There are so many historical places in Nigeria. These historical sites, landmarks, and monuments in Nigeria serve as an evidence to stories passed down from generation to generation.
These are some historical places in Nigeria:
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Oduduwa Grove
Oduduwa Grove is also known as Oduduwa World Temple is located in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The site is notable for being the point where Oduduwa, the legendary progenitor of the Yoruba race landed with a chain. He founded Ile Ife, which became his final resting place. At this location, a statue of Oduduwa with the chain and staff can be found.
Emir of Kano Palace
The Kano Emirate, located in Kano State, is a traditional state in Northern Nigeria with headquarters in the city of Kano the capital of Kano State. Preceded by the Emirate of Kano, the Council was formed in 1903. Kano boasts of ancient culture and civilisation and the Emir’s palace is one of the pieces of evidence.
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Ogbunike Caves
Ogbunike Caves, located in Ogbunike Anambra State, are a collection of caves that have been in use for centuries by the natives of the village. To them, it has spiritual and historical significance. It also serves as a tourist attraction. There are 317 steps to descend to the caves. The main cave consists of a massive structure with a big open chamber at the entrance. This chamber has ten tunnels leading to different directions. Ogbunike Caves is a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS)
Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), located in Lagos State, is a ceremonial ground constructed in 1972. The entrance to the square has gigantic sculptures of four white horses above the gate and seven red eagles, which signify Strength and Dignity respectively. Other monuments in the square include the Remembrance Arcade (with memorials to World War I, World War II and Nigerian civil war victims) and the 26-storey Independence House, built in 1963 which was for a long time, the tallest building in Nigeria. It has a capacity of 50,000 people and is used for different functions.
The Walls of Benin City
The Walls of Benin, located in Benin City Edo State, were used as a defence of the defunct Kingdom of Benin, which is now Benin City, the capital of Edo state. It is considered the largest man-made structure lengthwise and hailed as the largest earthwork in the world. The construction was estimated to have started in 800 and continued into the mid-15th century. It is considered one of the greatest achievements of man in the 13th century, considering that there was no use of machines.
The Walls of Kano
The Ancient Kano City Walls, located in Kano State, were built to defend and protect the inhabitants of the ancient city of Kano. The construction of the wall started in 1095 and was completed in the middle of the 14th century. This 14km radius earth monument has a spiritual, cultural and historical significance.
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The First Story Building in Nigeria
The First Storey Building in Nigeria is located in Badagry, Lagos. The foundation of the building was laid in 1842 and the house was completed in 1845. This ancient structure was erected by Reverend Henry Townsend of the Church Missionary Society (CMS).
National War Museum
The purpose of the National War Museum located in Umuahia Abia State is to remember the grim episode of wars and the process of national reconciliation and healing. This museum houses relics from different wars including the Nigerian Civil War, Niger Delta conflicts. The weapons used in battles fought in old Nigerian empires are also depicted.
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Erin-Ijesha/Olumirin Waterfall
Olumirin means “another deity.” The Olumirin waterfall located in Erin-Ijesha Osun State was discovered in 1140 AD by Akinla, a granddaughter of Oduduwa when the people of Ife were migrating to Erin-Ijesha. Akinla was also known to have founded the Erin-Ijesha town. Olumirin waterfall is one of the most visited tourist sites in Nigeria. It attracted over 50,000 visitors in 2014, making it the most visited tourist attraction that year. The natives regard the waterfall as a sacred site and a means of purifying their souls.
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The Ancient Nok Settlement
The Nok Culture, located in Jaba Kaduna State, appeared in northern Nigeria around 1000 BC and vanished under unknown circumstances around 500 AD. All over the world, antiquities from the Ancient Nok Settlement are seen in galleries and museums. It was in the Nok Settlement that the Terracotta figurine was discovered.
Oke Idanre (Idanre Hills)
Oke Idanre (Idanre Hills), located in Idanre Ondo State, is the most popular tourist site in Ondo state and one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Nigeria. It includes such cultural sites as “Owa’s Palace, Shrines, Old Court, Belfry, Agbooogun footprint, thunder water (Omi Apaara) and burial mounds and grounds. It has 660 steps, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Slave Museum
The Slave Museum, located in Calabar Cross-River State, exhibits local slave markets. It contains the materials used during the slave trade, including shackles and chains, and the variety of currencies used to buy people, such as copper bars, brass bells, and flutes. Calabar was a major slave port during the Slave Trade days and this museum houses many historical elements.
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
Osun-Osogbo Grove, located in Osogbo Osun State, is a sacred forest along the banks of the Osun river. This is the only tourist destination in Nigeria that has sacred shrines, sanctuaries, sculptures and art works that are created in honour of the goddess of fertility, Osun. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
