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Museums

Museums

Explore the Nigerian History and Culture at Enugu Museum

by Eniola Arowosegbe/February 24 01:58 PM Last updated on Address: 65, Abakaliki road, GRA, Enugu Phone: 0807 622 8584 Opening hours: 9:00am ? 5:00pm (Monday - Sunday) Enugu Museum is also referred to as National Museum of Unity, established in 1972, is beautified and constructed with a combination of three art galleries, constituting the Unity Gallery, Ibo Gallery, and Enugu Coal City Gallery. It is the last surviving museum in Nigeria dedicated to the ?No Vanquished, No Victory' mantra of 1970, which was coined so as to heal the deep self-inflicted wounds of the Nigerian Civil War. The three galleries which make up the museum is enriched with artistic beauties that display the heterogeneous culture of the Nigerian society, so as to establish and promote peace, unity, and coexistence. The three galleries have their peculiar message it intends to pass across to the visitors. For the Unity Gallery, it depicts artistic objects describing some popular concepts in the popular belief system of the various ethnic groups in Nigeria. As for the Ibo Gallery, it shows the richness of the Igbo culture ranging from its political, social, economic, cultural, artistic, and also its architectural nature (cha cha cha Igbo kwenu!). For people who want to know more about the Igbo culture, this place is a place for you. Lastly, the Enugu Coal City Gallery displays the growth and development of the Enugu society since its discovery of the natural resource ?coal? History of the Museum The museum was established in 1972 after the Nigerian civil war, it was created to foster unity and heal the wounds from the war through the cultural display of antiquities from various ethnic groups. Devoted to the ?No Victor, No Vanquished? mantra of 1970, the museum is dedicated to promoting peace and harmony. Visitors come to the museum as a result of the plentiful historical artifacts, models, statues, and works of art from various parts of the nation. Enugu Museum is a very affordable place to visit. There are also inexpensive hotels around the museum you can lodge, such as Amazon Hotels, De Castle Hotels, Fontana Hotels, Dmatel Hotel, and Resort, etc. How to get to Enugu Museum The closest Airport to National Museum of Unity, Enugu is the Akanu Ibiam International Airport. Airlines such as Air Peace, Arik Air, Aero Contractors, Med view Airlines offer direct flight into and out of the Airport. It?s a fifteen minutes drive from the airport to the museum. There are shuttles at the Airport available to transport you to the Airport for a token. Things to do at Enugu Museum You get the opportunity to see and feel artifacts such as the Kebbi Dakakari Pottery, the Ikenga (for the rich Igbo people to worship idols), Ere Ibeji (to appease the spirit of dead twins), Ritual Staffs, Divinations, tools, coals, etc.Jot information or be ready to pay close attention to the tour guides and curators, because phones and cameras are not allowed to function in the museum.You can capture moments with a camera at spots when it is permitted.
Museums

Explore the rich cultural history of Akwa Ibom by visiting the National Museum of Colonial History

by Eniola Arowosegbe/January 17 04:43 PM Last updated on Established in 1985, the national museum of colonial history is located within the Governor?s office complex surrounded by greenish courts and lined on either side by whispering pines and fruit trees creating a captivating landscape, it was built to showcase our colonial history. Why you should visit the museum? The museum houses historical collections on the creation of the state as well as ethnographic items such as artifacts, relics, valuable antiquities and carvings related to the people of Akwa Ibom.  Other facilities include a museum education centre, museum kitchen complex, museum shop, and research library. The museum depicts the history and heritage of the Akwa Ibom as well as cultural artifacts from the pre-colonial and post-colonial era making it a national gem. A visit to the museum is sure to be a fulfilling one as the beautiful illustrations and artworks brandished play out a beautiful story on some historical events. It also contains an attractive, shaded waterfront garden where one can watch small boats drifting on the creeks reported to be one of the sites for slave trade during the colonial era. The delightful and serene environment is a good place for meditation and reflection on how far we have come as a nation. How to get to the museum? The closest Airport to Ikot Ekpene where the museum is located is the Akwa Ibom International Airport. Major airlines include Dana Air and Air Peace. Driving from the airport to the museum takes just 30 minutes Tour Tips Go with a group of friends and engage your tour guide with questions to explore the Akwa Ibom historyDo not take pictures in the museum, they are not allowed For your next outing in Uyo, go to the museum and educate yourself. Feel free to share your experiences with us when you do. Contact Address: Wellington Bassey way, Uyo. Check out these Interesting places in Uyo https://hotels.ng/guides/enjoy-the-best-african-delicacies-at-kilimanjaro-restaurant/ https://hotels.ng/guides/get-the-ultimate-shopping-experience-at-ibom-plaza-2/
Museums

Take a Trip Down History Lane When You Visit the Amalgamation House

by Eniola Arowosegbe/January 17 12:18 PM Last updated on The amalgamation house was the seat of government during the colonial era. It was located in Ikot Abasi local government in Akwa Ibom state. ? An old brick-walled house situated in an open compound surrounded by trees and bushes. History of the Amalgamation House The amalgamation house is a historical site, it signifies the birth of Nigeria. It?s the building in which Lord Lugard signed the law that brought about the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria in 1914, thus creating a single entity known as the present-day Nigeria. It is also the building in which General Olusegun Obasanjo (the former commanding officer of the Nigerian Army) and General Phillip Effiong of the Biafran Army signed the declaration of cease-fire that ended the Nigerian civil war in January 1970. The building is made up of wooden floors and has a wide corridor supported by wooden pillars and big windows to cross-ventilate the offices. The whole structure is built with wood with corrugated iron sheets for the roof. The original roofing sheets are still there but have turned dark brown. Inside the building, you will see historical materials such as the transistor radio, speaker, antique telephone and typewriter used by Lugard. A visit to amalgamation house gives you the opportunity to everything about Lord Lugard?s administration including his residence, his administrative office, the native authority building, and his kitchen and the Beach Garden. Nearby attractions also include the brick-walled bungalow known as the Opobo district office, the popular Bridge of No Return at the bank of Imo River and a mock grave in memory of the Aba Women?s Riot of 1929. How to get to amalgamation house? The closest Airport to the amalgamation house is the Akwa Ibom International Airport. Moving from the Airport to Ikot Abasi where the building is located is about an hour and forty minutes. CONTACT Address: Marina Road, Ikpa Ibekwe, Ikot Abasi LGA Travel Tips: Go with light refreshments as there are no available restaurants within that vicinity Check out these related articles: https://hotels.ng/guides/travel-guide-to-uyo-city/ https://hotels.ng/guides/godswill-akpabio-international-stadium-the-nest-of-champions/
Museums

Delve into The Culture of Uyo People by Exploring the Oron Museum

by Eniola Arowosegbe/January 17 08:28 AM Last updated on Oron museum is a unique representation of the ethnocultural riches of Nigeria. Situated in Oron just opposite the Oron river, the museum was established in 1958 to accommodate eight hundred known ancestral figurines (Ekpu) of the Oron people which are believed to be one of the oldest and finest surviving wood carvings in Africa. History of Oron Museum The ancestral figurines referred to as Ekpu by the Oron natives date as far back as the early 19th century. It was all a process whereby an esteemed Oron leader was elevated to ancestral status. The wood sculptures were invoked to play an essential role in assuring the well-being of their offspring. They were seen as protectors and the museum was built to house these precious mini gods The ancestral figurine (Ekpu) Unfortunately, during the civil war, the museum was looted and many of the figurines were missing. However, in 1975, Oron museum was reconstructed with the help of British anthropologist Keith Nicklin whose statue is at the entrance of the museum. Today, Oron museum houses the remains of the wooden sculptures and other ethnographic materials from across Nigeria. Apart from the Ekpu carvings, Oron museum is also the home of unique skin-covered and horned head masks; the powerful Obasi Njom masquerade from upper Cross River area, old manilla currency, water spirit masquerade relics, traditional raffia and metal works, the traditional pottery. Also, bunkers used during the civil war are on display. These artworks and materials of antiquity inspire your imaginations and give you a bit of connection to the Oron culture, the tour guides are good and very knowledgeable narrators, they bring the artworks to life with their excellent storytelling abilities. Within the premises of the museum is a crafts village. On the site of Oron museum are two de-commissioned oil wells which means the museum grounds were once oil-rich. The Oron museum complemented by the free-flowing waters of the Oron river bank is an impeccable combination. Go with friends and family and appreciate the cultural and historical riches of Uyo city. How to get to Oron Museum? The closest airport to Oron Museum is Akwa Ibom International Airport. Moving from the Airport to Oron Museum Airport is 45minutes over a distance of 37.2 km. More so, commercial buses are available in Oron to convey tourists to the museum location. Things to do at Oron museum Contrary to popular opinions that there isn?t a lot to do at museums, Oron museum doesn?t fit into that space as there are a handful of activities to engage in including: ? Take a look at some of the last surviving figurines and other relics ? Engage yourself at the crafts village by observing the locals ? Relax at the Oron river waterfront after your museum tour When you do feel the urge to visit the museum after reading this article, make sure you share your experience with us in the comments section. CONTACT Address: Oron, Uyo. Opening hours: 10am-4pm Admissions: entry is free Check out this article for other beautiful places in Uyo https://hotels.ng/guides/10-top-places-to-visit-in-uyo/ Also, you should read this detailed travel guide to know everything about Uyo https://hotels.ng/guides/travel-guide-to-uyo-city/
Museums

Learn the best of history at the Gidan Makama Museum in Kano

by Rebecca/December 11 10:55 AM Last updated on Gidan Makama Museum Kano or Kano Museum is a museum in Kano, Nigeria. This building served as the temporary palace of Kano before the current palaceGidan Rumfa was constructed in the 15th century. The museum has a significant collection of arts, crafts, and items of historic interest related to the Kano area. Located in a 15th-century historical building, which is recognised as a National Monument by the Government of Nigeria. The museum is divided into 11 galleries, each with their own centre of focus. Galleries include the Zaure or the main entrance hall with displays of traditional materials, city walls and maps of Kano, the history of statehood, Kano in the 19th century, the Civil War, economy, industry and music The museum is located on Emir Palace road and it is divided into 11 galleries with each containing some aspects of traditional Kanawa artifacts, pictures, musical instruments, handicrafts, and materials. The galleries are the rooms and courtyards of the old Makamas and depict the style of a traditional residence of a Kano aristocrat. The entrance of the gates exhibited some historical pots believed to have been excavated at Kofar Kabuga, a gate within the Kano city wall and also two colonial cannons. The building hosts 11 galleries. The Gidan Makama museum displays architectural pictures and old relics that provide information on the history of Kano dating back to the colonial period. The museum is located at the southern end of the Emirs palace. It was built 520 years ago and served as the temporary residence of Muhammadu Rumfa the 18th emir of Kano, whilst the emirs? palace is been constructed. When rumfa moved into the new palace, Makama an important title holder stayed in the museum. In the early 1950s, the museum was divided into three parts. The Gidan Makama primary school, Girls secondary school, and the central area which remained the home of Makama and the suites were converted into a museum to serve as the present museum. Outside the museum is a typical example of Hausa architecture and worth the picture. The Museums open daily. These sites are definitely worth a visit. Galleries The museum has 11 galleries each containing materials, artifacts, and pictures representing the historical heritage of the people. The first gallery is about Hausa traditional architecture and includes building materials used by the people of KanoSecond has the Kofar kabuga gates through which the British entered and subsequently captured Kano; it also has a map showing the walls of KanoThird exhibits a traditional religious history of Kano in pictures and the story of the early invaders of Kano led by BagaudaFourth depicts the Fulani influenced history of Kano starting from the 19th centuryFifth tells the story of the Kano Civil warSixth tells the story of the old Kano economy and the DurbarSeventh has the colonial period and pictorial history of 20th-century political figuresEighth includes the Islamic heritage of the people of KanoNinth shows various occupations of the people of Kano and includes farm instruments, basketwork, and textilesThe tenth has music instrumentsEleventh depicts the traditional Hausa bride's room. You should also check out this detailed travel guide to Kano. It contains everything you need to know to ensure you have an amazing stay in the city. https://hotels.ng/guides/travel-guide-to-kano-all-you-should-know-about-the-center-of-commerce/
Museums

Paint a Picture of Slave History with a Visit to the Slave Museum

by Eniola Arowosegbe/December 11 10:11 AM Last updated on The slave history museum is situated at marina resort on the site of a 15th century slave trading warehouse. It?s a historic site with extensive descriptions of events that happened during the slave trade era The Museum depicts the horrific experiences of these slaves during the colonial era. Exhibits portraying a sense of history such as local slave markets, instruments of the trade including shackles and chains, and the variety of currencies used to trade our forefathers, such as copper bars, brass bells, and flutes. This museum is quite captivating with its graphic life-size sculptural representation of slaves illustrating how slaves were transported and treated, how slaves were arranged on the ships, how the white slave masters treated the slaves while on the?farm and lots more. Historic artifacts used in trade and commerce are displayed, audio recordings of some of the events are available. These audio recordings paint a picture of how slaves are auctioned and sold, how they are transported and some other things. The daunting stories and accounts of actual events in this museum are sure to invoke some feelings and leave you reminiscent of the great sacrifices our ancestors made in fighting for our freedom from the colonial masters. Contact Calabar Marina Resort 080 3441 1080 Opening hours: 8 am-6 pm Weekdays, 12 pm-6 pm Weekends Admissions: Entry fee costs N200 per head Travel Tips Do not come with a camera, pictures are not allowed in the museum
Museums

Catch Up with History at the National Museum Calabar

by Eniola Arowosegbe/December 09 09:35 AM Last updated on National museum Calabar is a 19th century building set on a hill overlooking the Calabar river.  The building was originally designed and built in Britain in 1959 before it was then moved in parts to Nigeria. It used to serve as the residence and administrative office of the British officials during the colonial era. It houses artifacts, documents and several materials from colonial times. Just by the lawn next to the museum is a ship bell dated as far back as 1848. THE CALABAR MUSEUM SHIP BELL The ground floor contained materials of slave trade and British colonization. Pictorial representations and illustrations of slave trade, markets, and ships. It tells the story of slave trade in Nigeria considering Calabar was a major port during the colonial era. The top floor housed precious artifacts such as an organ from 1885, a gramophone and other ancient archaeological materials. Address: Ekpo Eyo Drive, Duke Town, Calabar Open: 9am-6pm Admissions: entry fee costs N100 per head Tour Tips It?s better to go to the museum in groups as the museum is more receptive to groups of people than individuals.Entry into the museum is very affordable as service charge is just a N100 per head. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as you are in for a long walk touring the whole museum. How to get to National Museum Calabar By Air: From any location, board a flight to Margaret Ekpo International Airport Calabar and take a taxi to the national museum. The distance is just about 6km from the airport.By Land: when you arrive at Calabar, take a bus to duke town. Then take a taxi to Ekpo Eyo drive where the national museum is located. Things to do at the National Museum Learn about slave history from the museum artifacts and materials. Get a clearer picture of slavery with pictures, maps, and illustrations with knowledgeable tour guides to narrate accounts of slaves as well as answer questions to satisfy your curiosity. Cameras are not allowed at the museum so you won?t be allowed to take any photographs. Behold the old instruments of torture carrying the blood, tears, and sweats of past slaves. A good look at various torture relics that were used on slaves who disobeyed orders. Here, you get a feeling of the anguish and pain of our forefathers suffered at the hands of the colonial masters. Get a view of the Calabar river from the top of the museum. The Calabar museum sits atop a hill overlooking the museum, the waterfront is a nice view for sightseeing and relaxation
Museums

See marvelous artifacts that can only be found at Kaduna national museum and monument.

by Rebecca/December 05 01:57 PM Last updated on Opposite the Emir of Zazzau's palace along Ali Akilu Road in Kaduna, is the National Museum, one of the many historical monuments the city inherited for being the capital of the defunct Northern Region. Established in 1975, the museum had witnessed some remarkable improvements in the last few years. Now, the old dilapidated building has been pulled down and a new one is being built, but the progress of work is slow. One interesting thing about this museum is its live craft feature, which allows visitors to watch local craftspeople and artisans working in real-time. Crafts, archaeology, and ethnography are central to the museum?s existence. It was established in 1975 and also contains artifacts from the Nok and Igbo-Ukwu cultures. Have you seen ethnographic and archaeological artifacts in their finest collections? If you?d like to, you should visit the Kaduna National Museum and Monument. Even the Nok terracotta we once spoke of is here too, as well as some artifacts and pictures from the past. There is a lot to learn here. The museum has in its collections both Archaeological and Ethnographic materials ranging from terracotta figurines of humans and animals from the famous Nok culture area dated to about 2,500 years ago, as well as artworks and crafts of both prehistoric and contemporary societies. Also found in the museum are building structures constructed with the Hausa traditional architecture of mud and thatch. The museum is a fascinating building recommended to Tourists. The National Museum in Kaduna used to be a beehive of activities, attracting visitors from far and near, including foreigners. Ali Akilu Road, City Centre, Kaduna, Kaduna, Nigeria https://hotels.ng/guides/exciting-places-to-visit-in-kaduna/ https://hotels.ng/guides/travel-guide-kaduna/