ANAMBRA STATE

Located in the south-east geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Anambra State is an inland state with its capital in Awka. The people of the state are warm, hospitable and highly enterprising and could be found engaged in trading all over the country. The state is comprised of 21 local government areas namely Aguata, Anambra, Anambra East, Awka North, Awka South, Anaocha, Ayamelu, Dukunofia, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ojoto, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ogbaru, Ekwusigo, Njikoka, Idemili North, Idemili South, Orumba North, Orumba South, Anaocha, and Ihiala.

History

Anambra State was created in 1976 from the old East Central State with its capital at Enugu. A further reorganization of the Nigerian federation in 1991 saw the state divided into two states, Anambra and Enugu states with its new capital at Awka.

People & Culture

The state is predominantly occupied by the Igbo ethnic group who by nature are farmers, fishermen, craftsmen and traders. Among crops grown by farmers in the state are yam, palm produce, rice, cassava, cocoyam, vegetables, and different varieties of fruit trees among others. They are also involved in fishing, particularly those living in the riverine areas of the state, while their craftsmanship are nationally and internationally recognized as evident in the iron smithing works of Awka people, the bronze sculptures of Igbo Ukwu etc.
Anambra state is renowned for its abundant works of art and this explains the avalanche of art centers and artists found in the state. The state is home to magnificent bronze works, iron works, pottery and artists that place the state in the league of the most cultural endowed states in Nigeria.

Weather/Climate

Anambra State boasts of undulating landscape with tall trees and rich vegetation that is green all year round. The state experiences two major seasons, the rainy season which starts at the end of the month of March and lasts till the end of October and the dry season which starts in the month of November and ends in the month of March. It records about 3,000mm of rainwater per annum, this makes the area suitable for agricultural production. Among food crops grown in the state include yam, cassava, cocoyam, rice, pepper, palm produce among others.

Cities & Towns

Other important cities and towns include Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, Ogidi, Abagana, Alor, Atani, Nneni, Nkpor, Nnobi, Adazi Nnukwu, Adazi Enu, Adazi Ani, Oba, Ukpo, Umudioka, Okija, Awka-Etiti, Ekwulobia, Aguleri, Umuleri, Ihiala, Unubi, Nanka, Agulu, Ozubulu, Oraifite, Isuofia, Igbo-Ukwu, Ichida.

Igbo-Ukwu Bronzes

Igbo-Ukwu an ancient town and renowned cradle of Igbo civilization has remained an attraction to tourists because of its bronze artifacts dating back to the 9th century A.D which was first discovered in 1938. The artifacts discovered and kept in Igboukwu museum include vessels and pots, decorated staff heads, bronze snakes etc.

Ogba Waterfalls, Owerre-Ezukala

This is an impressive waterfall at Owerre Ezukala a border town in Anambra State, which shares boundaries with Imo, Abia and Enugu States. The waterfall is found in front of the Ogba Ukwu cave gushing out from a spring on top of the huge and imposing Ogba Rock. It forms an eternal stream at the foot of the cave, raining down forever. The amazing part of this scenic waterfall is that the water that falls on the heap of rock below forms a sparkling rainbow color that leaves a tourist gaping in wonder. The enticing waterfall is better seen than described.

Rojenny Tourist Village, Oba

Located in Oba along Onitsha/Owerri road, the tourist village provides exotic tropical atmosphere for relaxation, picnicking, cultural entertainment and nature conservation. It has a small game reserves with animals such as baboon, chimpanzee, crocodile, alligators, peacock, water turtle, python, eagle, lion, tortoise, hyena, hawk, green monkey etc.

Agulu Lake

Situated between Agulu and Nri communities of Anaocha Local Government Area, the lake is a natural lake with a width of about 7km and it is rich in aquatic life, such as rare species of crocodiles, fish etc. The beautiful scenery of the lake provides a soothing environment for picnics as well as water sports such as skiing, boating and fishing.

Idemili Cultural Centre

Situated just by Agulu Lake, the centre is magnificent building owned by the Chief Priest of Agulu Lake and it offers a beautiful panoramic view of the lake.

Odinani Museum

The museum at Nri village in Anaocha LGA is sponsored by the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan. Its core collections include a wide range of sculptural works, paintings, carvings, pottery, traditional costumes, ancient war equipment and metal works.

Ikenga Virgin Forest

This is the only known virgin forest in Nigeria as the thick forest reserve has neither been cultivated nor its trees cut till date. It is a typical rainforest composed of tall evergreens, climbers and thick shrubs reputed to be the home of many species of animals that have gone extinct in other parts of the country.

Butu Lake, Omogho

This is an offshoot of the Odo River, covering a large 10 hectares of land and people come here all year round for fishing and excursions. The lake provides water for irrigation of nearby rice and vegetable farms during the dry season.

Okpu Ana Natural Spring, Ukpor

This spring whose source is unknown simply gushes out of a large boulder embedded in a cliff and is regarded as the purest waters to be found anywhere. The spring forms a stream at the bottom, which has a beautiful bet of white clay, giving it an entirely surreal atmosphere.

Obu Ofo-Nri Museum:

This is a private museum established by the Eze Nri of Enugwu-Ukwu and it has a wide range of collections of works of arts. There exist also other craft ships and galleries in Nri where tourist can easily buy works of arts.

Agulu/Nanka Erosion Site

This is a gully of about two hundred metres deep and extensive site covering several square kilometres. The site continues to attract tourists and scholars within and outside the country.

The River Niger Bridge

The bridge spanning across River Niger connecting Onitsha South LGA in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State. The bridge is the gateway between the east and western Nigeria.

Onitsha Main Market

This market is believed to be the largest in West Africa in which all forms of trades are transacted daily.

Onitsha Main Market

Onitsha Main Market is a real local business located in Onitsha which provide deals, discounts, products, and services. This market serves most other markets in the country and stocks everything in bulk, including imported vegetables from northern traders. Contact: Market Rd, Onitsha.

Eke Awka Market

The very busy Eke Awka market is the biggest in Awka, in the heart of Anambra State. It’s a one-stop-shop for the locals who can find items such as clothes, furniture and other household goods. The market has numerous plazas where you can find different boutiques and supermarkets prominently displaying and advertising their goods.

Rojenny Tourist Village, Oba

Located in Oba along Onitsha/Owerri road, this tourist village has a guest house of over 50 rooms, Nite Club, African bar restaurant, children’s park, olympic size swimming pool, tennis court, basketball court, volleyball courts etc. Contact: KM 11, Onitsha-Owerri Rd, Oba. Te: +234 8033412712.

Tourist Garden Hotels

Located in Awka along Enugu-Onitsha Express Way, the hotel is one of the newest luxurious hotels offering unparalleled choices of facilities, entertainment and relaxation where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of of the city in an unspoiled country. Contact: Along Enugu-Onitsha Express Way, Awka. Tel: +234 -048-551741-5, 551826, 551833, 551836

Marble Arch Hotels

The hotel has about 100 elegant and warmly furnished rooms, well spacious with swimming pool and other modern facilities. The hotel is located in a serene environment. Contact: 1-5 Marble Arch Drive, Off Oby Okoli Avenue, Awka. Tel: +234 46322319, 08037849636, 07086415148

Pasodina Central Suites

Located in Uwani, just 15 minutes drive to the airport, and also very close to the Ekene Dili Chukwu bus terminal. The hotel offers cheap room rates with great facilities as well as 24 hours laundry services. Contact: No. 2 Anyaegbunam Street, Uwani, Enugu. Tel: +234-703-9492328

Barnhill Resort & Park

This is a 37-room bed and breakfast with a Japanese garden and a canopy and chairs. Their rooms are elegantly furnished, comfortable sand spacious with plasma TVs, Wi-fi etc. Contact: 3 Offodile Avenue, Agu-Awka. Tel: +234 703502 3020.

Queens Suites

Affordable and centrally located, Queen Suites has a small garden, a restaurant, a bar, swimming pool, gift shop and a gym. Contact: Iyiagu Estate, Awka. Tel: +234 8075023011

Golphin’s Suites

Golphin’s Hotels and Suites is fully equipped with modern facilities such as sterilized swimming pool, internet access in all rooms, indoor/outdoor bar, wake up calls on demand, duty free shop, 24/7 cable TV etc. Contact: Plot G5 Golphin’s Close, Unizik Junction, Awka. Tel: +234 80-39176983.