Everything You Need To Know About Nike Art Gallery

NIKE ART GALLERY

Nike Art Centre is the largest art gallery in West Africa and it's one of the top tourist destination in Lagos, Nigeria.

Nike Art Centre is made up of an art gallery and a textile museum. This Centre features over 8,000 beautiful and colourful African artworks, including paintings and sculpture which  is privately owned by Chief Nike Davies Okundaye.

HISTORY FIRST!
It was established in 1983 at Osogbo, Osun state, Nigeria, by Nike Davies Okundaye.

Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye born in 1951 in Nigeria, is one of the internationally known female designers and artists. She was brought up amidst the traditional weaving and dying practice in her native village of Ogidi in Western Nigeria. Her artistic skills were nurtured by her parents and great grandmother, who were musicians and crafts-people specialising in the area of cloth weaving, adire making, indigo dying etc.

Here is a quick guide if you plan on visiting Nike Art Gallery anytime soon.

1.It is located  at 2 Elegushi Beach Road, 3rd Roundabout,Epe  Expressway,Lekki Phase 1,Lekki, Nigeria.

2 . Access is free but they charge token for groups.

3. It is best to combine your trip if you're not in a hurry to return home with another tourist attractions around the area which includes Lufasi Park, Elegushi Private Beach, Lekki Conservation Center orLor Art&Crafts market.

4. The Art Gallery is in four different States in Nigeria which include: Lagos, Abuja, Osogbo and Kogi States. While the one in Lagos is the largest Art Gallery museum in West Africa.

5. Nike Art Gallery speaks Art from the entrance and all is up for sale should you desire to purchase one.

Have you heard of Nike Art Gallery before? Kindly drop a comment.

Follow me on Instagram @damiehindero for more pictures, travel stories and guides.

 I'm also available for writing or travel expo opportunities.

TOURERS NG  organizes private/ group tours to tourist destinations in Nigeria. You can also book a private/ group tour with TOURERS NG(@t@tourersng

Interesting Facts I Bet You Never Knew About HIKING

WHAT IS HIKING?

Hiking is an outdoor activity which involves walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain.

Hiking has many advantages which include nice views, fresh air, and the beautiful sounds and smells of nature.

Hiking is fun and is a great travel experience, it is  an awesome way to immerse yourself in nature for a day; and a super easy micro adventure that you can have on a weekend, to escape the grind and refresh yourself for the coming week.

What sets hiking apart from other forms of exercise is that it’s done outdoors in a natural setting.

WHY YOU SHOULD HIKE?
i. Hiking is therapeutic, being highly recommended for people suffering from anxiety, stress or depression;

ii. It improves mental health.

iii. it helps you keep fit and stay in shape! Yeah you heard that right.

If you ask me, I'd say hiking represents what life is all about. You need to work hard to get what you want. You need to put in time and effort. However tired you may feel or unsure what step to take next, you keep going. You keep going up and keep persevering because in the end, you’re gonna reach something really amazing; be it a river, waterfall or a breathtaking view.

Here are safe hiking rules that should be followed. I categorized them into Do's & Dont's

DO's

i. DO HIKE WITH A FRIEND
It’s best not to hike alone particularly for first timers, especially on unfamiliar or remote trails. A partner or group of partners can help you navigate and assist if you get hurt. Going with a friend makes it more fun and energizing.
Generally, hiking in a group is better! Apart from the fact that its makes the activity more interesting, it also enhances safety as you would be able to render or receive help in case anyone gets hurt.

ii. DO YOUR RESEARCH VERY WELL
A particular destination may have its own rules and regulations but if you don't know, you might trespass and this could attract fine or punishment, but all these can be avoided if proper research was made.

iii. DO BRING ALONG A FIRST AID KIT
Getting injured during a hike is inevitable, it is only appropriate that you are fully prepared for it, so you won't be caught unaware. So please endeavor to go with a first aid kit, if not all then basic.

iv. DO BRING YOUR FUN SIDE
Please make sure you are not being forced to go on a hike. Either you are going with a group or alone, you need to go with an open mind and have all the fun you could.

v. DO PACK LIGHT
This point cannot be overemphasized, packing very light makes your hiking easier hence not getting tired on time. I went with my brother to hike Ado Awaye Mountainous and suspended lake and he flouted this particular rule despite my warnings and he paid for it. Guess who is a preacher of packing light now? Yeah you guessed right.

DONT'S

vi. DO NOT HIKE WITHOUT CHECKING WEATHER FORECAST
I remember when we( travel content creators) planned a trip to Idere and we had to postpone because the weather forecast predicted rainfall and we were not willing to risk. After all, what fun is hiking when its drizzling? So you might want to check out that forecast before you set out.

vii. DO NOT HIKE WITHOUT PROPER RESEARCH OF THE AREA
You might want to check for local restrictions I.e if you'll need a permit, reservations or pass to avoid embarrassment.

viii. DO NOT RUSH
Endeavor to make sure you have enough time to complete your hike. Get information on  how long it usually takes to hike that particular destination because you don’t want to be caught out after dark.

ix. DO NOT DRESS INAPPROPRIATELY(tight denims, slippers etc)
As Owanbe has it's type of dress 😉 Same way hiking has it's own. However, there's no penalty for not wearing Aso Ebi to Owanbe but there is for dressing inappropriately for a hike such as DISCOMFORT and the last you want to experience on a hike is DISCOcomment.

x. DO NOT FORGET TO PACK SNACKS & WATER/
As a foodie that I am, you know I dare not omit this one😁 Minimie Chinchin is my go to snacks as it's handy and crunchy because I know if I don't eat, I might wear out easily but don't get it twisted; snacks is important but water is much more important.

CONCLUSION
Not only is hiking a lot of fun, “it also offers significant benefits to the human body. In fact, hiking can be considered to be a powerful cardio workout that has the potential to lower your risk of heart disease, improve your blood pressure and your blood sugar levels.

THANK YOU!!!

So now that you are fully convinced hiking is the real deal, please read this👇

The Tourers in conjunction with Funatics Adventures is organizing a trip to Idere Hills in which 60% of this tour is Hiking.

Here are what you stand to enjoy if you sign up for this trip

Hiking
Caving
Bonfire
Adventures
Networking
Competition & Games...and lots more
Click Here to for more enquiries and bookings.


If you read to this point, you are the real MVP. Please don't forget to drop a comment.


Follow me on Instagram @damiehindero for more pictures, travel stories and guides.

 I'm also available for writing or travel expo opportunities.

TOURERS NG  organizes private/ group tours to tourist destinations in Nigeria. You can also book a private/ group tour with TOURERS NG(@t@tourersng

7 Interesting Reasons Why Visiting Beach is Good for your Wellbeing

I know I can't be the only one who is head over heels in love with the beach.
Let’s face it; you can never hear “Oh my god, I just got back from a day at the beach and I regretted it. I’m stressed out and now feeling more depressed than ever!”
I'm very sure that blasphemous statement has never been uttered in the history of human and come on, it can't even happen!!
So my visit to the beach recently prompted  this blog post

I highlighted six reasons why you should make visiting beach number one on your list as it's good for our total wellbeing.

1. Salt Water Is Good For Your Skin And Body
Research has it that salt water is good for your skin. And I also got that confirmation from my aunt who's a Skincare expert. It is full of minerals like Sodium, Chloride, Magnesium and Calcium.  These are some of the same ingredients found in our daily vitamins which are essential for our internal organs, so going to the beach is healthy after all😉


2.Sea Breeze Is Good For our Brain
Tired of being unproductive? Well, head to the beach and breathe in the fresh air and thank me later.  Spending a lot of time indoor can be unproductive. So please when next you are invited for a beach hangout, don't even hesitate, just hop on it!


3.Sunshine Is A Great Source Of Vitamin D
Did you know your body is a manufacturer of Vitamin D?  That’s right.  When your body gets sun exposure, your skin uses the ultraviolet rays to manufacture Vitamin D.  This vitamin is used by the body to support immune, lung and cardiovascular health and where else can one enjoy sunshine than the beach? Let's go to the beach Yes? Yes!!!

4. Beach Is A Great Stress Reliever
The sea, with both its hand sounds and sights is the perfect destination for rest and relaxation. Not only for your physical body, but for your mental health
The soothing effects of the waves and sun combined is enough to make one leave his/her stress behind. The heat of the sun, the sound of the waves, and your feet in the sand can help to fight off any feelings of anxiety and stress.

5.A Great Place To Nap
 Have you had a hectic week and you still can't get to relax at home because there's noise? Why not head to the beach
Ever noticed dozers everywhere at the beach? Not only is the breeze enough to make you doze but just imagine sleeping at the beach with the sound of the waves crashing against the shore😍😍 but just make sure you are far enough away from the kids playing😉.  A beach nap (under the shades though) slaps different💯 On a more serious note, it is therapeutic!!!

6. Beach Walk is therapeutic
I find there’s nothing more revitalizing than taking a long walk on the beach (as against walking in the city, which can trigger emotions worse than road rage). It doesn’t have to be fast, and it definitely doesn’t require a watch, or any kind of app. Walks on the beach are perfect any way you do them; either with your kids, your partner, or alone. There’s no goal, no rush, no race, no place to be. Just relax and find some seashells along the way.

I hope with this few points of mine I have been able to convince and not confuse you that you need to visit the beach more often.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about any tourist destinations in Nigeria or you need a tour guide.

Please feel free to add more points in the comment section
Thank you


Follow me on Instagram @damiehindero for more pictures, travel stories and guides.

 I'm also available for writing or travel expo opportunities.

TOURERS NG  organizes private/ group tours to tourist destinations in Nigeria. You can also book a private/ group tour with TOURERS NG(@t@tourersng

Trans Amusement Park; My Clear And Unbiased opinion

             TRANS WONDERLAND

Trans Amusement park is an amusement park and theme located in Ibadan, Oyo state.

I never knew there was a theme park in Ibadan until some weeks ago that I discovered TRANS AMUSEMENT PARK on Instagram some weeks ago and I was surprised Ibadan is housing such wonderful destination but my excitement was shattered when I realized the place is now a shadow of itself courtesy neglects from the concerned parties.

I immediately added it to my destination bucket list then I contacted a travel enthusiast like me who goes by the name Vera, to know if she would love us to explore the destination together. She agreed and then we chose a date. She, however, expressed her doubt about the working state of the facilities at the Park, but there was only one way to know, so we agreed to check it out regardless.

Our Experience
When we got there, we were told to pay #300 as gate fee. we were about to pay when a lady asked if we wanted to use the facilities, “of course” we replied, this isn't a museum or monument centre that we just came to have a look and go, it was then we were told that the facilities are not working at the moment as a result of power outage but that we could pay and go in, then wait till the light is restored. My friend I and glanced at each other then we nodded in disagreement and told the lady that we would be back shortly. We went back after some hours of doing mini photo shoot but this time, we met a man who advised us to take the 2nd entrance so we wouldn’t have to pay.

We went in and it was very sad to see a once lively place so deserted even the lawn was screaming "mow me" "mow me". Although the facilities were still standing tall but you could tell they have seen better days.

So I posted the pictures on my social media handles and I got mixed reactions from my audience; some were lamenting that the place is now a shadow of itself while others insisted all they knew about “Trans” (as popularly called by Ibadan residents) was its spectacular bubbly night life. I was surprised and sad because I was wondering why would a spectacular destination like this be reduced  to just a  bubbly night club
😢

How about some history?
Trans Wonderland also known as Trans Amusement Park is an amusement and theme park in Ibadan, Oyo state Nigeria. The Trans Wonderland project was initiated in 1987 and was opened to the public on November 29, 1989. Trans Wonderland is also referred to as NIGERIA'S DISNEY WORLD.

Attractions include;

Roller coasters

Electronic bumper cars

Merry-go-round horses

 Dragon Boats

Ferris Wheels

Panoramic Wheels

And lots more...

RECOMMENDATIONS
i. The facilities in this destination needs to be revived, but to do this, the government has to take full interest or transfer the ownership to interested private developers who are ready to turn the place around;

ii. After this has been done, then the revamped facilities should be well publicised.





Follow me on Instagram (@damiehind@damiehindero for more pictures, travel stories and guides.

 I'm also available for writing or travel expo opportunities.

TOURERS NG  organizes private/ group tours to tourist destinations in Nigeria/ Africa as a whole. You can also book a private/ group tour   with TOURERS NG(@t@tourersng

Seven Reasons Why Mapo Hall Is A Tourist Destination

MAPO HALL

My next visit during my last visit to Ibadan was Mapo Hall. You are probably wondering when did a hall become a destination for tourism in Nigeria right?😎 allow me convince you with seven reasons. Mapo Hall is one of the beautiful destination that constitutes tourism in Nigeria

As usual I went with someone, a travel enthusiast & a fellow blogger like me, Mercy who is also passionate about promoting Nigeria tourism and we made memories.

Though I was unable to enter the hall or climb the top as we were told there climbing to the top is breath taking. I guess that's a trip for another day but follow me and let me convince you first😉

How about History?

Bonus point:Mapo Hall looks like the ancient Roman Empire’s headquarters or ancient Greece wall

Mapo Hall is located on Mapo Hill (“Òkè Màpó”), the heart of the indigenous section of Ibadan.

Mapo Hall, Ibadan’s city hall, was built in 1929. The hall was first refurbished in 2008 after it had fallen into dilapidation. It first settled in 1829 by warrior refugees fleeing the ravages of the Fulani wars in the Guinea Savannah. Mapo Hill was an obvious strategic position for military defensive purposes because it gives a view of the surrounding country for miles around.

Now let me convince you👇

1.Mapo Hall is renowned for its seven columns, probably depicting the seven hills upon which the ancient city was built. Which include Oke Padre, Oke Ado, Oke Bola, Oke Mapo, Oke Are, Oke Sapati and Oke Mokola;

2. Mapo Hill (Oke Mapo), the site of the Hall, is the oldest part of Ibadan city and it is a high density area occupied mainly by the indigenes of the town. The hall itself is built on a piece of land measuring 5,969 acres;

3.Mapo Hall was commissioned during the Colonial era by Captain Ross in the year 1929. It is a Colonial-styled city hall which lies atop Mapo Hill, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Mapo Hall is strategically located close to the Olubadan’s Palace and has the statue of Balogun Oderinlo at a roundabout in front of the hall. Am I convincing you yet?

4. The hall hosts a mini museum where the relics of the chains used to hold tax evaders in the colonial era, are hung. There are also pictures of all Olubadans (Kings) that have reigned in the city;

5. Mapo  Hall, the Colonial-styled Ibadan City Hall was designed and constructed by Engineer Robert Jones a Welsh who also designed Bower’s Tower and  Manor House in Iseyin;

6. The Hall serves as an important landmark that could be seen from most part of the city, especially from the other six hills between which the city spreads out;

7. Mapo Hall, with an Arch sited atop its gates, and eight gigantic pillars hoisted in the front, the Mapo Hall stands imposingly on the historic Mapo Hills of Ibadan.

RECOMMENDATIONS
1. I think the entire building could use some good painting because the paints on the wall are already peeling off and this is decreasing its beauty

2. A tour guide should be attached to the destination to explain some rich historical facts about the Hall to the visitors.


I hope with this few points of mine I've been able to convince you and not confuse you that Mapo Hall is a tourist destination that is worth visiting and also Tourism in Nigeria is worth exploring.



Have you been to Mapo Hall? How was your visit? Do tell please 🙏

My name is Damilola and I am passionate about Tourism in Nigeria.

Follow me on Instagram @damiehindero for more pictures, travel stories and guides.

 I'm also available for writing or travel expo opportunities.

TOURERS NG  organizes private/ group tours to tourist destinations in Nigeria/ Africa as a whole. You can also book a private/ group tour   with TOURERS NG@tourersng. 

Why Obudu Mountain Resort Should Be On Your Bucket List

OBUDU MOUNTAIN RESORT

Formerly known as Obudu Cattle Ranch. It is a renowned tourist destination located on the Obudu Plateau(1,575.76metres) in Obanliku LGA of Cross River State in Nigeria. Apart from being a resort, it is also a ranching site which was developed by a Scottish rancher by the  name Mr Mc caughley.

 This glamorous resort is not only for Nigerians but for tourists all over the world

Although, I observed my mandatory National Youth Service at Cross River State, I, however, did not get to visit the resort until after my service year but i finally did and guess what; THE EXPERIENCE WAS AWESOME!!! I actually do not think words can express the beauty embedded in that destination.

Here Is My Experience;
As stated earlier, I served in Adim, a small town in Biase LGA of Cross River State, but I normally visit Calabar almost every weekend because rural life is not my “genre”. So I and my colleagues in Calabar planned to tour the popular Obudu Cattle Ranch before leaving the state.
We were seven in number and we made arrangements to go the day after our POP (Passing out Parade), but unfortunately, four backed out a day before the POP. It was quite upsetting, but I had the determination to see the plan through. Just to be sure, I had to ask the other guys if they were still interested. Fortunately, their response was positive, so ahead we went with the plan.

Getting There
My friends in Calabar hired a car to convey us from Calabar to Obudu and I joined the car at Adim; (Adim is along Calabar- Obudu road), then this beautiful journey started.
Calabar to Obudu is about 5hours 30mins. We had a stopover at Ikom to eat. It has to be only me who loses appetite whenever I am travelling. But I managed to buy Banana and Groundnut just so I could have something to snack on the way. Hey! Ikom has good bananas, I must say.
 As at the time we made the trip(2018 to be pte, the road from Calabar to Obudu village was not smooth, and the road from Ikom to Obudu was indeed narrow and rough. However, the road from Obudu village to the ranch compensated for our earlier troubles.
You cannot imagine my joy when we finally got to the famous Obudu Cattle Ranch. This joy, however, quickly went from 100 to 0 when the driver decided to accelerate rather than stopped the car. Driver Stop! Stop!! We screamed. “Don't you know this is where the fun starts? Oga don’t be unfortunate o”, I said to him. Then I got down and I took some nice pictures.

 The cable car wasn't working so we had to drive up to the ranch.

The cable car is the world longest cable car system in the world. So I was pained for not experiencing the much acclaimed euphoria attached to the ride.

The journey up to the ranch isn't for the weak hearted and unskilled drivers. Amidst heavy fogs and winds on the snakelike road with the sharpest bend ever

we arrived at the reception💃💃💃 and oh, we picked up a guide at the entrance, there were plenty of them. A fine young man who approached us at the entrance was the one who guided our driver up the hill.
We got to the reception and sorted our accommodation.

I have heard prior to the visit that Obudu is cold but I was still surprised at how cold the place was (I went in July). I remembered my Geography teacher told us in secondary school that the higher one goes the cooler it becomes, but that was really cold. We had to shop for emergency cardigan, socks and even gloves from the nearby villagers. (Oh yes there are locals living on the ranch)the cold was that extreme.
Our guide told us he will be coming by 8:00am in the morning so we would start our tour early. We had our bath with hot water then we went to the restaurant to have a nice breakfast of rice and cow leg stew. One of the best meal I have ever had.



Day 2
Our guide kept to his words as he knocked at our door at exactly 8:00am. All were ready except me because I was busy choosing the clothes that will be perfect for both the weather and pictures.

I took this picture in from of our lodge

The Becheve Nature Reserve was our first point of call

The canopy walkway was the highlight of the nature reserve and I felt proud of myself for climbing it not until I experienced the one in LCC

Next was ANGELS VIEW located between the helipad & Presidential Villa

If what you want is a beautiful, peaceful, eventful honeymoon,
This hut is specifically made for honeymooning couples

Retreat, escape from the hustle and bustle...then Obudu Mountain Resort should come to mind.

GROTTO WATERFALLS was our next destination.

I met Jonathan, the beautiful white horse and I had an eventful ride even though I was screaming “let me down” all along.

 It was already evening and we were tired of exploring, you are wondering why we were exhausted? wait till you experience it.  IT WAS ALL WORTH IT. I took a zillion pictures. Obudu  Mountain Resort is just so beautiful

Enjoy the mini gallery👇👇👇

Holy Mountains/Smoky Mountains

If you're a lover of golf, there's a mini golf course in the resort. I even heard there's a yearly golf tournament.

 We also went to explore the Obudu town itself. Interestingly there are locals/villages on the resort too. It'll be good to visit & mingle with them also.

There's a Honey and milk factory in the resort also, I got Honey and my Dad testified to the originality.

Day 3
Our departure day finally came, (….oh God! shedding tears of joy) I didn't want to leave this place.

 I am not even exaggerating. I was so reluctant to leave, I was even having trouble packing but I had to. We had our breakfast and then we set out for Calabar.

Picture before departure

So I posted one of the pictures I took in Obudu Mountain Resort on WhatsApp recently and two people requested that I plan a tour to the Resort since I plan tours now(CC @tourersng)  but I believe the more the merrier, so if at least 10 people show interest before the end of July, hopefully this pandemic will be over before July, then we will tour Obudu Mountain Resort in September.

Kindly signify in the comment section if you are interested. I will contact you or better still Click Here to book the Trip.

What do you think about my experience in Obudu Mountain Resort?

Your comments will be highly appreciated

Thanks for reading




Follow Damilola discoveries, travel stories and guides on Instagram (@damiehindero).

 ‘Damilola is available for writing or travel expo opportunities.

TOURERS NG  organizes private/ group tours to tourist destinations in Nigeria/ Africa as a whole. You can also book a private/ group tour   with TOURERS NG(@tourersng.