DAY 1 – Naija Land

Why are you going to Nigeria? – to have Naija Jollof – ummm why not.
Had a great 3 days celebrating my Earthday in Nigeria.

Took early flight from Accra via African World Airlines to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, to reside at Eko Hotel. 

That morning I had skipped breakfast my belly was talking to much, so chopped pounded yam and egusi stew at a local spot.

In the evening went to a fantastic art exhibition where the artistry blew my mind.

Nigeria is on the west coast of Africa with a population of 301 million people within 32 states. The capital of Nigeria is Abuja with over 525 native languages, with Yoruba and Igbo the most popular.  Currency is Naira and the motto is Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.

Did you know ?
*Nollywood is one of the largest film producers.
*Biggest exports in oil.
*One of richest countries in Africa.
*Black crowned crane is the national animal.
*Named after the Niger River, from a native term Ni Gir meaning River Gir (various definitions of how Nigeria got its name).
*Gained Independence on October 1st, 1960
*The Walls of Benin (800-1400AD) in present day Edo State, are the longest ancient earthworks in the world.
*Women known for wearing Gele – a traditional head tie

DAY 2 -Earthday

After a full breakfast I went to the Wheatbaker Spa to be pampered with a lime and ginger body scrub, followed by a massage and a surprise cake from the staff.

The colours of Nigeria flag is green and white, so I thought I would represent by wearing a dress of the colours. The flag has three vertical bands of green, white, green. The two green stripes represent natural wealth, and the white represents peace and unity. Flag designed by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi. 

It was great to link up in Nigeria with a lady called Crystal from Trinidad who I first met in Ghana at a networking event.

For lunch we ate some Indian food then I hung out with some locals for refreshments at a spot overlooking a waterway. Ending the night at a Japanese restaurant with Crystal and her friend – oh! and another surprise birthday cake with singing.

DAY 3
Ooooh!  last day already. Made sure I woke up early for breakfast, so that I could relax around the hotel pool before check-out.

Left Victoria Island early to go to airport on mainland, so to not get caught up in Naija traffic. On the mainland stopped off at ‘The Shrine’ which is a large open entertainment space covered with memorable posters of African activists and musicians and a shrine dedicated to Fela Kuti. In the evening ‘The Shrine‘ becomes a night club with live bands.

Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti, also known as Abami Eda, born 1938 – 1997, was a Nigerian musician, composer, political activist, and Pan-Africanist and a pioneer of Afrobeat.

I arrived at the airport early to find out my flight was deferred by almost 2 hours. Being hungry headed to the airport food court – now was my time to taste some Naija Jollof – although I would of preferred going to someone’s house or a local spot – next time – so will not give a verdict – there is no Ghana v Jollof wars ooooo.

Looking forward to returning to Nigeria in the near future,  but will stay on the mainland to vibe with the locals more and travel to Abuja.

Giving thanks and cheers to another year of adventure, peace, prosperity and fun in the motherland. 

bless Sister E