Benue Tourism and recreation

The recent emphasis placed by the Federal Government of Nigeria on tourism is predicated on the realization that tourism as an industry is a great earner of foreign exchange. Furthermore, the fact that leisure is increasingly gaining some prominence even in developing Nations means that more people are saving money to travel just for recreation. The development of scenic views, hotels, cultural displays and the exploitation of the existing tourist attractions appear to be an obvious mandate.

Benue State possesses enormous tourist potentials which are yet to be tapped. The geographic location of the state in the way of a trunk A road from South-eastern Nigeria, a railway from Port Harcourt to Northern Nigeria and an important waterway from the south to the north of Nigeria makes a good case for the state to attract visitors both from within and outside Nigeria. The development of ancillary facilities such as roads and other infrastructures will greatly enhance the status of tourism in Benue State.

The State Government has taken several commendable measures to pave the way for full exploitation of tourism on August 27, 1977; a study in the development of tourism in the state was commissioned by the state government through ALP AL Consultants based in Kano. The consultants recommended some major zones for both large and small scale development of tourism in the state. The state was also advised to and indeed embarked on the development of ancillary facilities such as roads, hotels, postal services, potable water, electricity and recreational sites.

Oju Local Government Area

There are so many tourist sites scattered around Igedeland. The most popular in Oju local government area are:

1. The Statue of the legendary Ogbiloko

Located at: Oju Local Government Secretariat

2. The historic open fire furnace, UTYO

Located at: Ibilla – Alukpo

3. The most sacred Ipinu – Igede

This forest is believed to be the dwelling place or the abode of the ancestors of the Igede people. Far – reaching decisions that need the consultations of the spirits seek pilgrim there.

4. The Andibilla Hills

These hills have waterfalls and are rich in some mineral deposits

5. Uwokwu Hills

These hills have waterfalls and are rich in some mineral deposits

6. Uchenyim Hills

These hills have waterfalls and are rich in some mineral deposits

7. Ohuma Hills

These hills have waterfalls and are rich in some mineral deposits

8. River Oyongo and its seven tributaries

It is believed that during the migration of the Igede people from Ora down to their present location, they had a challenge of how to cross over the river. Upon consultation with the spirits, seven women offered themselves to be sacrificed, the river parted ways into seven parts. The seven parts are still visible till today.

6. The Ilene lake

Located at: Okileme