A fairly bustling metropolis combined with some of the most famous salt lakes in Nigeria, this southeastern State is known for being peopled by the very industrious Igbo ethnic group. Located in the southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Ebonyi State was created in 1996 and it is called “the salt of the nation” because of its huge salt deposit. The state is divided into thirteen local government areas which include Abakaliki, Afikpo South, Afikpo North, Ebonyi, Effium, Ezza, Ezza South, Ikwo, Ishielu, Ivo, Ohaozara, Ohaukwu and Onicha. Ebonyi has its perks which have encouraged tourist to flood the state with a population 1,739,136.
Ebonyi State is indeed blessed with many destinations that are alluring, charming and beautiful. The capital city of Ebonyi is Abakaliki. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal unleash the sights and sounds of Ebonyi to enable you have a hassle free journey.
Top three sites
The Abakaliki Golf Course
The Abakaliki Golf Course is both a tourist destination and relaxation spot. It will be a wholesome experience if you can play golf by swinging a few holes alongside friends and other tourists. The Abakaliki Golf Course is of international standard and it is also thoroughly well kept. You can learn how to play golf but if you are not interested in playing, you can simply watch and cheer the players. At the golf course, friends are quickly made which is the more reason you should check it out as it is peopled by top business executives and government functionaries. It is located at the Abakaliki Township stadium and has a clubhouse, practice facilities, as well as a snack bar
Okposi Salt Lake
You have unfinished business with Ebonyi if you do not check out the Okposi Salt Lake. This is because salt is a natural resource in the state which it is known and it is a must see. A visit to the lake will offer you a firsthand experience of the traditional salt making process and how women engage in the thriving business of salt trading. Salt production has existed for about 400 years in Okposi Okwu. The trade was discovered by two hunters namely Ekwuna Chita and Uta Anoo. You can be magnanimous and buy the salt as a souvenir.
Abakaliki Greater Rice Husks
The igbos are known to be incredibly industrious. Their sense of industry and craftsmanship is amazing. You will find in any legal business. Hence, it is not surprising, they cultivate rice, process it and over the years, until it became a source of livelihood for the people of Abakaliki. You will see rice husks piled into huge heaps which is a significant proof of how the trade has survived for decades. The rice mill industry serves is the source of the local rice delivered to most Nigerian homes. The rice husks have become sort of landmark for the people of Ebonyi State and they are proud of it.
Shopping
Most of the stores are located in the capital city. These small scale malls are more popular in the just-evolving state. There are also mega malls you can do your shopping. These stalls stores are King Nancy provision stores, Omeh Okoro ventures and Michael provision.
Sleeping
The hotels in Ebonyi are quite affordable and inexpensive. The price range is between N5,000 and N10,000. Some of the hotels are Salt Lake Hotel, Ebonyi Hotel Abakaliki, Grace Court Hotel & Salts, and Klasson Suites Limited. You can select other amazing hotels among the 72 available ones on Jovago.com.
Unwinding
Abakaliki is the most important city in Ebonyi and it is where all the restaurants and nightclubs-for the night crawlers- are concentrated. You can get a good and tasty plate of goat head or ‘Isiewu’ or a plate of yummy pepper soup with a cup of newly tapped palm wine (the best palm wine is tapped in south-east Nigeria) . With these plates, you are on your way to having an exhilarating time in Ebonyi. If you do not fancy the palm wine and pepper soup or goat head ritual, you can try their delicious local cuisine in the following restaurants – Ogbuefi joint, Flavour Gardens and Restaurant, Paradise Bush Bar, and D Base Bar.
Fun fact
A popular staple in Nigeria is Rice. In homes and at parties it is a must consumed carb. Despite the Abakaliki rice, Nigerians still prefer to import rice from other parts of the world. Well, perhaps it is good that #BuyNaijaToGrowTheNaira is trending on social media. Perhaps, someday, Abakaliki rice will be the rice eaten in every Nigerian home. The rice is very delicious.
– Ogunfowoke Adeniyi