of different Nigerian culture 27th Bikers carnival features different vintage car display, bike competition 27th Miss African Beauty Pageant 28th carnival Calabar this is the main adult parade by the different bands, street parade and band of the year competition. 29th International carnival is where all the international bands gather to display their cultural heritage 30th Street Party this has been termed the biggest street party in Africa The parade The parade features over 50,000 costume artists who perform among the five competing bands and the ten non-competing bands. The parade is a 12km parade along the designated routes. The Millennium Week This is usually done between the 1st and 10th of December and it starts with a tree lighting event, food competition, solidarity march, crowning of the carnival Kings and Queens for each band, the children’s carnival etc Calabar Carnival Sports week The Sports week is filled with different sports competition where the different team battle for the Carni-Cal cup and it also features a golf tournament, boat Regatta and other sporting activities. The Calabar carnival Bands There are five official competing bands at the Calabar Festival The bayside Band (blue) Masta Blasta Band (orange) Freedom
Adventurous Things You should Do in your Life Time
Adventurous Things You should Do in your Life Time – If you looking for some crazy adventures to add to your bucket lists. You are in the right place. You must have heard statements like “life is too short”, “You only live once (YOLO)”, “Live your life to the fullest” and so on. The realities are you won’t be here forever and you won’t be young forever so while you are young, strong and agile there are some adventures you must do in your lifetime. Also read: How to Save for your next travel Whatever you choose to call it an adventure, exploration, expenditure etc anything that will get your heart racing, the blood pumping fast and the adrenaline rush. It’s all about pushing yourself as far as you can and overcoming your fears. Oblivion is a state every creature must attain. It’s only a matter of time. Nonetheless, while you are here you can make your days count. There are lots of adventurous activities you should engage in your lifetime. So it’s time to unleash the creative genius in you and tick off some of these bucket lists in your lifetime. Be bodacious and try out some or all of these remarkably dauntless adventures on our list before you shift into oblivion. Regardless of how extreme any of them may seem, if they don’t kill you, they can only make you stronger. There are some mild adventures for everyone and anyone too though. The fact is, adventures give a great sense of fulfilment and you shouldn’t deny yourself this awesome feeling. You just have to start somewhere. Pick your own size from the list and begin your adventurous explorations. Adventurous Things To Do In Your Lifetime Explore Extreme Weather Conditions: spend a considerable amount of time in climates different from that which you are accustomed to. If you are born and raised in the equatorial hot region of Africa, you should experience arctic climates on one of your trips and if you are born in the cold weather of Canada or Russia you should try the hot weather in Africa or the United Arab Emirates. Scuba Diving: Another adventurous thing you should do is the deep water scuba diving. Skydive: If you are looking for an overflow of an adrenaline rush, skydiving is something you should indulge. It involves jumping out from a plane with parachutes strapped on your body which will be released as you descend. if the adrenaline rush does not drain the life out of you, it sure would fill you up with bursts of energy that would leave you feeling like a real survivor. Ride a Cable Car: Another adventure moment you should try out is to ride on a cable car. This will definitely help you overcome your fear of heights as you watch your environment while the cable car moves from one destination to the other. Have Sex Outdoor or in a Public Place: location most times be a potent aphrodisiac. Sex on the beach (not the drink please) the actual activity, in the car, at the stairways, beside the highway on a long journey, on the decking, in the lift, in the convenience of an eatery or mall, in the cinema while the lights are out and in other unconventional locations like a neighbour’s home when he or she is away does add a lot of grease to the organs. And make the exercise quite exceptional. This is something you should try at home, in school and every possible place that might spice up the adventure. Attend a Halloween or Mask Party and Wear a Disguise: being unrecognizable is power in itself. Can you imagine what spontaneous things you can do in a mask party without actually exposing your identity? Sleep in Unconventional Places: sleep in a cave, under the starry sky in a tent, in a treehouse, in the infamous snow hotel, in an Overwater Bungalow in Bora Bora or in a Royal castle even if it means you sneaking in. Travel Far Distance for Long Hours: you can decide to make a road trip, take a train, or just explore an exquisite cruise on a ship to a place that you can spend only a few hours by travelling by air. Travel in a Sleigh Especially a Dogsled: you may not completely fathom the strength of a dog until it gives you a ride. Dogs can do a lot more than just being the security agents duties ascribed to them. Don’t load yourself on a single dog though, unless you want to strangle it. Ride a Horse, Camel or Elephant: This is another adventurous thing you should try. At least you should ride on one of these animals in your lifetime. It would be a wonderful experience to go back in time and embrace the natural means of transportation. Peddle a Canoe, Kayak or Sail a Yacht, Boat or Ship: Nothing beats fighting against sea tides to maintain control and keep your ride afloat on the water is a super adventure you can’t afford to miss. Explore the sea in a Submarine: explore the aquatic in an up-close swim with the fishes and other sea creatures without actually getting immersed in the water. You should enjoy the beauty of the sea in a submarine. Walkthrough a Tunnel: You’ve heard the saying there is always light at the end of the tunnel, why not see for yourself. That excitement you feel after seeing light at the end of a long tunnel has a great capability to awaken hope. Hike a tall mountain: Another adventurous thing to do to test your tenacity and strength is to Climb huge heights like a mountain, hills, or other natural and man-made high landscapes. Also Read : Hiking Tips and Tricks Ride or Drive at High: since we live in the days of fast food, fast internet speed, fast delivery, So why not try to go a little off-speed limit. Go faster on a speed boat, power bike or a sports car. Swim Deep in the Sea and
Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Abeokuta – The First in Africa
Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) is the first Presidential Library in Africa and It is located in Nigeria, Abeokuta, Ogun State to be precise. The Presidential library was built by the former President of the federal republic of Nigeria and it was also named after him. The former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was the first democratic president after the Military rule and he ruled Nigeria between 1999 and 2007. In case you are wondering why would you want to visit this library? It’s however not the regular type of library you are used to in school, it’s is an archive to document the life of the former President Of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and some very important political documents. The Olusegun Obasanjo presidential library is a historical, academic and tourist attractions which serve as an archive for preserving the Nigerian National historical values. The library also serves as an archive for the past, present and future history of Nigeria and the former presidents of Nigeria. Also Read: Visit to Olumo Rock in Abeokuta The library provides visitors with an avenue to learn the Nigerian history from the pre-democratic era to the democratic era. The library allows visitors to learn about the history of Nigeria through the lens of President Olusegun Obasanjo. In summary, it is a library that is dedicated to the chronicles of the life and time of President Olusegun Obasanjo and gives a detailed review of the life of Olusegun Obasanjo as a father, soldier, farmer, public servant, politician, head of stated and president. The library is meant to promote the legacy and the vision of the former president of Nigeria. About The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library The Olusegun Obasanjo library is located on 32 hectares of land in the heart of Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria. It is about one hour drive from the Central of excellency Lagos. The building of the Olusegun Obasanjo presidential library was designed in the form of outstretched arms welcoming or embracing visitors. The building is a three-storey structure which features a museum, an art gallery, office spaces, hall, library etc History of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library The idea of the Presidential Library was conceived in 1988 by Olusegun Obasanjo when he was a Military Head of State, OOPL was incorporated in November 2002 and came into reality in 2005 as the first presidential library in Africa and as at October 2019 remains the only presidential library in Nigeria. The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library was modelled after the first Presidential Library in The United State of America which was modelled after President D. Roosevelt in 1939 after he donated all his official documents for national use in the presidential library. When was the OOPL Commissioned? Though the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library was built in 2005, It was however commissioned in 2017. The library was launched and commissioned In 2017 to Mark Olusegun Obasanjo 80th birthday. The mission of the Olusegun Obasanjo presidential Library (OOPL) is preserving the past, capturing the present and inspiring the future. The library showcases the life of president Olusegun Obasanjo from his birth to his military career, his family, his life in prison and every detail of him as a politician. Relics at the Presidential Library The library is well equipped with over 4,000 artefact and different items belonging to the ex-president. Some of the items include: Obasanjo’s first bicycle Election materials Photos of the Obasanjo family Olusegun Obasanjo’s first car a Volkswagen beetle car His official SUV car Miniature warship Helicopters used during the war Obasanjo’s personal effects etc Rounda Fun Spot The rounda Fun spot is an amusement park located inside OOPL. It is well equipped with different amenities for both children and adults. It has facilities such as basketball court, 350 seaters mini football pitch for kids, indoor sports and 4D graphical games and activities with an 18+ section. The Green Legacy Resort The Green legacy resort is a four-star standard hotel located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, It is the perfect place for tourist and relaxation spot. It is a luxurious top of the range resort with world-class facilities. Some of the facilities include a swimming pool, a lounge, a restaurant, gym, spa, twenty-hour power supply etc. The Green Legacy Resort Abeokuta comes in over 150 states of the art tastefully furnished rooms and suites. The following are the categories of rooms available at the Green Legacy Resort the Ambassadorial Suite, v, Deluxe Room, Standard Room, and the Superior Double Room. Facilities at The Green Legacy Resort Here are some of the facilities available at Green Legacy Resort, Abeokuta: 5 Aside Soccer field Standard Swimming Pool Badminton Ultra Modern Gym Kiddies Pool Volleyball Beauty Salon Table Tennis Snooker etc OOPL Wildlife Park – Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Zoo The Olusegun Obasanjo Wildlife Park is another side attraction at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. The Wildlife Park boasts of over 250 different species of animals some of which are Lion, Crocodile, Ape, Monkey, Monitor Lizard, Parrot, Camel, Horses, Ostrich etc The OOPL Wildlife Park is a well equipped and maintained zoo. The OOPL Museum The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library features a museum that contains over 4,000 artefacts and relics of Olusegun Obasanjo’s past life. The Museum is divided into the following, the humble beginning, military career, Imprisonment and Politician, Stateman, mediator, OOPL Books and Souvenir Shop OOPL also has a library and gift shop where you can buy books, souvenirs, gift items etc. The Multipurpose Hall The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library also features a multi-purpose hall that can take about one thousand five hundred guests. It is a fully air-conditioned facility with a state of the facility. Amphitheatre The Amphiteatre is an open-air theatre with a big screen. The amphitheatre host a couple of events such as shows, cultural dances etc OOPL Cinemas The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library also has a Cinema where you can watch different kinds of Hollywood and Nollywood movies. The OOPL Cinema is also one of the few
Tips for Hiking – Beginners Guide to Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity that involves taking a long walk along a trail or path through a valley, mountain, forest, nature reserve and other natural landscaped trails. This can often be done either for fun, pleasure, exercise, relaxation, research, etc. Some people hike to the mountain tops in some remote places for sightseeing, bird watching, crops cultivation as well as hunt for animals. Hiking goes beyond just walking through some rugged old cliffs or mountains. It involves immersing yourself into nature, soaking yourself into the beauty and awesomeness of nature as you walk through the plains. It also involves enjoying the breathtaking views, discovering new places and getting to know more about nature. Hiking has lots of great benefits cutting across physical, mental and psychological aspects. This article features a beginners guide to hiking and everything you need to become an expert in Hiking. This article features tips for hiking some of which are discussed in this article. As a beginner, hiking can be a hobby, a form of exercise or something you do in your leisure. However, there are few tips and tricks to note about hiking. It is not something you should just do without knowing the ins and out of it. It requires an understanding of the art, careful planning and preparation. As a beginner, before you begin hiking, you should understand some basic knowledge of hiking before you begin your expedition. This will help avoid any form of danger or bad experience during your expenditure. Following are some of the essential things you should put into consideration before you begin your next hiking adventures. Hiking Essentials for beginners How to plan and begin your hike escapades You should consider the following key factors when planning for your next hike. 1. The distance you would like to cover; As a beginner, it is recommended that you begin hiking within a short distance that is relatively close to or located near residential areas where you can easily get help if something goes wrong. 2. Understand The terrain or landscape you wish to go hiking; As a beginner, you should understand the terrain you are about to go hiking. Chose a territory with a low topography and less steep trails for the trial period, then progress to trailing steeper terrains as you master the act of hiking. 3. Know the altitude of the trail you wish to hike; the first step to having an enjoyable hiking experience is to take a yardstick of the elevation you plan to trek and gauge your physical threshold to ensure your strength can carry through, lest the hike becomes a burden. 4. Plan Your Movement and Logistics; Certain hikes require a bit more planning especially if you end up doing a hike that starts and stops at different destinations, you will need to make necessary arrangements for mobility to your start and endpoints. 5. Understand the Weather and season; When going on a tour, understand the weather condition of the area, plan accordingly so you’re not caught out unexpectedly in bad weather. You should always check for the weather forecast before heading out and do well to prepare for the weather. Some general tips on how to begin hiking 1. Start slow and easy, then build your agility over time: as a newbie, you don’t need to begin with rigorous routines. Go easy on yourself, start short easy walks and work your way up gradually. With time, you can increase the routine as you advance. 2. Get a Partner: Find a hike companion or join a hiking club or a group of hikers with more experience. This makes your hike experience more fun, guarantees your safety in the course of your hike and avails you the opportunity to meet new people and learn some practical hiking skills and share in the experiences of veteran hikers. Also Read – Safety Tips for Smart Travellers 3. Pack pragmatically and avoid taking heavyweight objects; for instance, use a plastic water bottle instead of one made of steel and wrap food or snacks in nylon bags rather than carrying plates to lighten the weight of your bag so your journey doesn’t become strenuous. 4. Practice moderation in the duration of hikes you make; you can decide to hike for a few hours, half a day or even one whole day, every hike you make serves as a great compliment to a short trip and always a great way to help you connect with your more natural self. Hikes can also involve a series of days. for such long hiking programs involve over 12 days and covering dozens of kilometres, you should make provision for some lightweight mobile tents for spending the camps or mountain huts. Do not hike more than your body can take at a particular time. 5. Travel Light: If you are hiking for more than one day and require carrying some cooking utensils, carry those that are as light as possible, especially when going on long hikes in hilly terrains. Ensure you make such hikes in a group and distribute implements and ingredients according to the physical capability of each hiker in the group. 6. Understand the Weather: Study the weather and determine which weather is best for the terrain you intend to hike. Weather conditions have a major bearing on hiker happiness. Bad weather can change an adventurous trip into a precarious trial, while intense heat is draining, dehydrating, and can even result in heatstroke. Before you hit the trails, check weather forecasts and while on the trail, keep an eye on the skies, especially in the mountains where weather conditions can transform rapidly. 7. Know Your Limit: There is no need to stretch your hike expedition beyond your limits. There are hikes for everyone and anyone. If you are getting started, there are easy hikes for starters. There are moderate hikes for intermediate hikers. And, of course, there are challenging hikes for those with more experience. Take it one step at a time if you want to get the best from hiking.
Artworks in Badagry
There are several street artworks in Badagry. The coastal town of Badagry is filled lots of artworks, paintings, sculptures and graffiti etc. Here are some of the popular artworks in Badagry and their locations. Here are some of the popular artworks in Badagry The sculpture at the Mobee Royal family Original Slave relics Museum Badagry. Above picture was taken at the Mobee Museum In Badagry showing the suffering the slaves went through during the colonial slave era. Inside mobee Museum The Fisherman statue in Badagry Drummer boy Statue at Badagry roundabout.
Art Work at Olumo Rock
Pictures were taken at Olumo Rock, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Pictures of deity located at the famous Olumo Rock. It represents the god of fruitfulness. It is believed among the locals that it has the ability to provide expecting mothers with the fruit of the womb. Read More – Everything You need to know about Olumo Rock Complex
Top Places to Visit in Badagry – Adventurous Things to do in Badagry
Things to Do in Badagry – Badagry is a very special town as far as the history of Nigeria is concerned. This quiet city was once the economic capital of Nigeria during the pre-colonial slave trade era. There are so many adventurous things to do in Badagry and we would love to share some of these adventures with you. History of Badagry The history of Badagry can be dated as far back as 1720 when migrants from Dahomey moved to the location during a war within the region. In 1820 a British trading post was founded in Badagry to encourage international trade between Nigeria and Great Britain. When it was built, it was a palm oil port which was used to export palm oil from Nigeria to Europe, however, it later became a major slave trade port. About Badagry Badagry is one of the oldest city in Lagos, Nigeria. It is an ancient city with a history dating back as far as the 15th Century. It shares a border with the Benin Republic through Seme border, in the Benin Republic. the city was a host and one of the earliest settlement of the colonial masters, missionaries and the slave traders. No wonder it hosts one of the most popular slave markets during the slave trade era. A visit to Badagry will help you connect with history. Why You Should Visit Badagry There are many reasons why you should visit Badagry because the city of Badagry is the first of many things in Nigeria. It has the first storey building in Nigeria, it also has the first Primary School, the slave port, the slave market, the point of no return and many others. The city of Badagry will help you connect with history and educate you of what our ancestors went through during the slave trade. You can not talk about history, independence and missionary in Nigeria without mentioning Badagry. Badagry is a historic city and one of the biggest tourist attractions in Nigeria. It is dated as far back as 1800. It is one of the earliest destinations for Europeans and Missionary in Nigeria. Badagry boasts of the First Storey building in Nigeria, the first primary school in Nigeria, the first administrative building, Slave Port, the first city where Christianity was first preached in Nigeria, it is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Nigeria. How to get to Badagry Badagry is an Iconic city, you will barely miss it, It is located along the Lagos Badagry Expressway. A whopping 3 hours drive from the Lagos mainland. One of the popular landmarks in Badagry is the Badagry roundabout. The Badagry roundabout has the statue of a drummer also known as Sator drum which is about 8 feet tall. The Sator drum is a huge drum that is relative to the people of Badagry and the drum is only beaten on special occasions and festivals. Travel Tips when Visiting Badagry Make sure you hold cash that will cover all your trips. Wear something smart and comfortable Make sure you eat something before going on this journey Make sure your phones are well charged if possible come with a power bank along It’s a long journey, make sure you bring water that will last you for the day or buy water before going to the point of no return You may also come with extra clothes, change of clothing is advised What to wear to Badagry Wear something sporty and comfortable Avoid wearing heels as this tour involves lots of walking, flats, trainers and sports shoes are advised Do not forget to wear a hat, cap or sunshades as this will come in handy during a sunny day. Adventurous Things to Do In Badagry/ Things to Do/See In Badagry List of Tourist Destinations in Badagry There are lots of things to see and do in Badagry. If you are looking for a city within Lagos to escape the hustle and bustle of Lagos while sipping a cup of palm wine or coconut juice either by the lagoon or beachfront, then Badagry is your perfect destination. Here are some of the things you can do in Badagry Go shopping at the Badagry Market Your journey to Badagry will not be complete without visiting the Badagry market. You can get beautiful native wears. Jewellery, food items, seafood, artworks, souvenirs etc at amazingly cheap rates. Visit the First Storey Building in Nigeria The first storey building holds so many historical events in Nigerian history. The first storey building in Nigeria was built by Reverend Henry Townsend of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in 1846. It also serves as the official residence of St. Thomas Anglican church missionaries. The first storey building in Nigeria features the room of the first teacher in Nigeria, it also housed Bishop Ajayi Crowther, the man that translated the bible from English to Yoruba. The major part of the translation was done within this building. It also has relics of some building materials used to construct the house including a chair which was constructed in 1915 and still in existence till today. This building also features the Miracle well which was the first well to be dug in Nigeria which is still springing till date since it was dug in 1842. Other things to be found in this building are the safe box which still contains old currency used in the colonial era. The translated Yoruba bible etc Fetch Water From the Miracle well – The First well in Nigeria The Miracle well has been in existence since 1842 and is still exists. The water is known for its purity. It is very clean and there is a general belief that it has supernatural powers to help women conceive and can also help single people to find spouses and many other desires once they drink from this water. Visit Mobee Slave Relic Museum Mobee slave museum was named after a Badagry chief who derived the nickname Mobee
Felabration 2019 – The Biggest Music Festival in Nigeria
Felabration 2019 – Everything you need to know about the 2019 Felabration, the event, the program schedule, the artist etc Felabration is an annual music festival which is done in honour and commemoration of the late music legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The music festival has been in existence since 1998. This year’s event promises to be bigger, better and stronger. It will be held in two different locations concurrently. The event which has witnessed some of the top artists from Nigeria and beyond comes with a lot of surprises this year. Felabration 2019 The 2019 Felabration promises to be fun and it is loaded with so many activities to make it eventful. The theme for 2019 Felabration is “From Lagos With Love” which was coined from one of Fela’s song Eko Ile. This is to reignite the spirit of love and spread the love from the City that Fela was born. This is also the city that Fela grew up from and which is where Fela’s House was located. The house which used to be known as the Kalakuta Republic is now a Museum known as the Kalakuta Museum. Lagos is also home to the New Afrika Shrine and which is the main venue of the Felabration 2019. Read Things to Do in Lagos The 2019 Felabration witnessed over 400 entries from artists, musicians etc who would love to perform at this year’s event History of Felabration The Felabration idea was conceived by Yeni Anikulapo Kuti (Fela’s first daughter) in 1998. It was created to celebrate the life and times of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The one-week event is usually scheduled to coincide with the Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s birthday which is on October 15. The festival was initiated to commemorate the life and times of Fela Anikulapo Kuti also known as Abami Eda. The annual event is usually held at the New Afrika Shrine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria and recently they went into partnership with the Freedom Park which now serves as another venue for Felabration. The existence and essence of Felabration were inspired by the founder of Afrobeat music Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Felabration is not just a festival, it is a movement and it has witnessed tourists and fun lovers from all over the world. The event has seen some of the top celebrities, politicians including the vice president of Nigeria and some other international dignitaries. The highly regarded event features both local and international artists from different parts of the world. Felabration is a week-long event which features music from top Nigerian artists and other international acts. Other activities at Felabration include cultural dance, street parade, debates, exhibitions, writing competition, artworks, fashion parade etc. Felabration is one of the oldest and popular music festival in Nigeria. Top Musicians That Have Performed at Felabration Hugh Masekela, Awilo Logomba, Femi Kuti, Lucky Dube, Baba Maal, Wizkid, Davido, Les Nubians, King Sunny Ade, Lagbaja, Burna Boy, Asa, TuFace, Sauti Sol, Seun Kuti and many others. Who is Fela Anikulapo Kuti Fela Anikulapo Kuti is a musician, a music evangelist, multi-instrumentalists, songwriter, human right activist, a politician, a performing act, and the pioneer of Afrobeat music. He uses music as a tool to fight against injustice, corruption, bad governance and abuse of power. He died on 3rd August 1998 but his legacy still lives on. The Venue of Felabration 2019 Over the years Felabration has grown so this years event will be done at multiple locations. The venues for the Felabration 2019 is the Freedom Park and the New Africa Shrine which are some of the official tourist sites in Lagos. The Afrika Shrine has witnessed the visit of top dignitaries like the President of France Emmanuel Macron, The Vice president of the federal republic of Nigeria Prof Yemi Osibanjo, the former Governor of Lagos State Akinwunmi Ambode and other top dignitaries. The Date for Felabration 2019 The Felabration 2019 will take place between 14th to 20th October 2019. The 2019 event is packed with lots of activities and performances for different artists and perfromers. Schedule events for Felabration 2019 These are some of the scheduled events for Felabration 2019: 21st September 2019 – Afrobics Dance Competition 28th September – Art Competition 9th October 2019 – Secondary School Debate Competition 14th October 2019 – Symposium 14th October 2019 – Musical festival 19th October 2019 – Dress Like Fela Day Special Guest at 2019 Felabration Felabration 2019 will witness celebrities, actors, politicians, business moguls, brands and tourists and fun lovers from all over the world. Some of the invited guests for Felabration 2019 is: Ngozi Adichie Kingslee James McLean Daley, better known by the stage name Akala; Akala a London based Black Musician, poet and political activist Bobi Wine From Uganda Professor Oyebode Sefi Atta Other Countries that will be Hosting Felabration 2019 Felabration is now a worldwide festival and is now held in countries like Philippines, United Kingdom, Singapore, United States (New York) etc and there are plans to includes more states and countries in the future. Location of Felabration 2019 Felabration 2019 will be held at two different locations concurrently The first location is the New Afrika Shrine which has been the permanent home of Felabration since 1998. The Address of the New Afrika Shrine The New Afrika Shrine is located at No. 1 Nerdc Road, Alausa, Agindigbi, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria The second location for Felabration 2019 is the Freedom Park, which serves as an extension for Felabration and it serves as the VIP area for high profile individuals who might not be able to visit the New Afrika Shrine. Freedom Park Address: Freedom Park is located on Broad St, Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria How to Locate the Venue of Felabration 2019 The New Afrika Shrine 1 Nerdc Road | Agindigbi, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria From Ikeja, you can take a taxi to the New Afrika Shrine If you are coming from outside Nigeria to the New Afrika Shrine You will need to take a flight to Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Important Travel Tips For smart Travellers
When it comes to travelling there are some important travel tips you must follow. Travelling is a very essential and almost inevitable activity in life. People travel at different times for different purposes ranging from events such as business or official duties, going to celebrate important ceremonies with family and friends at distant locations, going for academic research or just going on a tour to explore other parts of the world. Whatever your reason for travelling, it is of utmost importance to note the fact that travelling can be risky. That is if proper precautions are not taken. You run the risk of vehicle accidents, getting mobbed or conned and invariably stranded in a strange place, falling sick due to a change in climate or environment and foods, the list of risks posed at travellers is almost endless. Should you not travel because of the risks involved? I think the best thing to do is to find a way to manage and minimize these risks rather than succumbing to the limitations of travelling. This is why it is paramount to follow some important travel tips. This article brings you some of the best, tested and trusted travel tips that can help you shrug off travel risks and stay safe while you travel. Do not compromise your security. Remember, the general rule is safety first. Also Read: How to Save for your next Travel Important Safety Travel Tips Here are some important travel safety tips that work to keep you safe and secure as you travel. Gather Information About the Destination One of the most important travel tips to follow when travelling to a new destination is to make enquiries about the location. Gather as much information and facts as you possibly can about the place you are visiting. For example, read about security threats to travellers, the do’s and don’t etc. With the help of the internet, you don’t have to get to a place before you find out things about them. Do a search on the safety of the destination and read travel reviews from other tourists that have visited the location. Look out for information about the safest neighbourhoods, best tourist-friendly city, places to stay. With the internet, you will get as much useful information and some important travel tips would suffice which will help you stay secure. Gathering information will give you in-depth knowledge of your travel destination even before making the trip. Get a Contact at Your Embassy Another important travel tip when you travel is to Identify your national consulate in that country. You should have an active contact of someone in the embassy to call in case trouble looms and you have nowhere to go. You should also make it a point of duty to locate the nearest police station, place of worship and other local emergency divisions nearest to where you stay. So that you can take refuge when you feel threatened or there is an emergency. Tell Someone About Your Trip Confide in someone about your travel schedule and keep your family and friends informed about your every move while you are away on a journey. Another important travel tip is to maintain regular communication with your loved ones. You should always give them updates on your location, change of plans, new friends you meet at the destination if you are going ou, who are you going with etc Also brief them about your daily schedule and if you feel threatened or feeling insecure let them know. Duplicate Your Document Have multiple copies (both hard and soft copies) of important documents such as your passport, visa, tickets, identity cards, driver’s license, etc and guard the originals very jealously. Keep the duplicate copies in several different locations; in your travel suitcase, handbag, purse, mobile phone, email and leave some copies with a few trusted family members or friends for an easy emergency escape when situations call for it. Be Smart, Blend with the Locals Another important travel tip is to avoid anything that gives you off as neophyte especially a gullible one. A stranger appearance makes you more vulnerable to criminals. So you should do well to study the area, tradition and lifestyle of people where you have travelled to and make an effort to blend in as much as you can. Dress Moderately If you are visiting some low-end vicinity, travel with low-key clothing that won’t attract much attention, be discreet when looking at maps and approach people carefully but with confidence if you need to ask for directions. You should also be mindful of the kind of places and people you stop to make sensitive enquiries, be mindful not to give sensitive information when you approach people Say A word of Prayer There’s much more than just religious benefits in praying. Prayer provides some sort of physical and mental balance in the sense that your hope is heightened based on the faith that there is a supreme being looking out for you and therefore, you can go with confidence. Always Lock Your Hotel Room Safeguard your hotel room by keeping the doors securely locked at all times so that it is impossible for stalkers to tell whether you are in or out. Also, I have a practice of placing a chair to shield the door if they do not have another supporting lock inside which guarantees double-locking the door. Avoid Strangers in Your Room Avoid accommodating strangers or letting them into your room. Don’t even give the hotel attendants access to your room unless you have called for them or received a call from the reception informing you of a necessity that prompts them sending someone to you. Limit entry into your room as much as possible is an important travel tips that will keep you sage. Always be at Alert Be friendly with everyone but trust no one. Constantly check your personal belongings and look out for skeptical behaviour from people around you. Not everyone who comes smiling at
Agodi Gardens Ibadan – A state of the Art Botanical Garden
Agodi Gardens is a state of the art Botanical garden located in the city of Ibadan close to the Government Complex. Agodi Gardens is seated majestically on over 150 acres of green land. It offers a relaxation spot for both adults and children. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ibadan for fun lovers and tourists. History of Agodi Botanical Gardens It was created in 1967 as a foremost recreational and tourist attraction in the Western region. It was abandoned after the Ogunpa flood disaster in 1980 swept away most of the animals and left the place in a deplorable condition. However, in 2012, the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Abiola Ajimobi decided to give the Botanical Garden a facelift and it was renovated into a twenty-first-century park and garden. It was reopened to the general public in 2014 to convert it into a world-class tourist attraction and the number one relaxation spot in Ibadan. Agodi Gardens offers recreational facilities, games, sightseeing and other fun-seeking adventures. If you are looking for a beautiful garden with lots of serenity and a quiet place to have fun, Agodi garden is the best place for you. It was formally known as Agodi Zoological and Botanical Garden, it has since it’s reopening be renamed as Agodi Gardens. Our Agodi Gardens Experience It was a Tuesday we had set out from Lagos for a one week trip to visit all the major tourist sites in Ibadan. we arrived at Ibadan on Tuesday. We had our first tour on Wednesday, we visited the Captain Bowers Tower and Mapo Hall on Wednesday and our journey to Agodi Gardens began on Thursday. We moved from our hotel at Challenge Area of Ibadan and headed straight to the Oyo Government secretariat area and one thing we discovered was there are lots of roundabout in Ibadan and each roundabout has a statue. Everywhere around the Government area is beautiful and green and it makes you wonder why Ibadan was termed the brown roof city. Finally, we got to Agodi Gardens and we already fell in love with the lush gardens, beautiful scenery and the twenty-first-century amenities at Agodi gardens. We headed for the ticket area and it cost 500 per individual. Always go with cash do not rely on the cashless economy as they don’t accept transfers, the POS not reliable and the nearby ATM is far from Agodi Gardens. Then we were told our DSLR camera would not be allowed inside that we would have to drop it with the security at the gate. That didn’t go well with us, we wouldn’t dare risk our multi-million naira gadgets at the care of total strangers. We decided to stand our ground that we had phones that will do a good job and we wouldn’t use the camera. After a series of back and forth, we were allowed entrance into the facility. As we walked down the aisle we couldn’t believe this beautiful and well-maintained landscape is located somewhere in Ibadan. The water park facility was under maintenance when we went there. The zoo area is a no go area, The place was not well maintained that you would be wondering if it was part of the beautiful Agodi gardens. It was in a deplorable state and the few animals left look pale and hungry. Entering this zone might be at your own risk as it is bushy and not maintained with tall trees and weed growing everywhere. There was no tour guide or zookeeper around. Neither was there a description to tell you the entrance to the zoo. As a first-timer, you’d miss it because it doesn’t look anything like a zoo. The entrance to the place is not cultivated and you will have to walk through weeds into the zoo area. Caution should be taken when you go there. Facilities at Agodi Gardens Water park Merry go round for kids Boat ride Forest reserve Lake Mini zoo Play area and rides for children Picnic and Gardens area Boat ride Swimming Pool Bouncing castle Restaurant Lush garden Horse riding Hoverboard Paintballing What is the gate fee at Agodi Gardens? The gate fee to Agodi gardens is 500 Naira ($1.5) per individual. Other charges may apply for other facilities. Access to the swimming pool area will also attract another N500 ($1.5) List of Animals in The Zoo Parrots Crocodiles Monkeys Horses Goose Opening and Closing time at Agodi gardens Agodi Gardens is opened Mondays to Sunday Opening Time from Monday to Thursday is from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Saturday 10:00am to 9:00pm Sunday 12:00pm to 9:00am Best time to Visit Agodi There is no best time to visit Agodi Gardens, It just depends on your preference. If you love crowd, the best time to visit is during the holidays, Weekends or during the festive season. However, if you love serenity, the best time to visit is in the morning or evening after work. Location of Agodi Gardens It is located at the Parliament Road Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, close to the Oyo State Secretariat Complex. How to get to Agodi in Ibadan If you are coming from Within Ibadan City, Take a cab to Parliament road or Mokola Hills, then locate Agodi Gardens. If you are coming from outside Ibadan, Firstly you will need to get to Ibadan and then take a cab to Agodi Gardens. Fun Things to do at Agodi Botanical Gardens There are lots of fun activities to do at the Gardens. They include: 1. Enjoy the children park area where you have access to the gaming facility. 2. Take advantage of the advanced water park 3. Organise a swimming competition at one of the three swimming pools 4. Organise a party, birthday, event, seminar or team bonding 5. Check out the mini zoo 6. Enjoy the beautiful views of the garden 7. Ordered from the menu at the luxurious restaurant at Agodi 8. Take unlimited selfies Things that are
