Those who grew up in Enugu or had things to do with it in the past, will always remember their beloved city with nostalgia; a feeling that is often difficult to explain.
Enugu, the former capital city of the old Eastern Region and the old Anambra State nicknamed ‘Coal City’ is really a tourist and culture haven.
From serenity, awesome landscape and metropolis fun, Coal City has it all.
Of course, out of the five eastern states in Nigeria, Enugu is the most endowed in terms of tourist and cultural attractions.
“Mother nature lives in Coal City”, as one lover of the city, said.
He is right because the city is adorned with a vast and appealing landscape dotted with undulating hills, lush green vegetation, highlands and lowlands.
It is from the above that Enugu (Enugwu) derives it name, which mean Mountain Top.
Truly, the city offers captivating sceneries, especially with its great undulating landscape.
In reference to its glorious past as a major mining centre, the city is usually referred to as ‘the Coal City’ and was once an economic hub when the coal business was flourishing. The relics of the old coal trade that are now scattered all over the city are worth seeing, especially during a visit to the Onyeama Coal Mine and the Okpara Coal Mine; the city’s two distinct coal mining enclaves.
Going by history, Enugu was and is still the home of the Igbos. Till date, it remains a melting pot for the Igbos; a people reputed for their industrious nature, and travelling vast and wide.
One of the main indigenous people of the city is the Enugwu Ngwo people, who live on the hilltop with their farmlands sprawling all over the valley. The discovery of coal deposits in Enugu gave rise to settlements around the foot of the hills and as the population grew, the city expanded into the areas of other indigenous inhabitants. The city was called Enugwu Ngwo before it was changed to just Enugu.
However, citizens who take delight in being associated with the pseudonym of “the Coal City,” are waiting anxiously to fete visitors with the best of sightseeing and hospitality, amid special local delicacies.
On a visit, the art and culture of the people are generously on display and, as well as, their proclivity in metal work, wood carving, cloth, and mat weaving. There is a lot of traditional entertainment on display across the town, especially on weekends and festivals. During these periods, the colourful Mwanwu (masquerade) leads the display, famous among the display is the dreaded Ijele masquerade.
The Mwanwu display is one of the most important and prevalent cultural entertainment as it cuts across all the states and towns in the eastern part of the country.
However, that of Enugu is highly revered because of its unique theatrics, puppetry, pomp, artistry and massive nature.
There are pockets of art shops and malls where many of the artworks are on display and can be bought as souvenirs. Even, a visit to some of the traditional homes could reveal a lot about the art and culture of the people.
A visit to the city will mean well for a visitor because of the good number of attractions that make sight-seeing appealing.
Two of such attractions are the Onyeama and Okpara coal mines, where coal was mined in the past. It is a symbol of the city that has, however, been abandoned for several years.
The mines proudly display relics of the mining era and the technology of that time. The National Museum located in the city also offers a glimpse into the history, art and cultural heritage of the people.
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Enugu is home to many lakes, and a visit to the Iheneke Lake, a tropical lake with maximum density, during the warmest season, will be worth a tourist’s while. During the rainy season, the lake cools and then cools further as the harmattan period advances; offering a lovely place to rest.
But the mystery of Ogbeluke Lake will intrigue you because it is a mysterious lake of sorts. As small as it looks, its water level remains constant throughout the year and it is home to crocodiles and many other water creatures.
You will, however, experience premium fun at the Nike Lake, the biggest of the lakes in the city. The natural ambiance of the lake, the water habitats, boating activities and beautiful renditions by wild birds will thrill your sense of leisure. A highlight of the lake is the Nike Resort. The lake resort offers 240 rooms accommodation and is a lovely place for relaxation with friends and family. The enthralling nature, peaceful environment and the closeness of the lake to hotel combine to make Nike an ideal place for holiday or escape from the city.
Ogelube Lake is yet another, a tropical lake having desmids dominated phytoplankton with maximum density during the warmest season. During the rainy season, the lake cools, phytoplankton declines and dominance shifts to algae other than desmids.
For a closer communion with nature, a warm swim at Awhum Waterfall will ever refresh your hot body.
The waterfall stands over 30 metres high. Located in Enugu city, it has a cave just by the fall. The locals believe that the water of the fall has cleansing powers that could be used to keep away satanic forces.
The list of attractions is endless.
From Ezeagu Tourist Complex, Opi Lakes Complex, situated outside the city with lots of natural attractions such as sport fishing, boat cruises, picnics, to Ugwueme, Udi hills: a good locations for mountaineering, Michael Okpara Square, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments Complex, the Zoological Gardens and the Arts gallery at the Institute of Management and Technology, there are enough for the budding visitor.
Enugu has an international airport, which has been improved to world class standard recently. From the airport, Ethiopian Airlines connects its Eastern passengers to other parts of the world. There are various airlines operating domestic flights to; Abuja, Lagos, Owerri, and Port Harcourt from Enugu.
Before you leave, try the native delicacies such as ‘Okpa,’ ‘Ofe Agwu,’ Nsala, among others. They will delight your culinary taste, no matter how sophisticated it is.
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