Posted on: Wed, 14 Nov 2007
The following is a list of some of the many tourist attractions in the area.
OWU WATERFALL
Location: Owa-Kajola in Ifelodun Local Government Area
This is one of the highest and most spectacular waterfalls in West Africa which is why it is sometimes described as the 'wonder in the wilderness'. It cascades from a height of about 120 metres to form a pool of ice cold water at its base. The beautiful surrounding landscape provides the site with a refreshing atmosphere. Comparisons have also been made between the Owu Waterfall and Niagara Falls in the USA.
Investment and development is, however, needed to transform the Owu Waterfall into the tourist attraction it is capable of being.
The Ilorin International Airport
IMOLEBOJA ROCK SHELTER
Location: Odo-Owa in Oke-Ero Local Government Area
The Imoleboja rock shelter is a massive granite rock with numerous chambers, including a main hall, which can accommodate up to a hundred visitors at a time. A part of the rock shelter has an inner slab that forms a staircase which leads to an upper floor where several other compartments abound. ‘Imoleboja’ means ‘the spirit has built a house’.
The structure has played various roles in the cultural life of the people, from providing shelter during inter-tribal wars to serving as a traditional hideout for maidens who engaged in pre-marital relations and became pregnant. It remains a beautiful site for picnics and conferences.
JEBBA
Location: Jebba in the Moro Local Government Area
Jebba could be described as a museum city per excellence as it possesses a host of historical sites and relics. These include the relics of Mungo Park’s ship known as SSday Spring, which capsized while trying to locate the south of the Niger River. In 1857, a cenotaph was erected in memory of Mungo Park, the great European explorer.
Other attractions include the Jebba bridges which remains a symbol of one of the greatest engineering and achievements in Nigeria while the bank of the River Niger, coupled with Fangel Island, has potential for a beautiful inland beach resort. The Ahoyaya waterfall is also located near Jebba.
PATIGI REGATTA FESTIVAL
Location: Patigi in the Patigi Local Government Area
The Patigi Regatta Festival is a glamorous cultural festival prominent among the Nupe communities of Kwara, Niger and Kogi States. This festival which compares favourably with the Argungun fishing festival of Kebbi State and has the potential for attracting both domestic and international tourists to the state. The festival, which is usually celebrated before the peak of the rainy season, features fishing, swimming, canoe paddling and a fashion parade. It also provides an opportunity for the Nupe people to exhibit their mastery of the great River Niger.
The Kwara Hotel in Ilorin
The following investment opportunities exist within Kwara State's tourism sector:
Kwara State Ministry of Environment and Tourism
Contact: Mr Micheal I. Ajibola
Tel:
Email: michealajibola@yahoo.com
