Time once again for our Sunday Showcase.It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you a man, friend and fellow Adlander and a Nephew (joking of course) Sammy Sunday. As always i like to make the Sunday showcase interesting as it applyes to the one being showcased so here is a little insight on Sammys homeland. Enjoy this Sundays Showcase!!
Ikot Ekpene, known throughout Nigeria as "Raffia City", or locally simply as "IK," is a historic town, in the South-South zone of Nigeria, in the densely populated state of Akwa Ibom. It is the political and cultural capital of the Annang ethnic group in Nigeria. The town is located on a highway that parallels the coast, between Calabar to the South East and Aba to the West, with the state capital, Uyo, on this road just to the East. Umahia is the next major town to the North.
Ikot Ekpene is known as a regional centre of commerce, with notable exports of palm products, especially palm oil, kernels, raffia products including raffia fibers and its sweet wine, as well as ground crops of yams, cassava, taro, and corn. The population is made up primarily of the Annang people. Significant exports also include basket weaving, sculpture, and, most notably, raffia cane furniture (hence the colloquial name of the town).
Though most inhabitants of the area did not have direct contact with European traders until early in the twentieth century, it is believed that European articles of trade reached the people since the 17th century. Sustained contact with the Europeans began during the Aro expedition when Ukpong Inokon, an Aro Blood Brotherhood leader escaped to Ifuho. In November 1903, British troops arrived in the area from Calabar and the following year established a garrison there in January 1904. From Ikot Ekpene the troops marched to Uyo and from there to Abak and Opobo. Between 1904 and 1910, Ikot Ekpene became part of the Eyong District. In 1914 Enyong District was broken up into two: Enyong and Ikot Ekpene Districts. The new Ikot Ekpene District included Uyo and Abak.
By 1919 trade with Europeans opened up as the town became an administrative center. The following companies had post and stores in the town: John Holt Cooperative Wholesale Society Paterson Zochonos (PZ), G. B. Olivant and the Compagnie Francaise de L'Afrique Occidentals. The establishment of these companies resulted in exodus from the surrounding areas and made Ikot Ekpene a vibrant metropolis. In 1937, the colonial administration built the main market and separated those who sold imported European goods from indigenous articles. A slaughter house was added to allow for the inspection of meat.
Under the British the town became the seat of both the (Annang), Division and (Ikot Ekpene) County Council. Today it is a municipal center in the state of Akwa Ibom.
Kannan Nair, the noted historian described the town as a cultural and political capital of the Annangs and the Ibibios. The Ibibios live to the East and most of the Annangs live to the South of the town. The inhabitants were known for the efficacy of their charms. They were the only people who resisted colonialism with arm conflict in the southern region of what is presently Nigeria. In 1903, the British sent in troops and a garrison was stationed there at the main entrance to the town known as Control Post. The town was so important to the British that when a proposed road linking Owerri and Calabar in the late 1920s was to bypass the town, the British administrators abandoned the idea in favor of one linking Eket and Owerri in order to bring the town into the loop. It became the site of the experiment in local self governance by the British in 1951. It was also the birth place of the famous Ibibio Welfare Union when James Udo Eka teamed up with Udosen Obot at Methodist school in Ikot Obong Edong. In the 1920s, this was one of the first regional political organizations in Nigeria.
Ikot Ekpene, probably more than any other town, was seriously impacted in the Biafrian civil war. It had strategic military and political importance to both the Biafrians and Nigerians. The town and the area changed hands at least 3 times in this bitter conflict. Following the war, the new reorganization and state structure led to policies that did not recognize the historic importance of the town.
Like most Annang communities, Ikot Ekpene has a tradition of self improvement from its sons and daughters, both near and far. Several groups are working together to recapture and rebuild what they fondly call "The Raffia City". Ikot Ekpene has a long history of transforming the raffia fibre into cloth used in shoes, hats, handbags, mats and with distinctive cultural carvings made out of wood. These unique arts and crafts trades have continued alongside traditional agriculture.
Many foreign organizations and churches are present in the area. Three institutions of higher learning have added a richness to the town: the Ikot Osurua College of Technology, the School of Nursing and the St Joseph Major Theological Seminary. Ezekiel Ette, Northwest Nazarene University. There is also the Federal Government College Ikot Ekpene.
WHEN TO VISIT
You can visit Nigeria all the year round. But the traveller planning a visit should take the following into consideration:
(!) Rain falls, particularly in the south, between May and September. It can be heavy in June and can cause inconveniences.
(ii) Temperature ranges from 23-31 °C in the south, with high humidity.
(iii) A cooler, but dusty harmattan season stretches from December to January.
THINGS AND PLACES TO SEE
When you arrive in Nigeria you begin a journey of enchantment. The country has a lot to offer every visitor. Places of interest across the country are as follows:
Lagos:
The National Museum: This is one of the best in Africa and definitely worth seeing. The Benin bronzes are the star attraction. Others are the numerous wooden doorways, masks (some covering the entire body) and house posts. It is open every day, from 9 am to 6 pm, except Sunday.
The Tafawa Balewa Square: This is a huge arena adorned by gargantuan horses. You'll find most ot Lagos airline offices and travel agencies on one side of the square and shops and restaurants on the other.
Portuguese and Brazilian Style Building: Some of the city's most interesting buildings are the old Portuguese houses of the late 19th early the 20th centuries. Most notable is the dilapidated Ilojo Bar at 2 Bamgbose Street, which runs into Tinubu Square. It was built by a successful slave family who returned home to Nigeria from Brazil. The style is Gothic, with attractive arched doorways and windows and iron balustrades. Other fine examples of Brazilian architecture can be found in central Lagos.
lga ldungaran:
The official residence of the Oba (King) of Lagos, built during the 18th century. The old part of the Oba's Palace is built of mud, with bronze pillars and the original parlour. For inspection, call the Secretary (Tel: 656397).
The National Theatre:
Opened in 1976 for the 2nd World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC), is the huge oval building you'll find while approaching central Lagos from the airport. Call the Theatre (Tel: 830200) or consult the local newspapers for events such as dance, film and drama.
Muson Centre:
This is a modern centre in the as in heart of Lagos where facilities are always in place for weekend or periodic concerts and music. It offers visitors the opportunity to watch international artistes. Popular music such as jazz, blues, gospel and classical music are performed here by popular Nigerian musicians and artistes.
Bar Beach on Victoria Island:
This is the most popular beach not far from the Eko Meridian hotel. Because it is crowded at weekends, most expatriates prefer Tarkwa Bay (low undertow) and, Lighthouse Beach (strong undertow), both across the harbour. Speed boats are available on weekends and holidays. You will find them along Eleke Crescent on Victoria island, just across from the Russian and American Embassies.
Lekkl Conservation Centre:
This was established, maintained and financed by Chevron Project for Environmental Support of the country. It conserves the animal and plant (including bird) species within the habitat. It has children's play ground and The several rest places.
Lekkl Beach: A long stretch of sandy beach It is brought by the breaking waves. Equally fascinating iday. are the huge sand and the coconut palms which provide shade for visitors. Periodic concerts and luge music festivals are staged here. It is always preferred by visitors because of its remoteness from is on the hustle and bubble of Bar beach, and because it has wide space and privacy.
University of Lagos Lagoon Front:
This has been developed into a tourist attraction. It is a high- starts right from the gate and extends for over 1 1/2 km to the Vice Chancellor's lodge. Apart from the lagoon waters which are over-looked by the tower- ing Third Mainland Bridge, the forest contains vari- ety of trees, and numerous red-nosed monkeys found only in this environment in Lagos.
The monkeys can be sited at convenience from the Arts Block building. Other facilities are boat cruising, fishing and play ground for children. By the Lagoon front stands the University of Lagos Guesthouse, which offers international standard accommodation and swimming pool facilities for adults and children.
Abuja: Abuja, Nigeria's new capital city, offers unlimited opportunities for rock climbers.The Gawa Hills and Gwagwa Hills near Suleja, the Chukuku hills and the Agwai hills, and the famous Aso Rock hold strong attractions for all lovers of nature. Other attractions are the International Conference Centre, the National Mosque whose architectural design is still one of the best in the Muslim world, and the NICON Hilton Hotel, with about 700 highly furnished rooms and suites. As a fast growing city, there is much to be seen in terms of architectural design and landscape development. The architectural masterpieces include the National Assembly Complex, Eagle Square, the Ship House and the Federal Secretariat.
Ibeno Beach- an extensive beach which bor- ders the Atlantic Ocean.Mobil Oil Tank farm; - Oron Museum and a one and half hour ferry ride to Calabar; Raffia works and Handicraft Centre at Ikot Ekpene. Adamawa Lamido's (Emir's) Palace, Yola Anambra Ogbunike and Ajali caves. lgbo-Ukwu archeological site and museum. - Rojeny Tourist Centre, Oba.with catering, sports and recreational facilities. Bauchi Yankari National Park and Games Reserve, including the Wikki Natural-Warm Spring. The Grave of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the first Nigerian prime Minister of Independent Nigeria. Borno - Lake Chad sanctuary, - Kukawa (Tomb of the Shehus)
Cross River Old Residency- now Calabar Musei - Obudu Cattle Ranch and Hotels - Agbokim and Kwa Falls
Edo - Oba's Palace and old city walls in Benin - Benin Museum
Enugu - Nike Lake Resort. - Coal mines at Okpara, Onyeama and lva Valley - Zoo and botanical gardens
Ekiti - Ikogosi Warm spring, a phenomenal belching out of warm water and meeting of cold water short distance away.
Imo - Oguta Lake - Zoological gardens at Nekede. - Mbari art in Aboh Mbaise
Kaduna - Emir's Palace at Zaria - Gobarau Towers - Nok culture- Terra cotta.
Kano - Bagauda-Tiga holiday centre - Kano Zoological gardens.
Katsina - Kusugu well and the Legendary Bayajida swore - Gobaru minaret.
Kebbi - Lord Lugard's residence and office, Lokoja - Graves of deposed and exiled Emirs of Kano, Zaria and Bida and those of Colonial officers and WAFF soldiers.
Kwara - Aso-Oke weaving centre - llorin - Pategi regatta - Mungo Park's ship o Jebba
Niger - Kainji Dam - Gurara Falls - Shiroro HEP Dam - Masagu brassworks , Bida
Ogun - Olumo Rock, Abeokuta - Shrine of Brikisu Sungbo - Tie and dye cloth (Adire) Abeokuta.
Ondo - Idanre Hills - Owo Museum of Antiquities - Ebomi Lake - Ibesi Akoko
Osun - lfe Museum and Ooni's palace - Erin-ljesha water-falls
Oyo - University of lbadan Zoological Gardens - International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
Plateau - Jos Museum, and Nok terra cotta heads and artifacts. - Jos wildlife Park and Zoo - Museum of tin mining, and the fields - Wase Rock, a towering vulcanic, and the Plateau landscape
Rivers - Isaac Boro Amusement park - Slave Port (Brass and Bonny)
Sokoto - Gorony Dam - Othman Dan Fodio Tomb (Hubbare)
Taraba - Gashaka/Gumpti Games Reserves - Mambilla Plateau Tourist Centre.
NIGHT LIFE IN MAJOR CITIES Night life in some Nigerian cities may not be as vibrant as what you would find in Bangkok, Rio de Janerio or Las Vegas. But be assured that nights in Nigerian cities are not long dreary spells of darkness. However, Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, secular state and each city may want to put some limits to urban excesses within its jurisdiction. As a result, in some cities night life may be regulated due to sociocultural and religious differences. For example, while there may be a burstling night life with discoteques in some cities, such activities may be restricted or banned in some others. Some hotels may not serve alcohol while discoteque and gambling may be completely regulated.
Some hotel managements may in their hotels' club houses organise discoteque, or show foreign or local films on in-house entertainment television. Nigerian films/videos have been graded for particu lar audiences, so look out for such information before viewing them. Indigenous films may be in English or in local languages but, in the case of the latter, with English captions and interpretated lines.
Lagos offers excellent restaurants, discoteques, film houses and hotels for visitors. The city offers excellent restaurants serving a diversity of cuisines. The finest restaurants are in big hotels but other pleasant places can be found all over the city, particularly along Awolowo Road in Ikoyi, Akin Adesola in Victoria Island, Alien Avenue in Ikeja and Adeniran Ogunsanya Street in Surulere. Best African cuisines, such as Eba and foofoo with veg- etable soup such as Edikang Ikong, Egusi, Okro, Bangaa.n(l pounded yam with white soup or pepper soup and bush meat or fish are available in all the restaurants. Well treated 'goat head', Isi-ewu, and re fish pepper soup are special delicacies. Continental dishes are also served. Chinese restaurants where different oriental dishes are served are found in many locations in Lagos. id Snack bars with barbecue spots are also found in major streets of Lagos. Delicious snacks and drinks are served. Popular names are Mr. Biggs, Murphis Burger, KAS Favo'urites, and Sweet ie Sensation. There are also popular 'joints' in towns where suya is sold with traditional drinks like paimwine, and kunu.
Lagos has a poor cinema culture but a few cin- ema houses may be found in densely populated areas of Yaba, Agege, Mushin, Orile Iganmu and central Lagos. Although their popularity has dwin- dled with the advent of video houses and clubs, many people, particularly the youths, still patronise them. Most cinema houses run three shows daily at S.OOpm, 6.00pm and 9.00pm. Sometimes, shows may last as late as tl.OOpm and may com- mence as early as 12.00 noon. Indian, American and Chinese films are popular.
Live performances by indigenous stage dance troupes and theatre groups are organised on regu- lar basis at the National Theatre, Iganmu and the is University of Lagos Auditorium. Interested persons ie can find out what is playing from newspapers, bill in boards, public walls, radio and Television or by call- k- ing the National Theatre (Tel- 830220). ar Discomania was part of the Lagos night in the to early 1970s, when discoteques and night clubs in were found at almost every street corner. But over i- the last two decades, the novelty seems to have a, worn off. Some of the best night clubs are now in 5- top hotels but equally entertaining are such joints as ie Nightshift in Ikeja; Lord's in Maryland; Sunrise, Is Victoria Island and Peak in Surulere.
i- Seasonal shows, organised by private organi- zations in conjunction with popular radio and televi- s' sion stations have become regular features in most in Nigerian cities. These take place especially at the i. National Stadium, Tafawa Balewa Square and J- Lekki Beach, all in Lagos during major holidays and in festivals, such as Christmas, Easter and Sallah holidays.
Already established stars and up-coming ones are always on stage with different types of mus including traditional juju and fuji, High life, Regga Afro/rock, Rap and Blues. The Muson Centre Onikan, Lagos, also holds periodic music conce) with popular Jazz and classical musicians pianists on stage. For lovers of gospel music, que terly festivals are held every year at the Nation Stadium or the Tafawa Balewa Square. In rece years, some Christian organisations have ad organised gospel music shows on occasions lit Easter and Christmas, featuring both local and fc eign artists and drawing large crowds.
Lagos is certainly not as dangerous as hi been portrayed in some tourist guides. Democrac and the freedom that goes with it, are back ar have further enhanced the usually liberal atmo phere of the city. But like everywhere else in tl- world, the visitor must excercise some care. Do n walk around alone. Carry your passport along all times, in case you are required to identify yourself; otherwise, relax and have a pleasant night.
Another vibrant city in the south-west of Nigeria is lbadan - one of the largest cities in Africa and the root of traditional juju and fuji music. It has an active night life close to that of Lagos. It is largely a traditional city and street parties are common at weekends. The University of Ibadan Theatre has a long history of periodic performances. Popular plays and shows are open to the public for a fee.
Enugu, in the south-west of the country, is quite peaceful at night and offers various places of relaxation apart from its major hotels.
The oil cities of Port Harcourt, Warn, Eket and Calabar also offer very peaceful and exciting nights. There are little or no restrictions. Parties and discoteaues are alive till dawn, especially at the night clubs. There is the igae, Shell Club, run by Shell oil company in Port Harcourt and Mobil Pegasus clubs in Eket and Warri, which are the best in these parts of the country, in terms of management and equipment. Though the clubs cater primarily for oil companies, staff, visitors are usually allowed through consultation with the management.
Jos and Kaduna in the north also offer exciticiting night life. Jos has over 10 standard hotels which discoteques. It is one of the cities with the highest concentrations of foreign workers and tourists. In contrast, Abuja and Kano have very, slow night life. This is quite understandable. Abuja and the country's new capital, is still an infant city and would require a long time for such activities to pick up. The private organisers of musical concerts and other shows have just started penetrating Abuja from Lagos. Kano, though a cosmopolitan city, is also one in which the tenets of Islam are rigidly upheld. Night life is slow and social activities are highly restricted. Alcohol and discoteques are banned here except inside the major hotels, where there are clubs. Visitors are strongly advised abide by the laws operative within the area.
http://www.davestanley.com/river.html pictures of the Qua Iboe River . SAMMY THIS IS FOR YOU! God_Bless
I was born on the 18th of June 1967 in Ikot Ekpene, a little town in south eastern Nigeria. There I grew up more of a mommy’s son that dad’s. Yes, she was everything to me, mother, guardian angel, inspiration, good morals, friend, name it! I think it’s because she craved and prayed fervently for a son and gave birth to me at a ripe age of 55 which is why I was named Samuel. In 1988 I graduated with honours in Geology from University of Calabar.
Between 1989 and 1993, I experienced tough times and the real meaning of life. During this peroid, I had to search for a befitting job without success within which I was involved in all sort of menial jobs to make ends meet. But my good old mom was always there for me providing all round support even when she was catching up with ageing and the biting poverty reminiscent of our unusual African setting.
In September 1992, I lost my sweet mother. It was one of the darkest moments of my life. I remember she waited for me to arrive home from the city that fateful day. That evening she held my hands, drew me to her side and whispered into my ears: “you can only live long if you respect elders and you can only live happily if you practice kindness and true love”. The next morning before daybreak she was gone to live with the Lord.
Well, I finally secured my first paid job in 1993 as a Mudlogging Geologist from where I gained experience in oil wellsite duties.
In 2004 I paired up with my bossom friend, Banky to form MOSK GEOSCIENCES LTD where we are offering petroleum engineering/ geological consultancy services to some oilfield operators in Nigeria. We are looking for technical partners who are stable in geo-business and ready to do business here with us.
Internet/ Network business is far from gaining popularity in my country, which is why most of us are finding it difficult to break in. However I am still studying the loads of them that comes my way to see which will be most suitable to an African resident. For now I am catching so much fun in Adlandpro with the greatest, exciting, most friendly and most wonderful people in the world. Here race, religion, age and gender are virtually inconsequential, this is really where the world is being made a better place.
I am married to my dear friend and wife, Mee, but we’re yet to have our kids, however I am the ‘Yummy Uncle’ of tens of kids, and I spend a lot of time with them. They are my next love.
I like writing whenever I have time and try to inspire the Disabled, making then realize that there’s ability in every disability. That it is always the will that wheels our ability. Also you can keep me laughing all days with great jokes. Here my litlle playsite: http://www.samiplus.net
My desire? To bring my friend and world inspirational icon – Nick Vujicic to Nigeria soon. I don't know how yet, but I'll do it someday!
I am indebted to all of you my great friends of Adlandpro. It is always so refreshing and fun-filled here. This is my best hangout, and whenever I turn on my little laptop to this community, putting it off is always like denying the dog its fattest bone.
May God richly bless you all!
Remain ever blessed!
Samiplus Digital Resources: http://www.samiplus.net -
Forum>>> http://community.adlandpro.com/go/samiplus/myForums.aspx - http://fairadsnetwork.com/362027967055 - http://www.agloco.com/r/BBBL7237