Ogun State is one of the best places to visit in Nigeria. The states’ government is not taking tourism for granted as they continue to refurbish its tourist centers. The state I located in the Southwestern part of Nigeria. Ogun has Lagos as its neighbor. It has boundaries with Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Benin Republic. Abeokuta is the capital and the largest city in the state.
Ogun is popular for its manufacturing hub. Companies such as Nestle, Dangote Cement, Procter and Gamble etc have site in the state. There are 20 Local Government Areas and numerous historical sites to tour. Yoruba language is the major language spoken here even though there are its dialects such as Ijebu. If you are a lover of music, then you have to listen to the songs of Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey. There you would learn more the state nicknamed ‘’The Gateway State’’.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring along your luggage as you would spend more time here than anywhere else. Sunscreen, face towel, ATM cards, journals and camera to capture the historic and beautiful scenes are advisable to be brought to the tourist centers.
TRANSPORTATION
The closest airport to the state is the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State. You will access the various destinations through the states’ Green and yellow lining cabs that will take you to the various sites.
PLACES TO VISIT
Olumo Rock is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. The city of Olumo derives its name from this rock. Abeokuta means ‘’under the rock’’ and it was the fortress of the Egbas during the inter-tribal wars of the 19th century. There is an art and artifacts shop on the premises and an eatery where guests can buy snacks and relax. There are knowledgeable tour guides on site and guests who are unable to climb the rock can take the elevator or stairs.
The Alake’s Palace is asite of tourist attraction. The monarch is one of the first class kings in Yoruba land. The palace houses the first Bible brought by the missionaries to Nigeria. It also holds other important cultural items. The Alake is the custodian of the history of the people of Egba land. at the entrance of the palace, the wordings ‘’Alaki Ti Ile Egba’’ which means ‘’The Palace of the Alake of Egbaland’’ is boldly written.
The Bilikisu Sungbo Shrine is another historical site. It is located in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. It is a set of walls built for defense andalso to unite the different tribes in that region. It was built in 800-1000 AD in honor of the noble woman, Oloye Bilikisu Sungbo. The walls are currently covered with moss and locals go there to pay homage to her heritage by visiting this shrine. The shrine has gained the attention of archaeologists and is one of the oldest man-made monuments in West Africa.
Other major sites includes; Yemoji Natural Swimming Pool,Ifoku Market, Madam Tinubu Shrine, Abeokuta Museum, Olowu of Owu Palace, Centenary Hall and religious sites such as the Redeemed Christian Church of God camp ground.
