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.