My Travel Destination Consult Present a Day Excurtion to National Museum Esie, Kwara state.

MY TRAVEL DESTINATION present A day excursion to the first Museum in Nigeria which happens to accomodate the largest number of soap stone images in the world.

The ESIE MUSEUM is famous for its stone figures which, according to records, were discovered in 1775 by people said to be refugees from old Oyo who migrated to the location where the museum now stands.
      The initial discovery was by a famous hunter known as Baragon during his hunting expedition, who then went back to tell his people.
The museum, which now has both old and modern galleries, houses more than 2000 objects (soapstones) depicting the image of human beings.

Come with us to esie to learn and have fun at the same time.
(limited space remain)
Enquiries and bookings: tel: 08103419163 or 08100567342
                                                          Fbpage: @mytraveldestinationcslt

VALENTINE: The African who Died For Love

valentine, it is the celebration of love they say. Whenever sacrificial love is being talked about, they make it seem like Africans do not have the capacity to pay the ultimate price for love. They talk about how Jack died for the girl in Titanic, they talk about how Romeo died for Juliet, they talk about how St. Valentine died for a babe. You want to know the truth, they are all LIES! The Love story in Titanic was fabricated, Romeo was just a product of Shakespeare's imagination, and there was no St. Valentine death anywhere. Please confirm for yourself.

On the other hand, in Africa, we have some real genuine cases where guys died for the sake of their lovers. Guys who lived amongst us in flesh and blood, not some made up Jack Dawson, Romeo or St. valentine. Let me tell you the story of one of such people who gave his all for his love, here in Africa.

The Oyo empire was a very big empire in West Africa back in the days, it was situated largely in the country called Nigeria today. it formed one of the four major empires of Africa. To rise to become the king of the Oyo empire, a group of people called Oyo mesi (kingmakers) have to give their blessings. It so happened that at one time, the head of those King makers was a man named Gaa, his chieftancy title was "Bashorun", so he was called Bashorun Gaa!

Ha! Gaa was wicked! he was feared! Just the mention of his name made quite a lot of people develop weak knees. You think the biblical Pharoah was wicked? compared to

Top 10 Places You Can Have Fun This Valentine

Wherever you are in Nigeria, the following are some of the places you can consider for a fascinating Valentine’s Day experience with your lover, spouse, and other loved ones:

1. Whispering Palms Resort in Badagry: If you are looking forward to a day out in a natural setting of beaches and palm trees, then the Whispering Palms Resort in Badagry is the place to be on or before Valentine’s Day. Here you can enjoy local cuisines made with natural ingredients and as well as explore the resort hand-in-hand with your lover and spouse.

2. Cinemas in Lekki, Yaba and Ikeja: Lovers can enjoy a different bite of Valentine’s Day by going to the cinemas if they are in Lagos, and the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas in Palms, Lekki, the Silverbird Cinemas in Victoria Island and Ikeja, and the Ozone Cinemas in Yaba, Lagos readily come to mind here. Here you enjoy quality cinema movies, film premieres and even shop in surrounding malls.

3. Picnics at exotic gardens everywhere: Botanical gardens are great places to explore the wonders of nature with your loved ones on Valentine’s Day. The Agodi Gardens in

HOW TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE WITHOUT MONEY

It's Valentine's day and your lover is patiently awaiting your love offering but you know the Nigerian economy is not smiling.(RECESSION)
See simple ways you can say 'i love you' on Valentine's day without spending anymore

1. Treat your lover to a movie and dinner at home (use already prepared food and old movie)

YTDO, TOSIN ALL SET FOR WORLD TOURISM DAY 2016

The Tourism Students Initiative Network (TOSIN) and Youth Tourism Development Organisation (YTDO) in collaboration with other tourism bodies will be organising a Walk4tourism across few states of the country, using Adire to promote tourism and culture in Nigeria.

According to the coordinating secretary of the group, Ogunkoya Pascal, “The first walk for tourism was last held in September 1997 and this year, we are going to replicate it in some states in Nigeria to mark the 2016 edition of the World Tourism Day with the theme ‘Tourism for all, promoting universal accessibility.’

“We are replicating the walk4tourism this year, starting from Ikeja/Allen roundabout, with over 100 youth. The event will also feature cultural dances,” he said.

The endurance walk which will end at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja is to sensitise the public on Nigerian tourism and cultural potential.

“This edition of walk4tourism will be done in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun,Osun, Imo, Kogi and Bauchi States on Tuesday, 27 September, 2016. Happy World Tourism Day 2016 in advance.

INTERESTING FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ABEOKUTA

Abeokuta was a sovereign nation for 20 years and 11 months before the British almagamated her with the rest of Nigeria. She had her own laws, Police Force, Civil Service and was well organized. The Alake was the head of the defunct government known as the Egba United Government (1 February 1893- 1 January 1914). The almagamation with the rest of Nigeria did not go down well with the Egba people and this resulted in the Adubi War (1918). I have compiled some facts about this ancient and paramount city that seats as the capital of Ogun State and also the pride of Egbaland.

 Abeokuta was founded in 1830, with Sodeke as her leader. The initial name of Abeokuta was “Oko Adagba” meaning “Adagba’s farmstead”-Adagba was an Itoko farmer. Sodeke who led the Egbas met him there.

 Abeokuta means ‘under a rock’, signifying the protection which the Olumo Rock offered the Egbas during attacks.

 Since the discovery of Olumo Rock, no one has fallen from it. Not even once.

How and what made Oyo Empire colapse

Shortly after Oyo Empire expanded her influence westwards, capturing Port Novo and making Dahomey (present-day Benin Republic) a vassal state pay tributes of 40 guns and 400 loads of cowries and corals regularly to Oyo, of course after phases of wars that made Oyo army a dread to the Dahomeyans, Alafin (Emperor) Labisi appointed a new Basorun (Prime Minister). 

To check the Alaafin from becoming too dictatorial, the Prime Minister according to the constitution could pass a vote of no confidence that would turn the Oyo Mesi (Legislators) against the Alaafin and an empty calabash would be handed to the emperor signaling that he was required commit suicide and pave way for a new Alaafin since the Oyo Mesi had lost confidence in his rule.

The Basorun was a high priest controlling all the cults except Sango and Ifa, so this could make him declare that the ancestors and Heavens had lost confidence in an Alaafin. Prior to the appointment of Ga, the unwritten constitution of the empire had been amended from the more ancient style that the Aremo (heir apparent) ruled after an Alaafin passed on.

The new constitution demanded that the heir apparent died with the Alaafin so as to pass on succession without disputes and in a way make the monarchical system a sort of republic. This made Basorun Ga more powerful. Ga became despotic and power drunk and from the slightest accusation that an Alaafin or his Prince disrespected the Oyo Mesi to the accusation that an Alaafin was assuming airs of superiority, Basorun Ga raised five Alaafins to the throne and successively destroyed four of them.

He and his family ruled despotically for twenty years, almost as if they were the Alaafins. By the reign of the fifth emperor, Alaafin Abiodun, the people were fed up of Ga’s dictatorship. On an appointed day, with the support of Are-Ona Kakanfo (Military Commander of Oyo army) Oyabi, the Alaafin and the people broke the jinx of Ga’s powerful magic and rounded up all his family (except Ojo, Ga’s first son) and were seized and killed, Ga himself was burnt to death in his house.

Abiodun’s reign then went on peacefully and lasted from 1774 to 1789, his was a golden reign. However, the center was no longer holding the seams of the Empire together after 20 years of internal imbalance triggered by Ga. Taking advantage of the lawless years, Egba province under the warrior, Lishabi, had proclaimed their independence and migrated towards their present location in Abeokuta. The Egbas had been aggrieved by the oppression of the resident Ilaris (governors) in their three provinces within the empire and the absence of any authority to hold them in check.

NTDC Director General, Mrs Sally Mbanefo and Ooni Extols Ife's Tourism Potentials

                In his remarks before officially declaring Ile-Ife “a Tourism Zone”, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has said that the historical assets of Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba, was enough to empower Nigeria and Africa at large and urged tourists across the world to thrill themselves with artifacts available in the town. Oba Ogunwusi who spoke at the weekend during the official declaration listed some of the already discovered tourist attractions in the town. Ooni Ogunwusi said: 

“Ark of Noah, which the entire world has been searching for is in Ile-Ife. The Ark of Noah has been in existence and it is in Ife land. “We want to bring out the mysteries for the whole world to see. God thrives on mystery and every inch of Ile Ife- the land of expansion-is full of mystery. “God has blessed us with some mysteries and we need to bless the world with those mysteries. For instance,

Destination of the Week: Farin Ruwa Water Falls

The name “Farin Ruwa” translates as “White waters” in Hausa language, which suggests the typical natural beauty exuded by the waterfalls. The clean, crystal clear showers, which is often regarded as sacred by the locals, can be seen hitting the foot rocks of towering granite hills, blowing a cloud of water vapour at its plunge pool.

This is undeniably one of the most irresistible sights in Nigeria. Standing on the polished brown-coloured rocks paving its foot-slopes and looking up to its crest about 150m high, its awe and grandeur engulfs one’s mind in thoughts of admiration and respect for a creative God.

9 Beautiful Beach Vacation Spots in Africa

Too often, wildlife activities have overshadowed tourism in Africa, however, that is not the only reason why people visit Africa during their holidays. Africa is blessed with stunning attractions, vibrant culture and amazing things to do but there are still lots of surprises and unique hidden gems such as beaches that truly provide a real tropical experience. Like many other coastal destinations, the continent is teeming with wonderful coastlines, island resorts and clandestine beaches.

If you are planning a laid-back weekend getaway or vacation, you should probably take a look at these vacation spots. We present to you 9 beautiful beach vacation spots in Africa. Guess what? Some of them are close to home than you can imagine. All you need to do is to grab your towel and your beach bag, book cheap flights and make your hotel reservation and get going.
1. Nungwi, Zanzibar



Photo Source: Kevin Harber on Flickr

Have your camera ready for your vacation here. On the north of the Zanzibar lies the Nungwi beach that is one of the laid back island beaches in Africa. Once upon an era, this place was a fishing village and over the years the dhow-building center became the pride of Zanzibar. It is a popular vacation spot where the palms are beautifully ambled on the beach.

1500 Year Old Bible Confirms that Jesus Was Not Crucified, Vatican In Awe

Much to the dismay of the Vatican , an approx. 1500-2000 year old bible was found in Turkey, in the Ethnography Museum of Ankara. Discovered and kept secret in the year 2000, the book contains the Gospel of Barnabas – a disciple of Christ – which shows that Jesus was not crucified, nor was he the son of God, But a Prophet. The book also calls Apostle Paul “The Impostor”. The book also claims that Jesus ascended to heaven alive, and that Judas Iscariot was crucified in his place. A report by The National Turk says that the Bible was seized from a gang of smugglers in a Mediterranean-area operation. The report states the gang was charged with smuggling antiquities, illegal excavations, and the possession of explosives. The books itself is valued as high as 40 Million Turkish Liras (approx. 28 mil. Dollars). Man, where is the Thieves Guild, when you need them?

Top 10 Places You Can Have Fun This Valentine

This year’s falls on a Sunday, and so the revels start today Friday to make this whole weekend a Lovers Weekend.

Wherever you are in Nigeria, the following are some of the places you can consider for a fascinating Valentine’s Day experience with your lover, spouse, and other loved ones:

1. Whispering Palms Resort in Badagry: If you are looking forward to a day out in a natural setting of beaches and palm trees, then the Whispering Palms Resort in Badagry is the place to be on or before Valentine’s Day. Here you can enjoy local cuisines made with natural ingredients and as well as explore the resort hand-in-hand with your lover and spouse.

2. Cinemas in Lekki, Yaba and Ikeja: Lovers can enjoy a different bite of Valentine’s Day by going to the cinemas if they are in Lagos, and the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas in Palms, Lekki, the Silverbird Cinemas in Victoria Island and Ikeja, and the Ozone Cinemas in Yaba, Lagos readily come to mind here. Here you enjoy quality cinema movies, film premieres and even shop in surrounding malls.

How to Celebrate Valentine Without Money

It's three days before Valentine's day and your lover is patiently awaiting a your love offering but you know the Nigerian economy is not smiling.
See simple ways you can say 'i love you' on Valentine's day without spending anymore

5 Top Most Travelled Roads in Nigeria

Road transportation is the most commonly used mode of transportation in Nigeria, and perhaps the world over. Road transport activities involve the conveyance of passengers in large or small numbers to various destinations, the transportation of animals, farm produce and merchandise, and mobile services such as mobile clinics and bullion vans for banks.

Millions of Nigerians use motor vehicles as the primary means of travel day by day, and this reliance on road transportation informs the need to categorize road-use into most-travelled roads in Nigeria and least-travelled roads in Nigeria. But our attention for this piece is on the former – based on the fact that the rate of road-use is dependent on the distribution of people and goods across a particular region or city.

1. Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

The federal highway between the most populated city (Lagos) and the largest city (Ibadan) in Nigeria is a distance of 120 kilometres – and constructed in 1974. It is more or less the most-travelled road in Nigeria given that Lagos is the commercial hub of Nigeria attracting people from all over the country on a daily basis. Lagos also has the largest number of companies and product factories in the countries, and it used to be the capital of Nigeria – with a direct road to Ibadan the largest city in West Africa and the most ancient.

2. Abuja-Lokoja-Okene Road

Don't Date a Girl Who Travels, Why you should not date a girl who travels

She's the one with the messy, unkempt hair colored by the sun. Her skin is now far from fair like it once was. Not even sun kissed. It's burnt with multiple tan lines, wounds and bites here and there. But for every flaw on her skin, she has an interesting story to tell.

Don't date a girl who travels. She is hard to please. The usual dinner-movie date at the mall will suck the life out of her. Her soul craves for new experiences and adventures. She will be unimpressed with your new car and your expensive watch. She would rather climb a rock or jump out of an airplane than hear you brag about it.

Don't date a girl who travels because she will bug you to book a flight every time there's an airline seat sale. She won't party at Republiq. And she will never pay over $100 for Avicii because she knows that one weekend of clubbing is equivalent to one week somewhere far more exciting.

Chances are, she can't hold a steady job. Or she's probably daydreaming about quitting. She doesn't want to keep working her ass off for someone else's dream. She has her own and is working towards it. She is a freelancer. She makes money from designing, writing, photography or

5 Ways to Enhance Tourism in Africa

Africa travel industry should encourage visiting families to share their African stories with the rest of the world.
Whilst tourism continues to be one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic sectors of Africa’s economy, according to the Africa Tourism Monitor 2015, it is not without challenges.In Africa, tourism contributes to the region’s economy through provision of jobs to thousands of people, thus enhancing regional economic growth and reduction of poverty. Produced by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in partnership with New York University Africa House, and the Africa Travel Association (ATA), the report applauds the efforts made to sustain the growth of tourism witnessed in 2014. However, the report recognizes that “sustained research and data generation to create the necessary knowledge base for effective decision making, policy formulation, and implementation in support of tourism” is important for economic growth and development. With this in mind, the “Unlocking Africa’s Tourism Potential” report has put forward a few considerations, if well implemented, can see a change in the growth curve for the sector.

Tourism, antidote to Nigeria’s dwindling economy – Benue state governor Ortom

Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has described the tourism sector as a panacea to the present economic meltdown Nigeria is currently experiencing.
To this end, the Benue government has signed a pact with National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR, to propel rapid growth and development in the hospitality industry in the state. Ortom, during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, at the weekend in Abuja, pointed out that partnership between Benue and NIHOTOUR would develop, promote and add value to the state’s economy. He maintained that Nigeria needed to, as a matter of urgency, venture into other resources that would boost her ailing economy.

Nigeria Tourism Sector year 2015 in review

By Tunde Oguntola

       As the dawn breaks on 2016, a year pregnant with so many possibilities in the Nigeria tourism sector TUNDE OGUNTOLA takes a cursory look back at the activities of the sector which has very little achievement to show in the just concluded year For the Ministry of Information and Culture it is 17 years of existence so far, and is like one step forward, two steps backward. Since former President Olusegun Obasanjocreated it in 1999, the Ministry remains a weeping child swimming in waters filled with daunting challenges. Stakeholders in the tourism sector have canvassed for sustainable culture and tourism for economic growth. The tourism industry provides about 266 million direct and indirect jobs globally, hence most developed countries rely heavily on it for economic and manpower development.
     However, the industry is yet to realise its full potential in Nigeria due to the absence of domesticated tourism information management system meant to evaluate and monitor development in the sector, and inadequate tourism infrastructure. Setting agenda for the tourism sector in 2016, the President, Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Services, Mr Fadipe Ashamu has urged the federal government to promote the cultures of Nigeria, describing them as major drivers of the tourism and a catalyst for economic growth and job creation. Mr Ashamu in an interaction with journalists on the sideline of the recent workshop on ‘Mainstreaming Tourism into the Economic Agenda of Government’ in Abuja, said that oil revenue could no longer provide resources to meet the growing and competing demands of the nation, hence the need to explore tourism as an alternativesource of revenue for the government. But in spite of the sector daunting challenges, influences of modernisation and Western religions. Nigeria has one or the other that has refused to lose total relevance in tourism despite poor funding by the government.

Tourism – an economic and social phenomenon

Over the decades, tourism has experienced continued growth and deepening diversification to become one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world. Modern tourism is closely linked to development and encompasses a growing number of new destinations. These dynamics have turned tourism into a key driver for socio-economic progress.
   Today, the business volume of tourism equals or even surpasses that of oil exports, food products or automobiles. Tourism has become one of the major players in international commerce, and represents at the same time one of the main income sources for many developing countries. This growth goes hand in hand with an increasing diversification and competition among destinations.This global spread of tourism in industrialised and developedstates has produced economic and employment benefits in many related sectors - from construction to agriculture or telecommunications.The contribution of tourism to economic well-being depends on the quality and the revenues of the tourism offer. UNWTO assists destinations in their sustainable positioning in ever more complex national and international markets. As the UN agency dedicated to tourism, UNWTO points out that particularly developing countries stand to benefit from sustainable tourism and acts to help make this a reality.

 Source: UNWTO