TAKE A TOUR TO DELTA STATE
Delta State is one of the oil-producing states in South-South Nigeria. It used to be part of the old Bendel State which was split into Edo and Delta States on August 27, 1991 by the General Ibrahim Babangida military government.
Delta State has a total land area of 16,842 square kilometres (6,503 sq mi) and composed of 25 local government areas: Ethiope West, Ethiope East, Okpe, Sapele, Udu, Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Uvwie, Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Ukwuani, Bomadi, Burutu, Isoko North, Isoko South, Patani, Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South West. Asaba is the capital of Delta State.
The state is bordered in the north and west by Edo State, in the east by Anambra, Imo, and Rivers States, in the south-east by Bayelsa State, and in the south by the Bight of Benin. Meanwhile, seven major languages are spoken in the 4.2 million people state.
Delta State is not a land of hills and mountains as nearly 30% of the state is covered by water. Nevertheless, there are a lot of fascinating sites in the state. Some of them are discussed below;
1. The Araya Bible Site
The Araya Bible Site houses a copy of the Holy Bible which was believed to have descended unto this spot directly from heaven around August, 1914. It is said to have come directly onto a rain-soaked yam but never got wet. The site now attracts thousands of Christian pilgrims yearly, especially during the Easter period. The Araya Bible Site is in Isoko South LGA, and can be accessed from Warri through Ughelli and Oleh, and also from Asaba through Kwale and then Oleh.
2. Abraka Turf and Country Club
The Abraka Turf and Country Club is located in Abraka, and features a horse club where an international polo tournament takes place every year during Easter. It is surrounded by a rich tropical rainforest and bordered by the River Ethiope. You can lodge in the several villas and enjoy tropical sunrise every morning. You can ride ponies all day or just walk forest trails along the river if you don’t want to ride horses, swim or go fishing.
3. River Ethiope Water Source
River Ethiope is one of the most important rivers in Delta State, but legend says its source emanated from the root of a giant silk-tree in Umuaja, Ukwuani LGA. State sources say River Ethiope is the deepest inland waterway in Africa, and it flows through seven local government areas in the state before becoming deep for sea-faring vessels in Sapele. You can reach the source of the river from Warri via Abraka and from Asaba through Agbor, Umutu to Umuaja. Water sports like canoeing, speed boating, swimming and other water activities can be carried out at River Ethiope and it is a place to visit anytime.
4. Otuogu Beach, Asaba
The Asaba beach at Otuogu is somewhere to visit anywhere you visit the capital of Delta State. Several rivers, creeks, and streams keep the beach in place, and it extends to the main capital city of the state. It also extends into several creeks before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The white sands of the beach are ideal for relaxation and for social events.
5. Living History Museum, Koko
The Living History Museum in Koko, Warri North, is also known as the Chief Nana’s palace or Koko Place. It used to be the main residence of Chief Nana Olomu Ebrohim a 19th century indigenous entrepreneur who had a lot of contacts with the colonialists of the British Empire under Queen Victoria. The personal effects within the magnificent edifice portray the grand taste of the original occupier and his dealings with colonial officers. A visit to this museum will tell you more about the activities of the colonial masters that you do not know about.
6. Kwale Game Reserve
The Kwale Game Reserve is located in the coastal part of Kwale in Delta State. It is a rainforest vegetation and swamps full of reptiles and water animals – red river hog, sitatunga, and freshwater cum pond water fish. Give your eyes a feast by visiting Kwale game reserve and enjoy nature big time.
7. Lander Brothers Anchorage, Asaba
When Mungo Park – a Scottish explorer to Africa (1771-1906) finished his expedition at a point of the Niger River, Brothers Richard and John Lander took over and anchored their ship at Aboh. Being credited with the discovery of the mouth of the River Niger, and an anchorage was erected in their memory at Asaba. This is equipped with an information centre and a restaurant among other social facilities. Take a tour to Delta State and visit these amazing places that will blow your mind.
