ILORIN TO AKURE BY ROAD: A TRAVELER’S GUIDE

For the majority, road travel is the easiest and most convenient if not the cheapest means of getting around the country, particularly these two cities. Ilorin is the capital of Kwara state, the largest city in the state and located in the North-central region, although close to the south-western region as well while Akure is the capital of Ondo state, the largest city in the South-Western state.

THE BEST PLACE(S) TO GET AN AKURE-BOUND VEHICLE IN ILORIN

Offa Garage Park: The Offa garage park is split into two parts: The RTEAN branch, and the NURTW branch. While vehicles going to Akure can be found in both branches, the RTEAN branch consists mainly of taxis and minivans which charge a fare of 1,750-1,850 naira while those that prefer to travel by bus can find them in the NURTW branch with the fare in the 1,500-1,600 naira range.

N.B: There’s only one motor park for Akure-bound vehicles, and it is the Offa garage park.

WHAT/HOW TO PACK - Pack as few bags as possible for easy management and to save cost, Drivers tend to charge extra for really big bags (especially the taxi and minivan drivers) and extra bags.

• Make sure you get to the park on time so you can pick a seat of your choice.

• When you get to the park you’ll be set upon by different *alabarus (porters loitering around waiting for passengers with heavy luggage) who’ll flat out demand to carry your bags to the vehicle going to your destination, you have a choice of firmly indicating a “No” with your head and walking past them or surrendering your bag(s) to them if they’re heavy, however be sure to keep a close watch on the porter and your bag(s)

• Inform your driver of any fragile items in your bag. It also helps to watch as the bags are being arranged to ensure your belongings aren’t squashed in a corner or under other heavy luggage. Keep all valuables with you

• On no condition should you have any sort of camouflage material with you as they’re banned and if found on your person, will lead to you being extorted for money by the policemen along the route and the vehicle being delayed.

• Watch what you eat before travelling, it’s a comparatively short trip with no designated rest stops and if the vehicle stops for any reason, it’s for passengers to relieve themselves in the bushes along the route.

• Fill the personal information form that will be passed around beforehand. The transport company just might need to reach someone on your behalf.

TIME TAKEN The trip from Ilorin to Akure usually takes approximately 3hrs 45 mins, taking into consideration road and weather conditions as well as the seemingly countless bribe collection centres the policemen call their roadblocks.

SNACK AND RESTROOM OPTIONS You can make a selection from a wide range of snack choices at the park, from barbecued meat to Gala and drinks. There are some public restrooms available at the park but (personal preference, mind), I prefer to leave the house with an empty bladder and eat sparingly along the journey rather than make use of the public restrooms provided. No restrooms are available along the route.

PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO AKURE - Evacuate your bowels before leaving the house. - Make sure you fill the personal information form supplied to passengers and also take down the licence plate number of the vehicle and pass on to as many friends as possible (and make sure the driver sees you taking down the plate number) - Make sure your most valuable possessions are kept close to hand in a carryon or a small bag, not just because of theft but also because of the way items are stacked carelessly in the trunk. - I prefer sitting up front beside the driver, asides being the most comfortable seat in the vehicle, it’s also within easy reach of the charging port so you can listen to music, read, surf the internet (where coverage exists on the road) without running your battery flat. Barring that, leave the house with a full charge and a powerbank if you have one.

GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION

On getting to Akure, you’ll be dropped at S.O filling station along Oba Adesida road which is a central area easily accessible by/to areas like Alagbaka, The N.Y.S.C Secretariat, also along Oba Adesida road, Ijapo, Champion e.t.c. All are in the 50-70 naira range with maximum fare being 100 naira.

Enjoy your trip.