LANDMARKS AND MONUMENTS IN NIGERIA.pptx

some landmarks and monuments located in Nigeria, West Africa

1. LANDMARKS AND MONUMENTS IN NIGERIA Dr. Basil Bemgba Achie MBBS Ibadan

2. Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos Nigeria’s busiest airport, the Murtala Muhammed International airport is located in Ikeja , Lagos, Nigeria. It was originally known as Lagos International Airport when it was built during World War II, It was renamed after former Nigerian military head of state Murtala Muhammed in the 1970s. It consists of an international and a domestic terminal, located about one kilometre from each other. MMIA is managed by Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN ).

3. National Christian Center, Abuja Previously known as National Ecumenical Center, the National Christian Center is an interdenominational church building located in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. Designed by Darchiwork Group in a Postmodern version of the Neo-gothic style. Started in 1989, it was initially dormant for 16 years before the Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN) raised funds to reactivate its completion in 2004. It was completed in 2005 and dedicated on 2 October 2005.   It is notable as a symbol of Christian unity in Nigeria

4. Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos The Cathedral Church of Christ Marina, Lagos,  is an Anglican cathedral on Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Built in 1869, the Cathedral is considered the first Anglican Church in the Church of Nigeria. It was rebuilt in its present form in 1946 in the Norman Gothic style, designed by architect Bagan Benjamin.

5. Lagos City Hall, Lagos Secretariat of the oldest local government in Nigeria. Located at Catholic Mission Street, Lagos Island. It was established in 1900 as the secretariat of the past British Lagos Colony. It was commissioned in 1968 as the premier seat of local government administration in Lagos and Nigeria. It is a historical, political and cultural landmark for metropolitan Lagos. Complete rehabilitation of the building to  fit the modern standard of architectural designs was carried out in March 2007

6. Tafawa Balewa Square, L agos Ceremonial ground built in 1972 on the site of Nigeria’s independence celebration, then called Race Course. The Tafawa Balewa Square was built by the government of former military Head of State Yakubu Gowon and named after Nigeria’s first Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa. The entrance to the square has gigantic sculptures of four white horses hovering above the gate and seven red eagles, which are symbols from the national emblem signifying Strength and Dignity respectively . Major national events at TBS include Nigeria’s independence celebrations, Democracy Day celebrations,  musical jamborees and religious gatherings.

7. The National Arts Theatre, L agos The   National Arts Theatre is the primary centre for the performing arts in  Nigeria. Located in Iganmu, Apapa Local Government of Lagos State. Built in 1976 in preparation for The Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) in 1977. Shaped like a military hat, the building has a 5,000-seater Main Hall with a collapsible stage, and two capacity cinema halls, all of which are equipped with facilities for simultaneous translation of 8 languages; among others . The National Arts Theatre was designed and constructed by Bulgarian construction company (Techno Exporstroy ).

8. Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja Formerly known as National Stadium, Abuja, it was  renamed Moshood Abiola National Stadium on 12 June 2019, after M.K.O. Abiola , the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. It is a multipurpose national sports stadium located in Abuja, in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria . The stadium was constructed to host the 8th All Africa Games which took place in October 2003.

9. ECOWAS Secretariat Building, Abuja This is the most important ECOWAS structure in the world located at Asokoro District of Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. As the secretariat of ECOWAS, it houses all personas, diplomats, staff, and activities that work to achieve the goals of the ECOWAS community . The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional political and economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa.

10. NNPC Towers, Abuja The corporate headquarters of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC ) consisting of four identical towers. Located at Herbert Macaulay Way, central Business District, Garki , Abuja. Built in 1996, e ach of the four towers is 246 feet high and are arranged as the corners of a square. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is a federal government agency in charge of the petroleum sector.

11. Eko White Pearl Towers, Lagos Five Residential High Rise Buildings l ocated in Eko Atlantic, Lagos.. Privately owned & developed by the Eko Pearl Construction Company . The tower is a collection of deluxe two, three bedroom & penthouse type apartments with viewing access to the Lagos coastline Designed by the Architecture firm TAA ( Tabet Atelier d Architecture), the towers all range from 24 and 33 floors. The towers are   Eko Black Pearl, Eko White Pearl, Champagne Pearl, Indigo Pearl and Aqua Pearl.

12. National Assembly Complex, Abuja, Nigeria Legislative building of the National Assembly of Nigeria, located in the three arm zone of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Built in 1999, the building houses a bicameral legislature consisting of a Senate and House of Representatives . The complex was constructed by I.T.B. Nigeria Limited. Modeled after t he United States Capitol, it is one of the architectural landmarks in the Nigeria capital city of Abuja.

13. International Conference Centre, Abuja Abuja International Conference Center (AICC) is located at 900 Herbert Macaulay Way Garki , Abuja, It has specialized facilities for both Government and public functions. It  provides an ideal location for themed and large events and is ideal for concerts, consumer and trade shows, large receptions or galas and other special events.

14. The Lokoja Confluence, Kogi State The River Niger meets the Benue River at a point called the Lokoja Confluence, in Lokoja , Kogi State. From here it drains southwards into the Atlantic ocean, This forms the Y-shape that is seen on a map of Nigeria, The confluence is the greatest landmark associated with Lokoja , the Capital of Kogi State, hence the acronym ‘Confluence state’.

15. Mary Slessor Roundabout, Calabar Erected in honour of the Scottish evangelist, Mary Slessor, famed for stopping the killing of twins in the Efik Culture, Calabar , in Cross River State. Mary Slessor came to Calabar on the 11th of September, 1876 and died on January 13th, 1915. The Roundabout connects Ndidem Usang Iso Road and Mary Slessor Road in Calabar . The statue depicts the missionary carrying twin babies in both arms.

16. The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos A grand event center in Victoria Island, Lagos, located on the Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue. Designed by John Cubitt Architects. The  event center offers a breathtaking waterfront view from its three banqueting halls. Considered one of the most beautiful and fascinating structures in Lagos

17. Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo A world-class 30,000 capacity multifunctional stadium for sporting events, entertainment and general recreation . Located at Ring Road III, Uyo , Akwa Ibom State. It meets the requirements of FIFA for World Cup qualifying matches and the World Athletics Association for national competitions. It was constructed between 2011 and 2014 and inaugurated on 7 November 2014.

18. Agodi Gardens, Oyo State Agodi Gardens is a tourist attraction located on Parliament road Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. Created in 1967, it was originally called Agodi Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Following renovation, it was renamed Agodi Gardens in 2014. Agodi Gardens contains an indigenous forest, zoo, a lake and tree plantations.

19. Yankari National Park , Bauchi State One of Nigeria's foremost tourist attractions, the Yankari National Park is located in the south-central part of Bauchi State in northeastern Nigeria. Home to a wide variety of flora and fauna as well as several natural warm water springs. It was created as a game reserve in 1956 and designated a national park in 1991.

20. Ancient Nok Settlement, Jaba, Kaduna Nok village is located in Kaduna State of central Nigeria The Nok civilization used to inhabit the area from around 500 BC, they vanished mysteriously in about 200 AD The ancient settlement was discovered in 1928 due to tin mining activity in the area. The inhabitants were known for their advanced social system and were the earliest producers of life-sized Terracotta in the Sub-Sahara;. They  were known to make some of the oldest and culturally intriguing sculptures found in Africa.

21. Idanre Hills, Ondo State Idanre Hills is an ancient monument and major tourist destination in Ondo state, Nigeria . In the past, the hills provided protection for the ancient town of Idanre from invaders The different hills were named after historical figures of Idanre land Namely the  Olofin   hills, the   Orosun Hill, t he   Ajimoba   Hill, the Carter Hill, and the   Aghagha Hill The hills were added to the UNESCO World Heritage on October 8, 2007 ,  in the cultural category.

22. Olumo Rock, Abeokuta Olumo rock is located in the heart of Abeokuta, Ogun State of Nigeria. It has a height of 137meters above sea level and has stairs carved into it for easy climbing as well as an elevator. It was used in the past as a natural fortress during inter-tribal warfare.

23. Emir of Kano’s Palace, Kano The Gidan Rumfa , sometimes called the Gidan Sarki , is the palace of the Emir of Kano . Located in the city of Kano, Kano State, Nigeria, it was constructed in the late 15th century. It was built by Sarkin Muhammadu Rumfa (King Muhammad Rumfa ) who ruled from 1463 to 1499 It bcovers an area of 14 hectares and is the oldest and largest traditional palace in Northern Nigeria  The Laterite palace has been rebuilt several times to its modern glory since the Fulani Jihad of 1805

24. Akwa Ibom Digital Library, Uyo The Akwa Ibom e- Library is a State owned library with digitized and electronic materials. Located at IBB Avenue, Uyo , Akwa Ibom State, it was built by Akwa Ibom State Government in 2012. It is West Africa's first digital library, and one of the biggest digital libraries in Africa. It can be accessed by users through the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC).

25. Zuma Rock, Niger State Zuma Rock is a large igneous rock monolith located at Madalla , Niger State, just north of the capital city of Abuja. One of the most prominent landmarks in Nigeria, it has been depicted on the 100 naira  note since 1999. The rock was used in the past as a defensive retreat by the  Gbagyi people against invading neighbouring tribes during intertribal wars. It has a height of 300 meters (980 feet) above the surrounding area with a circumference of 3.1km .

26. Aso Rock, Abuja Aso Rock is a large outcrop of monolith granite rock located on the outskirts of Abuja. In Gbagyi (or Gwan ) language, the word “ Aso means “success” or “victory ”. Asokoro , the name of one of the local areas means “people of victory.” Located around it are The Nigerian Presidential Complex, The Nigerian National Assembly, and the Nigerian Supreme Court .

27. Abuja National Mosque, Abuja Otherwise known as Nigeria National Mosque, the Abuja National M osque is located in the capital city,  Abuja, on Independence Avenue, across from the National Christian Centre. Built in 1984, i t includes a library and a conference room. The four minarets are about 120 meters high, while the large golden central dome is 60 meters.

28. Gurara Waterfalls, Gurara, Niger State Gurara waterfalls is located in Gurara local government of Niger State, between Suleja and Minna in Niger State , about an hour’s drive from Abuja. The waterfalls span 200 meters across with a sheer drop of 30 meters Gurara river is a large tributary of river Niger. Oral history also has it that Gurara Waterfalls and Gurara River were named after two deities called Gura and Rara .

29. Erin Ijesha Waterfalls, Osun State Erin- Ijesha Waterfalls (also known as Olumirin waterfalls ) is a tourist attraction located in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State. It is a seven step waterfall with a combination of hills, valleys, rocks and lush green vegetation. The natives regard the waterfall as a sacred site and a means of purifying their souls .

30. Awhum Waterfall and Cave, Udi, Enugu State The Awhum waterfall is 30 metre high and is located around the Awhum Monastery at Amaugwe village of Awhum town in Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria. The waterfall is as a result of massive outcrop of granite rock with water cascading over the top forming a stream . Popular for religious tourism, the water is said to have healing power and capable of dispelling evil forces if and wherever it is sprinkled.

31. Ikogosi Warm Springs, Ekiti State A tourist attraction located at Ikogosi , a town in Ekiti State, southwestern Nigeria . A unique site where warm and cold springs merge, both maintaining their thermal properties. The meeting point of the warm and cold springs is a unique attraction to tourists.

32. Owu Waterfall, Kwara State The highest waterfall in west Africa, the Owu Waterfall measures 120 meters above the water level. It is located in Owa Kajola in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

33. Slave History Museum, Calabar A museum located in Calabar , in Cross River State of Nigeria, e stablished in 2007 and opened on 17 March 2011. Calabar was a major embarkation port of the African Slave Trade. About 200,000 Africans were sold as slaves from Calabar between 1662 and 1863. The museum was established to bring the history of the slave trade to more people and in a more immediate manner than historical writing alone.

34. Lekki Conservation Center, Lagos A Natural Resource Conservation in Lekki , Lagos State of Nigeria. Built by the Chevron Corporation for the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF ). The Nigerian conservation Foundation is a non-governmental organization dedicated to sustainable development and nature conservation. The conservation center is home to abundant plants and wildlife.  

35. Sukur Kingdom, Adamawa State The Sukur Kingdom is a landscape located on a hill above the village of Sukur in the Adamawa State of Nigeria . The inhabitants were renowned for their traditional technology, such as mining, refining and smithing of iron ore . It is the first Nigerian landmark to be listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it was granted in 1999.

36. Dakkada Towers, Uyo , Akwa Ibom State A 21-storey office development located in the Central Business District of Uyo , Akwa Ibom State. The  smart building was d eveloped by the Akwa Ibom State Government. Constructed by VKS Nigeria Construction Ltd between 2017 and 2020. It was commissioned by then Vice President of Nigeria Yemi Osinbajo in 2021.

37. Agbokim Waterfall, Cross River State Agbokim waterfall is a collection of seven cascades which pour over a cliff creating an impressive seven-part waterfall. Situated in   Etung  local government area of Cross River State.

38. Obudu Mountain Resort , Cross River State Formerly known as Obudu Cattle Ranch, the Obudu Mountain Resort is located at the Obudu Plateau, close to the Cameroon border, in the Northeastern part of Cross Rivers State . One of the most beautiful and pleasant tourist centers in Nigeria, t he temperate climate offers a total contrast and welcome respite from Africa’s tropical heat . It was developed in 1951 by Mr. McCaughley , a Scot who first explored the mountain ranges in 1949.

39. Mungo Park House, Asaba , Delta State Mungo Park House was erected by the Royal Niger Company (RNC) in 1886 . It was built to keep alive the memory of Mungo Park, a Briton who ‘discovered the source of the River Niger ’, and died there in 1806. Mungo Park House was the first headquarters of the Royal Niger Company and became Nigeria’s first political headquarters in 1900.

40. National Museum of Unity, Enugu State Located in GRA Enugu along Abakaliki road, near Ogui junction and the Old Governor’s Lodge . The museum is replete with rich historical artifacts, models, statues and works of art from various parts of the country. It preserves the national cultural heritage, and provides guided tours and research facilities for scholars and interested parties . Comprises of three different galleries: (1) Nigerian Believe system. Unity gallery,   (2) Igbo gallery, (3) Coal city gallery.

41. Ngwo -Pine-Forest, Enugu State Ngwo Pine Forest Forest is located in Old Enugu-Onitsha Road , Ngwo-Asaa , Nigeria . It is a forest of pine trees with  a dozen fascinating caves formed of limestone, Ngwo Pine Forest attracts many local as well as international tourists.

42. Ada Palm Plantation, Imo State Ada Palm in Imo state, Nigeria, is the biggest palm plantation in Nigeria.

43. Birnin Kudu Rock Paintings, Jigawa State Located in Birnin kudu, south of Jigawa State, the Birnin Kudu Rock Paintings are the oldest in Nigeria. The rock paintings, dating to centuries before the colonization of Northern Nigeria, were discovered 1950 to 1955 and are executed in red pigments. The rock art depicts various images of animals such as cattle and sheep, as well as geometric signs. They were likely used for ritual and ancestral purposes.

44. Kajuru Castle, Kaduna State A luxury villa in Kajuru ( Ajure ) village in southern Kaduna State, Nigeria . Though it may look like it, Kajuru Castle is not an old monument. It was built between the years 1981 and 1989 by a German expatriate who lived in Kaduna at the time. It is built with meter thick granite stone to reflect medieval Bavarian theme, with turrets, armory and dungeons.

45. Gidan Makama Museum Kano, Kano State The Gidan Makama Museum also known as Kano Museum is located in Kano, Nigeria.  Once the temporary palace of Kano before the construction of the current palace. The 15 th century historical building is recognized as a National Monument by the government of Nigeria. Gidan Makama is now a museum of considerable prestige housing an impressive collection of arts, crafts, and historical artifacts that paint a vivid picture of Kano's past.

46. Mungo Park Monument, Kwara State Located at Hill side, Along Niger Bridge, Gungu , Jebba , in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State. Erected in honor of Mungo Park,  the first westerner to explore the River Niger. Built in memory of the shipwreck that claimed his life at the site while tracing the source of the Niger. The monument is jointly dedicated to Mungo Park and Richard Lander, who completed Mungo Park’s expedition.

47. Freedom Park Lagos, Lagos Freedom Park is a memorial and leisure park area in the middle of downtown Lagos in Lagos Island, Nigeria. Formerly  Old Broad Street Prison in colonial times, the new Freedom Park Lagos was designed by the Architect Theo Lawson. Constructed to preserve the history and cultural heritage of Nigerians and to mark the 50th anniversary independence celebration in October, 2010 . The Park serves as a National Memorial, a Historical landmark, a Cultural site as well as Arts and Recreation center.

48. Lekki Ikoyi Link Bridge, Lagos The   Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge is a 1.36 km (0.84 mile) cable-stayed bridge in Lagos State . It links the Phase 1 area of Lekki , with Ikoyi district of Lagos . Constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria, the bridge is the first cable-stayed bridge to be built in Nigeria The bridge was commissioned on 29 May 2013 by then Governor of Lagos State,  Babatunde Raji Fashola .

49. Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos Measuring about 11.8km in length, the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos, is the longest bridge in Africa. The longest of three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the mainland, the other two being the Eko and Carter bridges . It was built by Julius Berger and commissioned by former military President Ibrahim Babangida in 1990.

50. Centenary Hall, Ogun State The Centenary Hall is located in Ake’s area of Abeokuta opposite the Ake’s Palace,  notable as the symbol of the Egba people's settlement in Abeokuta. The idea of the building emanated from t he Alake of Egbaland to commemorate the Centenary (100 years) of Egba settlement in Abeokuta. The Design for the Hall was drawn by Mr. H.A. Porter, Senior Architect from Public Works Department Headquarters The foundation stone ceremony of the Hall was performed by Alayeluwa Oba Ladapo Ademola II on the 19th July, 1930.

51. Owo Museum of Antiques, Ondo State A museum in Owo , Nigeria. Founded in 1968 to accommodate the antiquities which were formerly in the Olowo Palace for the purpose of preserving the antiquities of the monarchical history of the Owo kingdom Due to Owo’s location between the two famous art centers of Ife and Benin, the site reflects both artistic traditions.   The museum holds an array of rich historical and archaeological artefacts arranged into three broad sections – early civilisation , archaeological excavations and exhibition gallery.

52. Bower Memorial Tower Ibadan, Oyo State Located on the summit of Oke -Are, the highest hill in Ibadan, the monument was put up in 1936 to honour Captain Robert Lister Bower.   Captain Robert Lister was the first British Resident of Ibadan. and administered it between 1893 and 1897. The Bower’s Tower was designed by Taffy Jones. The tower is 60 feet high and 11 feet square with two entrances and a spiral staircase that leads to the top of the tower. The highest point in the city, the tower gives a panoramic view of the city from the top.

53. University Of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State The oldest university in Nigeria, established in 1932,  originally as an affiliated College of the University of London. It became an independent federal university in 1962. University of Ibadan’s Postgraduate School is the largest in Africa. The best ranked University in Nigeria, it has been  consistently ranked among the best 1000 universities in the world since the year 2016.

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