The Beauty Of Nigerian Tourism - South West

The South West geopolitical zone in Nigeria is mainly occupied by the Yoruba speaking people, although you will find several dialects of the Yoruba language. The South West of Nigeria comprises six states, namely Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, and Ondo.

The South West region of Nigeria is known for several cultures, exciting tourist sites, and lots of festivals. There are just so many things to do and see in the southwest

Starting from Oyo State, you will find several attractions like the University of Ibadan Zoo, Old Oyo National park, and Agodi garden and park. The National Park houses two forest reserves and wildlife, among others. Agodi is a prime spot if you are looking to relax and have fun swimming, sightseeing, or riding horses.

Ekiti state is home to the Ikogosi Warm Spring and the Oroke Ewo War Center. The Ikogosi Warm Spring is the most popular tourist attraction in Ekiti because of its natural flow of cold and hot water, which miraculously exist beside each other.

In Osun state, you will find the Oluminrin Waterfall and the Ooni's Palace. The Oluminrin Waterfall is located in Erin Ijesa and is most suitable for picnics and has a picturesque landscape with several admirable artworks adorning it.

The Ooni's Palace is a living museum of historical relics. The palace is also the site to the Ife Museum of various archaeological artifacts. Since Ife is regarded as the source and first home of the Yoruba people, the Ooni of Ife holds an exalted and leading position amongst the Yoruba race. This makes his palace a must-go center for anyone willing to know the origins of the Yoruba people.

Ondo state houses the famous Idanre hill with 660 steps and five resting points and many more exciting features. One of the centers explored by Government Officials and stakeholders during this year's World Tourism Day is Idanre Hill. Other tourist attractions in Ondo include the Olowo of Owo palace, Okomu national park, and Akure Forestry reserve.

The Olumo Rock and Bilikisu Sungbo Shrine make up the most popular sites in Ogun state. The Olumo is a massive granite rock with large caves and various historical relics. You will find several restaurants, a fountain, and a museum within the Olumo. Bilikisu Sungbo is the biggest human-made monument built in West Africa in honor of the late Oloye Bilikisu. Very close to Olumo Rock is the popular Itoku market, the home of Adire (Kampala). There are several things to see here too.

Lagos State can be regarded as Nigeria's industrial hubbub; thus, you will find many man-made attractions in Lagos. Lekki Conservation Center is one of them. The longest canopy walkway in Africa is located at this tourist site.

However, the Lagos state is also home to several natural sites, especially beaches. Popular and highly visited beaches in Lagos include Elegushi Royal Beach, Tarkwa Bay beach, etc.

Yorubaland has some of the most glorious festivals celebrated in Nigeria. Since the southwest is home to several traditional gods, most of these festivals are celebrated to worship and revere these gods. Some of them include the Sango Festival and Ogun festival celebrated across all states in the South West. We also have the Egungun festival celebrated mostly in Oyo and Ogun states, where several masquerades parade the streets of Ibadan and Abeokuta respectfully in their colorful and sacred costumes.

We also have some state-specific festivals like the Eyo festival in Lagos, the Osun-Osogbo festival, Ojude Oba in Ijebu-Ode, and the Olojo festival celebrated in Osun state. These festivals draw a lot of tourists annually to the South West.