A Historical Review of Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Ile-ife, also know as Ife, is an ancient Yoruba city in the southwestern part of Nigeria. Ile-ife is presently situated in Osun State. It was founded around 500 BC, and it's one of the ancient city in the history of Yoruba. 

Ile-Ife, which is said to mean "The land of expansion or dispersion" is historically said to be dominated by the Igbo people before Oduduwa and his entourage invaded them and chased them away to the East. On the other hand, it was said to have been founded by Obatala, before it fell into the hands of his sibling Oduduwa and this created enmity between them. Oduduwa reigned supreme in Ile-ife and his offspring became rulers in various Yoruba kingdom.  History also has it that the first Ooni of Ife is a descendant of Oduduwa. 

Ife is known for Arts - In the days of old, naturalistic bronze, stone and terracotta sculpture were made then. Till date, it has the World's history Museum in the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University. Also, in the early years of Ife, the Ooni's palace was a structure of enamel bricks decorated with artistic ornaments to beautify it. But, presently, the palace of the Ooni is a modern building. In Ife, there are different statue one of which is the statue of Moreno of Moremi hall (UNILAG), a woman known for her captivating beauty and tremendous efforts.

Ile-ife people are well known to be sacred people that no Yoruba sub-region dares to declare war on her. It was said that when the Owu's attacked and brought war to Ife, together with Ibadan, Ijebu and ile-ife people, the Owu's were conquered and they got more than they imagined as they were chased out of Yoruba land; that is why the Owu's are dominated in Abeokuta till date. 

As an ancient traditional city, Ile-ife is known as a city of dieties. It is estimated to have about 401 dirties which people called Orisha or Irunmole, and for each day, there's a festival feast to worship a diety. In Ife, there are several festival that people from far and near come to grace, such as: Edi festival for Moremi Ajasoro, and the Igare masquerade, Itapa festival... But, the most important of all these festival is the "Olojo festival" this is the only festival day that the king appears in public and he gets to wear the "Aare crown" (a mysterious crown worn once in a year and it transition the Ooni into a god the moment he wears it). Also, on Olojo festival day, no sacrifice is made anywhere in the city. In celebration of some festival, the feast spill over to the next day. Some of the gods worshipped are: Obatala, Ogun, Osun, Orunmila, Oya, Yemoja and many others. The chief priest is called Araba; he guides and man how the gods are reverenced. 

As a traditional city, Ife has different shrines and temple that people worship in, Shrines like:

 Igbo Olokun - this is a housed location where the Olokun goddess is being worshipped.

Oduduwa shrine - The progenitor of the Yoruba race. People go to worship him to seek blessings. 

Agbonniregun temple - The grove of Orumila and Orisha. He is said to be the giver of wisdom and knowledge. 

In Ife, there are three conscious religion: Christianity, Islam and Traditional. But, the later is said to have prospered more than the first two.

 Ife has a local TV called NTA Ife. Ife is a city known for trading and business exploration. In Ife, natural resources such as Grains, Cocoa and tobacco are grown, not leaving out cotton which is used in weaving clothes. There are also some relaxation point in Ife, namely: Diganga hotel, Cameroon hotel, Obafemi Awolowo University guest house and a stadium with roughly 9000 capacity. Ile-ife, "The land of expansion" is not only a place for the Yorubas but also a welcoming city for all race of humanity. The oldest building in Ife is the Seventh Day Adventist, which was dated back as far as 100 years. Also, situated in Ife is the most popular University, Obafemi Awolowo University, formally known as University of Ife (which was founded in 1962) before it was renamed Obafemi Awolowo University on 12th May, 1987 by the Federal Military Government in honour of the most distinguished eminent nationalist and former chancellor, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo (1909-1987). 

At present, the ruler of Ife since 2015 is, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunnusi Ojaja II. He is the 51st King in Ife. He is an accountant before he became the Ooni.

Sights and Sounds - A Historical Review of Kogi State, Nigeria

Popularly known as the Confluence State, Kogi state

Most Dominant ethnic group: Igala

Language spoken: Okun, Ebira And Igala

Population status(2006): 3,314,043(data source, wikipedia.com)

Word etymology: kogi it's derive from Hausa word for water. As it is the meeting centre of two great rivers(River Niger and River Benue.)

Date of creation: 27th August, 1991.

 Located at the north central region of Nigeria. With a population ranking 24th of countries national popular as at 2006 general population census result of a population of 3, 314, 043. The kogi settles on the world map. A special attributes accoladed to is that it is the only Nigeria state bordered by Ten other states. In the South East: Anambra and Enugu, south West: Ondo and Ekiti, West: Benue state, North East: Nasarawa, North: Abuja- Federal Capital Territory, North West: Niger. 

The bordering sites affected it set up, making one of a the many mixed states. Although its is situated in the North, fortunately It doesn't have a clear cut ethnic tribe as it's bordered by the three major ethnic group in Nigeria. (Example: study the list of surrounding states listed above.) 

Ethnically,

   Kogi state, nicknamed the confluence state, is a state in the North-central region of Nigeria. 

     The state is bordered by ten states in the country;

* Ekiti and Kwara to the East

* Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to the North

* Nasarawa state to the North-east

* Niger state to the North-west

* Edo and Ondo states to the South-west

* Anambra and Enugu states to the South-west

* Benue state to the West

       Apparently, it is the only state in the country, Nigeria to border ten other states. On the 27th of August, in the year 1991, it was named after the Hausa word for river Kogi. Kogi state was formed from the parts of Benue Niger state and Kwara state. It got the nickname: Confluence State because of the fact that the confluence of the River Niger (which bisects a wooded savanna region) and that of River Benue occurs next to its capital which is Lokoja. Out of the 36 states in Nigeria, Kogi state is the thirteenth largest state in the country. As at 2016, it was the twentieth most populous state with an estimated population of about 4.5 million.

PEOPLE: Kogi state comprise of three main ethnic groups and languages, namely;

* Igala; the major ethnic group in the state

* Ebira

* Okun, a Yoruba group

     Others include;

* Bassa Nge of Bassa local government area LGA

* Kupa and Kakanda speakers (who are a people of Nupe extraction under Lokoja local government area)

* Bassa-Komo which is also of Bassa Local Government Area

* Oworo people (a Yoruba group)

* Igbo

* Ogori Magongo

* Idoma.

       Over the years, Kogi state has been inhabited by various ethnic groups in different area of the state;

* Centre of the state: the Ebiras, Gbagyis, and Nupes (mainly the Bassa Nge, Kakanda, and Kupa subgroups) 

* East of the state: the Agatus, Basa-Komos, Idomas, Igalas, and Igbos

* West of the state: the Yorubas (mainly the Okun, Ogori, Oworo, and Magongo subgroups)

     In terms of religious diversity, Kogi state harbors about three religion. About forty-five percent of the state's population are Muslims, about forty percent are Christians and fifteen percent are traditionalists.

HISTORY: Kogi state was created in 1991 from parts of Kwara state and Benue state of Nigeria. As presently constituted, the state consists of the people of the Kabba province of the Northern Nigeria.

SIGHTS: The Kogi State Tourism and Hotels Company limited was established to promote tourism in the state. The state government plans and utilizes the high potentials of tourism including the development of historical landmarks at Lokoja. Prominent tourist centers in Kogi state are;

* Colonial relics such as Lord Lugard's house

* Mount Patti

* World war cenotaph

* Ogidi; an African town with formations of Igneous Rock mountains and a traditional art and craft industry

* Confluence of River Niger and River Benue

* Natural land features such as hills and terrains that serve as hiking trails

* Ajaokuta steel company limited is the largest Stella industry in Nigeria, present in Kogi state

*  Obajana Cement Factory is also one of the largest cement factories in Africa, housed in Kogi state.

RESOURCES: The main source of economy in Kogi state is agriculture. The state produces varieties of cash crops such as cotton, coffee, cocoa, palm oil, cashew, groundnut, and food crops such as yam, rice, melon, maize, cassava(manioc), sorghum, and beans.

     In addition to agriculture, mineral resources such as iron ore, found in large quantities on the Agbaja Plateau which is located to the north of Kogi state capital, Lokoja, petroleum, tin, coal--which is mined for national distribution from the Okaba fields in the northern Udi-Nsukka Plateau which is located at the East of the Niger river--, limestone and marble which is quarried at Jakura, located about twenty miles North-west of Kogi state's capital, Lokoja are sources of economy to the state. 

 

 

                              The Confluence State.....

   Named for the Hausa word for river  —kogi — , Kogi State was formed from old Kwara and Benue states , with its numerous cultural values, beliefs and great artistry works  which stem from its diverse heterogenous ethnic groups  and tribes , natural endowments of plateaus, hills and terrains which stretches far and wide across the state with its vast , arable and  fertile lands.

         The confluence of two of Africa's most important rivers — Niger  and Benue , located in the middle belt of Nigeria , it is the most centrally located state as it shares boundaries with ten other states in Nigeria .  A gateway state , its capital Lokoja , is an ancient historical town which once served as the colonial administrative headquarters for the British during the colonial times .

   Kogi State is abundant in mineral and human resources and is rich in coal , limestone , iron , tin, petroleum and agricultural resources as well.  The state is home to the largest Iron and Steel industry in Nigeria known as Ajaokuta Steel company limited and one of the largest cement factories in Africa , the Obajana Cement factory . In the pre – colonial period , the area now known as Kogi State was divided amidst other states with some settlements being underpopulated forming village based and hamlets as others were part of larger empires like the Nupe kingdom which held most of now western Kogi state until the early 1800s when the Fulanis jihad annexed the kingdom and placed the area under sokoto caliphate. In the 1900s and 1910s , as a result of British expeditions , the area was occupied and further incorporated into the Northern Nigeria protectorate with its capital as Lokoja until 1903.

          The protectorate later merged into British before becoming independent as Nigeria in 1960. Originally , modern day Kogi state was a part of the post – independence northern region until 1967 when the region was divided and it became part of the north western state , Kwara and Benue –plateau state . After Benue – plateau and the north western states were also divided in 1976 , the now Kogi became a part of the new Benue and Niger states , south eastern Kwara and far southern Niger states were broken off to form the new Kogi State. And due to this historical divisions , modern day Kogi state is indeed a confluence of diverse ethnicity and cultural heritage as it  comprises of the Igalas, Ebiras, ,Kabbas, Gbagyis , Nupes ( which are Bassa nge , kakanda and Kupa subgroups) in the state center , the Agatus , Bassa komo , Idomas, and Igbo in the north east and the Yoruba ( mainly the Okun , Oworo , Ogori and the Magongo groups ) in the west . Kogi is also religiously diverse with majority practicing Islam , a substantial population practicing Christianity with the rest following traditional ethnic religion .  

        The new state was a reunion of people who had shared a common history and had existed as one for over 7 decades before being severed by the 1976 states creation exercise, as it was created on the 27th of August 1991 under the administration of Babangida , which seek to put the state on a threshold of social and economic growth. The area which today forms Kogi state was a colonial formation then known as Kabba province which had suffered neglect since independence , hence it was the need for development on all rounds that prompted the then president to create the state alongside other eight , a state out if Kwara and Benue bringing together families who had separated by the 1976 creation exercise to a happy reunion.

        Economically , the state is largely based around agriculture mainly  of coffee, cashew, groundnut , cocoa , oil palm , and yam crops , maize, rice and melon alongside animal husbandry . Kogi state has both the 23rd highest human development index and GDP in the country.

 

 Kogi state holds a high prestige as the Nigeria state which facilitates the origin of its name: the Niger area. We can however say that to some extent it's the source of Nigeria itself, as it houses the Two great African ( River Niger from the north-west and River Benue from the north-east) meeting point. Awarding it The pseudonym "The Confluence state". 

The confluence state sits in the North Central region on the country's Map alongside, F.C.T Abuja, Kwara state, Nasarawa state, etc. It is also the only Nigerian state to share a border with ten others states across the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria: The Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa.  

With an area of About 29, 835km² Kogi state is ranked the 13th of the 36 largest states in Nigeria. With the 24th most populated state, having a population of about 3, 314,043 populace as of the last general census carried out in the country. It is geographically located in the tropical guinea forest Savana mosaic Eco region. 

The historical development of the Kogi state can be traced first to the pre-colonial and colonial eras. During this period they form a fragment of larger cities, I.e: the Nupe Empire. Following the Sokoto jihad conquest of the 1900s and 1910s, it became partly a colony under the Sokoto empire. However, it further became a part of the Northern protectorate under the British conquest having its capital at Lokoja. The other phase of its expansion was during the post-colonial era when the country have an autonomous power. During this period, Kogi states now form part of the core states in 1967 namely  Northwest, Kwara, Benue, and plateau state. In 1976 later joined the New Benue and Niger state. And finally developed into a state of its own fledged space with its administration and wealth. 

Speaking of Ethnicity, Kogi is mainly dominated by nearly all the tribes all the major tribes in the country as it shares a border with them. In the centre, it is dominated by Ebira, Gbayi, Nupe(mainly the Bassa Nge, Kakanda, and Ona Kupa sub-groups) and in the East Agatu, Basa-Kamo, Idoma, Igala, and Igbo; also dominating western area of the tribe is the Yoruba- Okun, Ogori, Oworo, and Magongo subgroup. Hence, of all these ethnic groups, the Igala stands out to be the major ethnic tribe in the states followed by the Ebira and Okun( a Yoruba speaking tribe). 

Wealth is bedrock to every country's financial stability and aid to capital development. For the Kogi state, their source of Economic power Is derived from their Agricultural sector, Natural resources, and Human Development. The state's agricultural wealth is in the cultivation of crops such as groundnut, cashew, coffee, and livestock herding. Moreso, their Crude oil extraction and other mineral resources like coal, limestone, iron, steel, and Tin( it accommodates the largest iron and steel limited). In addition, its Human development index scored it the 24th highest GDP( Gross Domestic Profit) in the country.

Needless to say that the country Kogi is a well-structured state with a quick developing local government area of About 21 LGA. Having beaten Lagos of 20 L.G.A by one. 

 

The following are the 21 local government areas in Kogi states:

1. Adavi

2. Idah

3. Ofu

4. Ajaokuta 

5. Igala 

6. Ankpa

7. Ogori/Magongo

8. Kabba/Bunu

9. Okene

10. Katon karfa

11. Lokoja

12. Bassa

13. Dakina

14. Okehi

15. Nopa-muro

16. Olam aboro

17. Ibaji

18. Omala

19. Yagba West

20. Yaba East

21. mela-odolu

All the L.G.A listed above is controlled by the local government chairman who reports to the Governor. The current serving governor of Kogi state is Governor Yahaya Bello. The legislative branch of the state (senatorial seat) is divided into 3 constituencies. These include the Kogi west, Kogi East and Kogi central. 

Tourist Attractions

If you ever wish to cool off for a while in a tourist site full of wonders and raw craft, then you have Kogi to give you the best treatment. Its tourist attractions woo lots of tourists and visitors each year. For this, the country builds exclusive hotels and resorts to welcome visitors. They treat their guest by providing the best hospitality and serene environs to cool off. 

Currently, the state is where the centre of the "Y" in the Nigeria coat of arms is situated. It is the centre of the two great rivers that flows through the country meet. The meeting point of River Niger and River Benue. 

As it was the formal capital of the Northern protectorate: Lokoja. It owns to itself, a plethora of colonial relics such as story buildings of some colonial masters: the house of Lord Lugard; the first Governor-General of Nigeria and other Top British officials. Other side relics such as Mount Patti, Worldwar Cenotaph, etc. 

Have you heard of Ogidi? It is an African town which has formed of igneous rock mountains. And also a craft industry. Another tourist site is its Natural mountain and terrain that serves as a hiking sports centre.

Fun facts about Kogi State

1. It is the meeting point of River Niger and River Benue.

2. Lokoja was the capital of the Northern protectorate.

3. Lord Lugard who amalgamated Nigeria's house is located in Kogi state.

4.  Miss floral Shaw (Lugard) Named Nigeria after the Niger river in Kogi.

5. Kogi has a mixed ethnic group from the major ethnic tribe in Nigeria.

6. Igala is the most spoken language in  Kogi state.

7. It is the only Nigerian state that is bordered by 10 states.

8. 45% of the total population of Kogi state are Muslim, whereas 40% are Christian and 5% are Traditionalist.

9. Kogi was formed during the third republic in 1991

10. Kogi is etymologically derived from a Hausa word for water "Kogi".

  Read more post from this blog.

 

6 Kinds of Trending Native African Caps to Match Your outfit

It's not always the case that a head that wears the cap goes uneasy. Sometimes, it's just that the cap was not properly worn. The history of caps thus transcends the digital age, which although has modern hair and head accessories, cannot beat the seat of caps in today's events. Caps, like her sister accessory - hats, come in various designs, sizes, sexes and colours, each ascribing a meaning, literal or not. In most cases, these meanings cuts through our African traditions and cultural acts.

In Nigeria, there are different kinds of caps that cut through traditions. We have a few listed below.

1. Slouched Fila cap

This cap has the top loose part of your Fila
cap slouched to one side. If it’s slouched to the left, it informs the public that you are not married, but if slouched to the right, it means that you have a wife. Slouched Fila caps are cool and look great if they are made from soft materials that are draped easily.

Read: 5 Native African Foods You Should Try Out Today

2. Kufi cap

This style is popular among the Yoruba men who
profess Islam. It is also common to the Royal household and the Hausa folk Quite often, such hats go together with dashiki lace suit clothes. Kufi is not only important as a cultural attire, it is also a significant social marker because religion or status can be calculated by the type of Kufi worn. It can also be worn with a turban.

3. Gobi cap

This is a popular Yoruba cap style, a variation of the slouched Fila with an upturned design in front.

4. Abeti Aja cap

The name means “dog’s ears” in translation to English. This is because it appeals to humor with a funny look like the flapped ears of a dog, hung sideways. It looks like a triangle when placed on the head.


5. Fila Awolowo- This is the popular cap appearance of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It’s a very popular choice among both young and old Yoruba men, especially in the political sphere. It depicts and ascribes some wise qualities as the major proponent of the style was unarguably, a very intelligent man.


6. Igbo traditional cap- This is an oval woolen red cap, worn mostly by high-ranking Igbo men in Eastern Nigeria. The red colour of the Igbo cap is a symbol of fire- Agbala (the “holy spirit”). This cap is sacred in places like Anambra as not everybody can wear it on the streets. However, in many parts of Igboland it has lost its sacred
significance and value and simply represents the “king” since Igbo red cap chief symbolizes power, tradition, and culture.


While many will conclude that a cap completes an African’s dressing and that as we have caps for males, we also have for females, it is more than convincing that of kings, peoples, lands and heads, a cap would always find significance. That said, what do you think of caps? Would you rock one at your next outing?

Sights and Sounds - A Historical Review of Jos, Nigeria

Dating Back to History (the white paper of the commission of inquiry into the 1894 crisis), Jos was originally called Gwosh, in the Izere language spoken by the Afusari, the first settlers in the area, which was a village situated at the current site of the city. The earliest known settlers of the land that would come to be known as Nigeria were the Nok People (circa 100 BC) , who were skilled artisans from around the Jos area who mysteriously vanished in the late 1st millennium. It was the Hausas who arrived there after that wrongly pronounced Gwosh as "Jos", and it stuck. 

The area known as Jos today was housed by indigenous ethnic groups who were mostly farmers. The British colonisers used direct rule for the indigenous ethnic groups on the Jos Plateau since they were not under the Fulani Emirates, where indirect rule was used. The Fulani empire controlled most of Northern Nigeria except the Plateau province and the Berom, Mwaghavul, Ngas, Tip, Jukun and Idoma ethnic groups.

In the pre-colonial era, as a state which was an important centre for Tin mining and is the trading of the state as commercial activities are steadily increasing,  it has a high influx of other ethnic groups such as the Hausas from the North, Southeast Igbos, and Yoruba from the country's Southwest, as at the discovery of tin by the British. Tin mining has led to the influx of migrants, mostly Igbos, Yorubas, and Europeans who constitute more than half of the people of Jos. This " melting pot" of race, ethnicity, and religion just like Lagos,  is what makes it recognized as one of the most cosmopolitan city in Nigeria. For this reason, Plateau State is known in Nigeria as the "Home of Peace and Tourism"

After the British discovery of tin deposits in the state, the population grew rapidly. Both tin and columbite were extensively mined in the area up until the 1960s. They were transported by railway to both Port Harcourt and Lagos on the coast, then exported from those ports. 

After the independence, Jos is still known for its tin deposits, and is still often referred to as "Tin City." It was made capital of Benue-Plateau state in 1967, and became the capital of the new Plateau State in 1975. Jos has become an important nation administration, commercial and tourist centre.

The Jos city is divided into three Local Government Areas of Jos North, Jos South, and Jos East. The city properly lies between Jos North and Jos South. Jos East houses the prestigious Nation Center for Remote Sensing. Jos North is the state capital and the area where most commercial activities of the state takes place, although due to the recent communal clashes, a lot of commercial activities are shifting to Jos South. The Governor's office is located in an area in Jos North, which has a significant slum called "Jise" in Berom language, "Gise" in Afizere (Jarawa) language or "Tundun-Wada" in Hausa language, while his Deputy's office is located in Jos South. 

Jos houses prestigious institutions like the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), the highest academic awarding institution in Nigeria, the National Veterinary Research Institute, The Police Staff College, and The NTA Television College of thee Nigerian Film Corporation. The Jos South houses the University of Jos and it's teaching hospital. The city has formed an agglomeration with the town of Bukuru to form the Jos-Bukuru metropolis (JBM).

Like every other African countries, having earmarked one third of the landmass to establish conservation areas in the state, according to the mandate established in 1972 under the administration of the then Governor of Benue-Plateau, Joseph Gomwalk in alliance with the organisation of African Unity to African heads of state, it has become a major attraction in the state, attracting tourist from within and outside the country. 

Some of the worthy tourist attractions are: The Park, which has become a home to to various species of wildlife including Lions, Rock pythons, Marabou Storks, Baboons, Honey Badgers, Camels, as well as Variant Flora. Other beautiful sights to see include The Golf course, Jos Stadium, Riyom Rock, and Assop Falls.

Welcome to the "Home of Peace and Tourism"✌

20 Native African Foods You should Try out Today

One thing you'd love about the African Continent is her variety of native foods, with each tribe's special ability to cook so well. Now, its  not just enough to cook - but much more the availability and love to eat, especialy across tribes.

Growing up, I was selective of the kind of food I eat, you would never see me eat bitterleaf soup or amala and ewedu (Although I was born and brought up in Lagos) or even tuwo shinkafa. It was either Egusi soup or Vegetable soup because I felt there are no other soup that can taste like them and of course i am from the east.

But as I grew older, I had friends from the west and south and even North and I would hear them brag about how nice their food taste ( of course I'd brag about my egusi soup too) and how captivating it can be, more like if you eat it once you would always want to eat it but I would never agree to whatever they say, I always say my egusi was the best.

Until we made a pact one day that we would all taste each other foods, that was the day I ate Amala and Ewedu for the first time in my life, I liked it so much but I would never admit to them that I enjoyed it and I tell you that after that day, I would always buy amala and ewedu soup every evening I got back from school and  i decided to taste every other native food and damn! there are some I still can't get over.

There are lot of native food in Africa especially Nigeria and they taste so deliciously nice and if you haven't tasted some, they are few I would like you to try out and believe me you will enjoy it as much as I enjoy them. 

1. Atama soup: 

The Atama soup is a delicacy which is popular among indigenes of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states in Nigeria. It is cooked with a leaf called Atama leaf, water leaf and palm oil with a variety of meat, dry fish and sometimes periwinkle. I couldn't get over the taste of this food the very first time I ate it.

2. Black Soup

It is an Edo state soup, which is prepared with bitter leaf and scent leaf with variety of meat and it can be eaten with any swallow of your choice.

3. Onunu and fish stew: 

 It is mostly eaten by Rivers state people. It is a combination of yam and plantain accompanied wth fish stew.

4. Banga Soup and Starch

This is another delicious soup that i love a lot, it is more like a soup called ofe akwu but it is cooked with scent leaf and it is eaten by Urobo people (Delta state) and it is eaten with starch.

5. Egg with bean Soup

I really don't want to be so hyped about this soup but if you love egusi soup you will definitely love this soup. It is mostly eaten by hausa or fulani people. It is a mixture of egg, beans ginger, curry, cloves. And it is mostly eaten with tuwon shinka. 

 

Africa is a unique continent with its scenic ambience, the air it breathes and the many comforting trees. The large mass of lands preaches freedom under the sun and the stars, the feel is so divine.  But the exotic traditional delicacies should not be left out, as it is essential in order to mark out the uniqueness of various countries in Africa. 

South Africa is a cosmopolitan country with exciting tourist attractions ranging from wildlife tours, scenic beaches, alluring and daring stories behind those beautiful breathtaking walls. You think you have seen it all, until you have a taste of their sumptuous traditional meals.

1. Potjiekos (Pot Food)

This is a popular traditional food among the South Africans. It is usually made outdoors in a round three-legged cast iron pot over a fire. It is made using Bilton meat (special dried, cured and spiced meat), vegetables and wine. It is a special stew that you do not stir, commonly served with steamed rice or mielepap (maize porridge).

2. Boerewors (Farmer's sausage): 

This is made from beef mince. It's round and meaty and required to contain 90% meat to be qualified as boerewors. It's spices are corrander, cloves and nutmeg that endows it with a distinct taste. It is mostly served at a "braai"(South African special feast).

3. Koeksisters: 

Probably called sisters cause it comes in groups. These are golden crunchy-crust fried pleated-dough pieces, it is sweeter when a sugary syrup is added. They have a doughnut-like center and are very sticky.

The cape-marley version is rolled in dessicated coconut instead of a sugary syrup also, it is slightly spicy.

Nigeria is well-known for its exceptional African dishes, and you just can't have enough. Of course, you'll always want more.

4. Ewa Agoyin (Beans and Stew): 

This is a renowned street food, it's so titillating describing this delicacy. It is a special way of cooking beans, it is made of marshed honey beans locally called "Ewa Oloyin" and special peppered sauce. When this is served with a very succulent bread known as "agege bread", I bet you'll bite your tongue. This combo will definitely change your life forever.

5. Pounded yam with Efo Elegusi: 

This is widely known among the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria, it is for kings and is highly valued. The word "pounded yam" explains itself, the yam is pounded until it sticks together. 

Efo elegusi (vegetable with Lemon soup) this soup is usually garnished with crayfish, meat, ponmo, panla and so on. This food is typically made on special occasions as it requires strength to prepare.

These are 5 African foods you must try out trust me, you'll never forget your experience. Remember, thou shall not visit without having a taste of these delicacies.

You are welcome to Africa; a land rich in traditions and cultures. Here, our diversity is reflected in many things, including our culinary traditions in types of food, choice of ingredients and techniques of cooking among others. As a matter of fact, our African meals have very rich nutritional benefits that you may never get elsewhere. So if you are visiting Africa for the first time, or you have never tried any of these African foods, here is an interesting series on the native African foods you should try today

1. Amala

Amala is a popular meal among the Yorubas in Nigeria. It is prepared from yam flour(elubo isu), plantain flour(elubo ogede) or cassava flour(elubo lafun). Any of these flour is added to hot water while on fire and stirred until the water is totally absorbed and the desired texture is derived. 

 

Amala can be served with different soup; ewedu made from blended corchorus leaves with an addition of locust beans, fish and melon, efo riro from vegetables and a mixture of meat, fish as desired, gbegiri made from dried beans, ogbono prepared from ground ogbono seeds and a mixture of stock fish, okro soup from okra and locust beans. Nutritionally, amala is a good source of carbohydrates, specifically amala isu. Amala, prepared from cassava flour has a low carbohydrate, hence good for diabetic patients.

2. Pounded yam

Pounded yam is eaten in Ivory coast, Nigeria, Benin, Togo and Ghana. It is arguably the most popular food from yam in West Africa. It is prepared from pounding and kneading boiled yam until a glutinous texture is achieved. It can be served with a variety of soup ranging from vegetable soup, groundnut soup and melon seed soup, but best and popularly served with melon seed soup with a mixture of meat, stock fish and cow skin as desired. Nutritionally, it has a moderate glycemic index.

3. Waakye

Popular among the northern Ghanians, waakye is prepared from boiling rice, black eyed or cow beans and red dried sorghum leaves or sheaths which gives it its characteristic red appearance. The sorghum leaves or sheaths are removed before serving. It is commonly served wrapped in banana leaves with stew spiced with fish, meat, fried plantains, and vegetables, as desired. Nutritionally, waakye helps to get rid of free radicals from the body system due to the antioxidants present in the sorghum leaves.

4. Couscous

Couscous is a North African dish, widely accepted and enjoyed throughout the Maghrebi cuisines of Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Morocco, and Libya. Couscous is  a dish prepared from small steamed granules of rolled durum wheat semolina that is boiled with coconut oil, spices. It is served with vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and turnips that is cooked in a spicy or mild broth or stew, and some meat, generally, chicken, lamb or mutton. Nutritionally, it is low in calories and helps in weight loss.

5. Eba

Eba is a staple food mainly eaten in the West African sub-region, particularly in Nigeria and parts of Ghana. It is specifically called Eba by the Yoruba people. It is prepared by mixing fine, dried grated cassava (manioc) flour, commonly known as garri into hot water and stirred well with a wooden spatula until it becomes like a firm dough, so it can be rolled into a ball and can keep its shape. It is often eaten with richly made soups such as egusi soup, stewed vegetable soup, bitter leaf soup or pepper soup with either okro, ogbono or ewedu with fish, beef, stockfish or mutton depending on personal taste. Nutritionally, it is rich in starch, hence a good energy source.

African foods are one of the best continental dishes in the world. There are many mouthwatering African cuisines you should try as someone that loves delicious delicacies. These delightful eatables are:

1. Amala( Ewedu and Gbegiri soup)

Amala is a Yoruba food, mostly eaten by the people of Oyo (Ibadan). It is prepared from varieties of yam flour. There is cassava flour made from dried cassava yam, there is also plantain flour made from unripe plantain, and like wise, yam flour made from the dried peels of yam. These crops in their raw form will be dried under the sun. We all know sun-drying is one of the processes of preserving foods. Both varieties are palatable for the tummy, when cooked. Amala is prepared by pouring any of the yam flour into a well boiled water with vigorous turning. Amala is usually not well done with just the first turning, sometimes you have to heat it over and over again, to give it a soft, sticky, and smooth texture with a satisfying taste. Amala prepared from the flours mentioned above is usually black or brown in color; it depends on the kind of flour picked at the market irrespective of the type of yam flour. We have a kind of flour that results into Amala appearing in white color, i.e. the pigeon pea cassava flour. It is best served with Ewedu, Gbegiri soup and beef.

One thing about Amala is the more you cook it, the better it tastes.

2. Eba and Okra Soup

Eba is made from dried grated cassava flour known as 'garri'. It is one of the African foods that is eaten by the West African sub region of Nigeria and Ghana. It is called eba by the Yoruba people. Eba is made from a raw food, which is garri, but appears in two ways, which is either white or yellow. The dried grated cassava flour also goes through one of the processes of preserving foods, which is frying. Palm oil is being added to the one that is yellow when frying. Eba is prepared the same way as Amala, but does not need heating and over heating. It is easy to cook, and not as taxing as Amala. Eba is best served with Okra soup and assorted Beef.

3. Jollof rice (Chicken or Turkey)

Jollof rice is a reddish or orange colored rice (depends on how it is cooked). Although commonly considered as a Nigeria or Ghana recipe, it is eaten by many different cultures in West or Sub-saharan Africa. It is prepared with rice, and other ingredients. It is best served with fried chicken or turkey and vegetable.

4. Semovita (Efo Riro Soup)

Semovita is eaten by all tribe. It is made from wheat, and it is nutritious, healthy, and facilitates digestion. It is usually white in color. It is easy to cook like eba, and it is best served with efo riro and Assorted Beef.

5. Tuwo Shinkafa (Miyan Tashue Soup)

Tuwo Shinkafa is a Nigerian and Niger dish in Africa commonly eaten by the Northern people of Nigeria. It is a thick pudding prepared from overcooked local rice. It is usually white in color. It can be served with miyar kuka, miyar kubewa, and miyar taushe soup, but it is commonly and best served with miyar tashue soup.

  " There is no love sincerer than the love of food"- George Bernard shaw

One might say that native African cuisines invented the love of food. From the mouthwatering sweet delicacies to the eye tearing spicy foods, Africa laid the foundation for the definition of "stealing a man's heart with food". 

There are several a native dishes but the 5 listed below are easy to make wherever you are in Africa

5. Nkwobi 

Nkwobi is a delicious Nigerian delicacy usually ordered in restaurants or from street vendors making it seem like a complicated dish but is very easy to make. It is simply cooked cow foot minced in spicy palm oil paste.

4. Bunny Chow

Bunny chow is a South African dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with sliced curry. The filling can be anything ranging from curry to beans or meat. The best thing about this dish is that you can be creative with it.

3. Yassa

This Senegal dish is very popular throughout West Africa. It is a spicy dish prepared with onions and either marinated poultry or marinated fish. It can be eaten on its own as a dish or you can have it with a side of the white rice.

2. Hawawshi

This is popular Egyptian street food. It is dough stuffed with a mixture of ground beef that is seasoned with spices, onions, garlic, hot peppers and fresh herbs. You can make your dough from scratch or you can buy ready-made dough either ways you are going to end up enjoying your dish.

1. Egusi 

This Nigerian dish is a heart-stopper. Mostly eaten by the Igbo tribe in Nigeria but exceptionally famous in Africa. Made from ground melon seeds high in fat and protein with a mixture of leafy vegetables, this dish is extraordinary. It is eaten either with pounded yam or with rice. 

What dish are you going to start with? 

Where can you get the recipes from? 

Easy, you could get the recipes from the Internet or from famous YouTube cooking channels such as sisi Jemimah and you can try one dish every week.

 

 

If you have read up to this point, your mouth must be watery already. You can satisfy that hunger with any of these and thank me later.

There are many more native food you could eat but I'll advice you should start with these one i listed above and trust me you'll love every mouthful. 

 

Many things bond us together in Africa and food is one of such.

The Culture of Respect, Language, and Greetings in Yoruba Land

Yoruba is a language spoken in West Africa, primarily in Southwestern Nigeria. In the Yoruba tradition, respect, language, and greetings are of great value to the indigenous people.

Respect is an important tradition of the Yoruba, it is a symbol of peace and orderliness. It is a mannerism that the elders do not joke with. Language is also a way of showing respect. Honorific language is used amongst the Yoruba. It is a tradition to accord respect to the older ones, you do not use the pronoun "you", instead, when referring to an older person, Yoruba uses the alphabet 'e' as in the phonetic sound of the first letter in egg and the alphabet "o" in open is used amongst peers. Irrespective of your age, you will be accorded your respect.

Greetings are also one of the traditions, it is one of the values that young people imbibe while growing up. Males prostrate with their full chest touching the ground, while females go down on both knees touching the ground. If you are caught bowing instead of observing this appropriate greeting, you will be termed as being disrespectful. The older one might tell you that "obaje" you are a spoilt brat, or if such people are close to the older ones, he or she might receive"ìgbajú"- slap, or "ìkó"- knock on the head.

Read: 5 Native African Foods You Should Try Out Today

Also, greetings in Yoruba vary, depends on what occasion or time. Good morning is " ekaaro", good afternoon "ekasan", good evening "eku irole or ekale", good night " odaaro", well-done"eku ise", welcome "ekaabo", sorry e pele" and so on. The language being used is very important.

Another aspect of being respectful is offering a seat to the older ones. When the younger one is found seated and there is no vacant space for the older person, the younger one has to stand for such person to seat.

It is noteworthy that offering a visitor water is also one of their traditions. Whenever anyone visits, the first thing they do is to offer the visitor "omi tutu"- chilled water. It is a symbol of care.
One can see how significant these values are in Yoruba land.

Sights and Sounds - A Historical Review of Sokoto, Nigeria

 

The Sokoto state's existence dates back to the 17th century when Bovil suggested that the real district may have been known as Sokoto as early as the time of the century. Sokoto state had been used for many events by different people, at different periods before it present state, which was created in 1996, as at the time Zamfara state was created by General Sanni Abacha.  As at early October 1804, it was used as a meeting place with Galadima, Yunfa's Vizier by Shehu Usman Dan Fodiyo. It was also used as a staging post for an attack on Dufua in the spring of 1806, and also as a military camp or frontier in 1809, when Sheu Usman Dan Fodiyo was at Sifawa. It's being said that the state later became the capital of the caliphate after Shehu's death.

As a state with such fresh moves, and swift transitions, as at 1820, it was at its peak of prosperity with powers of the rulers  at the center of the caliphate who were recieving monthly tribute from all the fiefs before a long period of decline. Sokoto States' effect on the city of being in such state of peak prosperity and powers, and it's closely settled surroundings, like the rivers, rather than long distance trade, in the city's economy impressed explorers like Hugh Clapperton (1827), and Heinrich Barth, who came to the city at 1853. Unfortunately, as at the time he came,  the state was much dilapidated and thinly inhabited, although the market was still well supplied and well attended, and a buzzing suburb outside the wall was more motioning than Sokoto itself. 

Following its thriving trade, as at 19th century, Sokoto was divided into 2 wards. Some of the wards are Magajin Gari ward, Magajin Rafi ward, Waziri ward, Sarkin Muslumi ward, Sarkin Adar ward, Sarkin Zamfara ward, and so on. As at 19th century, the ward were small and surrounded with mosque of Sultan Bello and Shehu, Sultan Palace, the compound of Shehu, and other buildings.

As at 1903, the British conquest the caliphate with it's various components being made autonomous and joined into the government of Northern Nigeria. Thus, the northern region was made up of mainly parts of the Sokoto Caliphate and Kanem - Bornu Empire. The recent Sokoto has been the home of many empires and kingdoms of the pre-colonial western Sudan, which include the Gobir and Kebbi Kingdoms, and the world famous caliphate whose spiritual and political capital is the headquarter of the state, and as at January 1967,  Sokoto became the headquarters of the north-western when General Yakubu Gowon created states to replace regional governments, and following the creation of Niger state out of the North-western state, Sokoto state emerged with its headquarters. Although some states were carved out of the state, like the Zamfara and Kebbi state in 1991 and 1996 respectively, Sokoto city still remains the capital of various governments since it's establishment by Caliph Muhammad Bello in 1809.

The Sokoto city (headquarters of the caliphate) was first built in paper, and then built by Muhammad Bello, after a successful jihad conquest which was led by Shehu Usman Dan Fodiyo (1804-1808). Bello is the son of the sheikh who was among his father's lieutenant and war commanders, and fought the hardest and longest wars, including the war of the conquest of the jihadists. The Sokoto state also known as 'Sakkwato, Birnin Shaihu da Bello' or 'Sokoto, capital of Shaihu and Bello' consisted of all the features of any modern city including roads, bridges, ganuwa( fortification round centers of the town), as well as trade, commercial, and administrative centers, like Dogarawa, Galadanci, Alkalanci, Kanwuri, Binanchi,  Marina, Siriddawa, Makera, Madinka, Takalmawa, Runji, Jirgawa, and the popular central market known as Yardole, to mention a few were all designed by Muhammad Bello, with strong points like Kofar Dudaye, Kofar Aliyu Jedo, Kofar Taramniya, Kofar Market, Kofar Rini, and Kofar Kware. This important development attracted many people to migrate from their locality to the city for survival. The state witnessed more and more immigrants with interest in blacksmithing leather works, pottery, etc. Some of this people either engage in the business of blacksmithing or in other related business as in Makera Asada. That is why you did see Hausas in other part of the country buying damaged iron materials like damaged vehicles, lories, cars, aircraft, etc. Iron pipes and oil tanks in order to break them into pieces and sell them to anybody who wants to use them or modify them into another product. All these cannot be achieved without ganuwa as no Hausa land could develop into an urban center without effective fortification.

The Sokoto state is now the modern day capital of Sokoto state. It is a major city located in the extreme northwest of Nigeria, dominating the lowland where there is the confluence of the Sokoto River and Rima River, with a population of people over 427,670, as at 2006. The city is predominantly Muslims and an important seat of Islamic learning in Nigeria. The Stan who heads the caliphate is effectively the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims. The state has 23 Local Government Areas which are: Binji, Bodinga, Dange-shuni, Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Gawabawa, Illela, Isa, Kware, Kebbe, Rabah, Sabon-Birni, Shagari, Silame, Sokoto-North, Sokoto-South, Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta, Wamakko, Wurno, and Yabo.

Attractive Sights in Sokoto state are: Waziri Junaidu History & Culture Museumr, Suramek, Akalawal, Sultan of Sokoto Palacem, Tomb of Usman Dan Fodiyo, Sokoto Museumr, Heritage Museumi, Gilbadi rocks, Shehu Kangiwa Square, and Goronyo dam, to mention a few.

Welcome to The Seat of The Caliphate✌

I will wake up to my Koffee

It is morning, afternoon, evening or night somewhere in Africa. 

And whenever you read this, you are only present in the past.

Not literally as you think. The different times depict different things to the African man. Morning usually depicts something new, fresh and the beginning of a thing. Afternoon shows strength, will and courage to last. Evening shows ageing, strength in weakness and sometimes resilience. And since everything that had a beginning must have an end, night is rest - death.

Read: 5 Native African Foods You Should Try Out Today

If you are reading this post now, it's either your first time here or you have successfully navigated your way to our anchor post. So, this is the best time to wake up to meet the dawn - a pretty damsel with so much to explore in your love for the day.

By our beliefs, the African is