Source: Kwara State Tourism Board
BRIEF HISTORY OF KWARA STATE
Kwara State was one of the first twelve states created in the Nigeria federation on the 27th of May, 1967. At its creation, Kware State consisted of the whole block of the then Ilorin and Kabba provinces of the old Northern Region of Nigeria. However, the State lost three Igala divisions, namely, Idah, Dekina, and Ankpa of the old Kabba provinces to the creation of Benue State on 13th February, 1976. Kwara was reduced to its present size on the 27th August, 1991 when the remaining part of Kabba province comprising of Kogi, Okehi, Okene, Oyi and Yagba Local Government Areas which were excised to Kogi State was merged with three Igala divisions earlier mentioned to form the present Kogi State, while Borgu Local Government was merged with Niger State.
Kwara State enjoys the privileged locational advantage as a gateway between North and the South of the country providing both road and rail-way links. The State’s international airport is an added advantage offering air line between the Northern and Southern parts of the country.
At present, Kwara State shares international borders with the Republic of Benin in addition to its boundaries with neighbouring Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kogi, and Niger States. Ilorin, the Kwara State capital is about 300km from Lagos and 500km from Abuja.
Kwara State is referred to as a miniature Nigeria and cultural melting pot because of the heterogenous character of its population and their cultural diversity.
Although Yoruba, Nupe and Baruteen are the major languages spoken in the state, there are several other ethnic groups cohabiting in an atmosphere of total harmony; that explains why it is often counted among the most peaceful states of the federation.
Kwara State has 16 Local Government Area which include, Asa, Baruteen, Edu, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Ilorin-East, Ilorin South, Ilorin-West, Irepodun, Kaima, Moro, Offa, Oyun, , Oke-Ero, Patigi and Isin.
GEOGRAPHY
Kwara State is endowed with a variegated topography characterized with beautiful valley, rivers and fascinating out-crops as well as abundant plain lands. There are two distinct climatic seasons in the State, the wet and dry seasons, with intervening cold and dry harmattan between December and January. The annual rainfall ranges between 1,000-1,500mm, while the average temperature ranges between 300 and 320c.
The vegetation of Kwara State consists of rain forest in parts of Irepodun, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Offa and Oyun and wooded savannah in other parts of the State.
POPULATION
Based on the provisional figures released by the National Population Commission in the 2006 Census, the population of Kwara State is estimated at 2.3 million people
CULTURE
The ethnic composition of all 16 Local Government Areas of the State indicates common descent and cultural affinity with certain groups in some other states of the Federation. That makes Kwara a cultural melting pot per excellence.
OCCUPATION
The people of Kwara are predominantly farmers. The rich and vast fertile land favoured by the good weather conditions and the varied vegetation allows farmers to grow various crops. However, some people engage in pot-making, blacksmithing, weaving, beadwork, carving, etc.
Igbomina Tourism
Igbomina tourism offers a unique opportunity to explore the intricate fabric of Yoruba culture, history, and natural beauty. Nestled in the north-central Kwara State and northeastern Osun State in Nigeria, Igbomina land is a vibrant region with a wealth of attractions for both cultural enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here’s a deeper look at what makes Igbomina a compelling destination for tourists:
Cultural Heritage
Igbomina land is steeped in history and tradition, with a culture that’s both distinct and integral to the broader Yoruba civilization. Tourists can explore ancient towns like Ila Orangun, Omu-Aran, and Ajase-Ipo, each offering insights into the traditional architecture, craft, and folklore of the Igbomina people.
- Historical Sites: Visitors can explore the ruins of old fortifications and palaces, providing a glimpse into the region’s historical strategies of defense and governance.
- Craftsmanship: The Igbomina are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, especially in woodcarving and blacksmithing. Tourists can visit local artisans and perhaps even witness the creation of traditional Yoruba sculptures and tools.
- Festivals: Participating in or observing local festivals such as the Egungun (masquerade) festival or the unique Pala festival provides tourists with a colorful and dynamic perspective of Igbomina cultural expression.
Natural Attractions
Beyond its cultural allure, Igbomina land is blessed with beautiful landscapes and natural resources. The region’s rolling hills, lush vegetation, and serene rivers provide perfect settings for eco-tourism and recreational activities.
- Hiking and Exploration: The landscapes of Igbomina are ideal for hiking, with trails leading through picturesque terrain that offers not only exercise but also spectacular views.
- Agricultural Tours: The fertile lands of Igbomina are dotted with expansive farms where visitors can learn about local agricultural practices and the production of crops like yams, maize, and cassava.
Culinary Experience
No cultural tour is complete without experiencing the local cuisine, and Igbomina land offers a variety of traditional dishes that reflect the agricultural richness and culinary heritage of the region.
- Local Dishes: Tourists can savor dishes such as pounded yam served with indigenous soups like Egusi, Gbegiri, and Ewedu, along with locally brewed palm wine to enhance the dining experience.
Educational and Interactive Activities
Igbomina tourism also caters to those interested in educational pursuits and interactive experiences with the local community.
- Cultural Workshops: Visitors can engage in workshops where they learn about the Yoruba language, folklore, or try their hand at traditional Yoruba crafts and arts.
- Community Engagement: Opportunities to interact with local communities offer insights into the modern-day challenges and achievements of the Igbomina people, fostering a deeper understanding and connection.
Developing Tourism Infrastructure
The growth of tourism in Igbomina land is supported by the development of tourism infrastructure, with efforts to enhance accessibility, accommodation, and tourist services. This development is part of a broader strategy to not only boost the local economy, but also to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Igbomina people.
Tourist attractions and sites in Igbomina land, Kwara State
Source: Kwara State Tourism Board
AWON MASS WEDDING, SHAO
This an annual festival is celebrated in Shao one of the Igbomina communities of Kwara. Shao, a community under Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State is about 12km from Ilorin the State capital. The AWON Mass Wedding is a special occasion in the year when all the maidens in the community are married in a mass wedding ceremony. The occasion throws the whole community into festive mood because almost every household is involved irrespective of religion or social status. The origin of the festival is fascinating. According to oral tradition, It is said to have been prescribed to the people of Shao by one-breasted nymph who visited the people in the early days of their settlement in the community. The mysterious woman who gave her name as AWON is believed to have disappeared at a point where a river now known as “ODO AWON” flows.
The AWON Mass wedding is likened to similar mass wedding ceremonies in Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Iran, Japan, Philippines, and Yemen. Shao is also a picturesque Igbomina community that is worth visiting in Kwara State.
Jebba Historical Sites
Jebba community can be said to be the Kwara State Museum City per excellence. Jebba is an Igbomina community with a historical linage with Ajase-Ipo another prominent Igbomina community. The community has a greatest potential for a primary tourist destination. Tourist attractions in Jebba include relics such as the wreckage of Mungo Park’s Boat the SS Day spring, and cenotaph erected in memory of Mungo Park. There is also a historic European cemetery where European rail-way workers and colonialist were buried. The Jebba old bridge has remained a symbol of one of the greatest engineering achievements in Nigeria today.
Other tourist attractions in Jebba include the great River Niger views, the massive Jebba Hills where the defunct paper mill built its “colony”, the juju Rock and the Fanga Island etc. Jebba is only about 100km from Ilorin through Bode-Saadu.
OBBO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
The archaeological site of Obbo in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State dates to the 15th century. It is located at the hill-top between the present Obbo-Ayegunle and Ora-Obbo Ile towns. The site which has been excavated once revealed a lot of artefacts which depict indigenous technology of Obbo people, imported materials corroborating the colonial presence, and administration among the people. Physical structure such as residential buildings, shrines, religious and market squares are still visible in the community.
It is beautiful to see especially during dry season under a professional guide. The site, otherwise called “Ori Oke” was fortified against enemies’ incursions with heavy boulders at the verges of the hill which the natives used to rain missiles against the invaders. Artefacts collected from the archaeologist site are kept in the museum of Archaeological/Anthropological Department of the University of Ibadan.
OBA-ISIN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Oba Isin in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State has remained a centre of academic research to culture Historians, Anthropologist and Archaeologist most especially from Nigeria and Africa Universities.
Professor Ade Obayemi, in his book titled “History of West Africa” edited by Professor J. F. Ade Ajayi revealed a lot of Archaeological discoveries such as Iron Slag, Tuyee Furnaces, pot sheds etc. indicating that iron smelting was practiced in that area in the past.
According to Professor Obayemi, Archaeological notes on Oba-Isin and its environs proposed for Oba-Isin greater past than as hitherto been suspected. Mineral resources such as Kaolin are visible in large quantity in the site. The Site can be reached through Oke-Onigbin-Isin Owa Kajola Road. It can also be reached through Omu-Aran-Oro-Ago Road. It is located at about 109km from Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
ESIE STONE IMAGE MUSEUM
This museum house the largest collection ever known stone images. Although the stones were discovered around the sites of the museum as far back as 1775, they were assembled to constitute what is known today as a museum only in 1945. The museum is said to be the first museum in Nigeria. There are fascinating stories surrounding the images, one of which is the belief that the images were actual human beings turned to stones through supernatural means.
Esie is about 53km from Ilorin and it can be reached through Oro, off Ilorin-Omu-Aran Road.
IMOLEBOJA ROCKSHELTER
This phenomenon can aptly be described as one of the wonders of creation. It is a massive rock in which there are numerous chambers including a main hall spacious enough to accommodate more than fifty persons. This Rockshelter at various times served as a safety hide-out during the historic internecine wars and as a traditional hide-out for maidens who engaged in pre-marital affairs and become pregnant. Today, the Rockshelter is an amazing architectural piece located at the outskirts of Odo-Owa in Oke-Ero Local Government. It is about 90km from Ilorin.
OWU WATER FALLS
Owu Waterfall is the “Legendary Wonder in the wilderness”, as it is fondly called. This spectacular water-fall cascades from a height of about 120 metres above sea level to form a refreshingly ice-cold water pool at the base. The perennial fall is enveloped in an ever-green vegetation and its refreshingly ice-cold waters glitter under the reflection of sunrays which filter through the green foliage. The fall is located between two sisters, village of Owaonire and Owakajola in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
CULTURAL FESTIVALS IN IGBOMINALAND
- Egungun Festival (Egun elewe)
- Ikan Festival
- Esie Monument Festival
- Oya Festival
- Agan Festival