Things To Do in Abuja

Spending the holiday season in Abuja? Contrary to what I've heard a few times, you have options of things to do create pleasant memories.

Abuja, a planned city, became the capital of Nigeria in December 1991. It is often referred to as the administrative capital. Some people tend to feel that there is a certain artificial aspect to it. I live in Abuja and I like the city. I think it is one of those cities that has some hidden gems worth exploring.

Abuja has 6 area councils: Abaji area council, Abuja Municipal Area council (AMAC), Bwari area council, Gwagwlada area council, Kuje area council and Kwali area council.

Here are a few activities you might want to try.

1) The National mosque

The foundation of the mosque was laid in 1982. It is one of the oldest buildings in Abuja and the biggest in Africa according to our guide. It can accommodate an estimated 15,000 worshippers. The architecture and construction were done by Italians, it was commissioned in 1991 and is located in the Central Business District (CBD).

In 2003, President Olusegun Obasanjo visited and officially declared the mosque a national

monument.  

When we got in, we were directed to the Administrative block. There we were given the information above about the mosque and assigned a guide to show us around.

Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos

I visited Lekki Conservation Centre in 2014 but I hardly remember much from that visit. Maggie, suggested we visit last week and it was such good fun. 

The entire centre stands on about 78 hectares. It is open every day but on Mondays. To visit, you'll need to make a reservation online. We didn't know this, by the time we got to the gate, the guard asked if we had made a reservation. He insisted that we do before he let us in.

Sunday picnic at Gurara waterfalls

Gurara waterfalls is in Niger state and is roughly 145km by car from Abuja. Niger State is a neighbouring state, North West of Abuja. 

It takes two hours and a half or more to get there, depending on your speed. The road from Abuja is smooth, and there is more than enough to see on the way.

Heading out of Abuja

Express way in Niger state

Approaching the famous Zuma rock in Niger state

Time in Borno and Yobe states, North East Nigeria

Welcome to Maiduguri, Borno state

I have spent over two weeks between Maiduguri and Damaturu. As I had never been to Damaturu, I was unsure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. There will be more photos than writing in this post.



Grocery shopping