Edo State - the heartbeat of Nigeria

Edo is a state deeply rooted in culture and the royal seat of its ruler is regarded as one of the most revered traditional stool in Nigeria. 

The state which has 18 local governments and an airport boasts of amazing destinations like the Oba’s palace, Benin moat, Benin Brass work and Okomu National park. These sites host visitors from across the world with a tourism sector which has been vibrant for decades.

Top 3 Destinations

The Okomu National Park

Formerly known as the Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Ovia South LGA, the park which lies 45km west of Benin City is inhabited by a wide variety of animals like elephants, buffaloes, red river hogs, chimpanzees, leopards, bush baby, porcupine, pangolins, duikers, and antelopes. The white-throated monkey which is one of the rarest monkeys in the world today is found  here too and it was established in 1935.

Benin City Wall and Moat

The Benin moats were constructed to protect the city from any external attack in a period of instability in Nigeria. However, a huge chunk of the wall was damaged after the 1897 attack by the British. Notwithstanding, remnants of the moat and wall can be found along Murtala Muhammed Way.

Oba’s Palace

The Oba’s Palace in Benin City reinforces the need for Nigerians to value their culture and tradition. The palace is a fountain of Benin history where visitors will find artworks, crafts and other relics of the rich history of the ancient kingdom. It is a monument that dates as far as 900 A.D. and was rebuilt in 1914.

Where to eat

Various restaurants are domiciled in Edo state where you can consume sizzling African and continental dishes. There a wide variety of meals to choose from like black soup(Omoebe), Omi Ukpoka (corn soup), Omisagwe (groundnut soup) pounded yam and garri. There are available in restaurants like Efex fast food, Lincx Cuisine and Mr. Biggsamongst many other restaurants in ancient Benin City.

Where to sleep

With less than 200 hotels to select from, Jovago.com, offers best and affordable for travellers to Edo state. The plush and comfy Best Western Homeville Hotel goes for N23,750. Other sterling hotels you can also stay are Randekhi Royal hotel,  Duoban hotel, Wellington Royal hotel, Wesley hotel, and Royal Marble hotels limited.  

Where to shop

There are countless places to shop in Edo state. You can either go traditional or cosmopolitan if you want to shop. The Hallmark Shopping mall which is a one stop shopping. Alternatively, if you desire to purchase souvenirs including art and craft, you can go to the Oba Market, Igun Eronmwon (Igun Street) where many of the carvers are domiciled, and Agbado Market amongst others.

Fun Fact

Oba of Benin Omo N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediuwa, the paramount ruler of Benin City is only seen in public once a year and that is during the annual Igue festival.

Ogunfowoke Adeniyi

Travel/Technology writer