₦airaland Forum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDCnxbnrCUo

I also visited Kakara Tea Farm, Mambilla Beverages Nigeria Limited, and joined farmers in plucking fresh tea leaves. Nestled on the Mambilla Plateau at 1,800m above sea level, the farm spans over 615 hectares - the largest tea plantation in West Africa.

The cool climate, fertile volcanic soil, and abundant rainfall make the plateau the perfect location for tea cultivation. Here, both black tea and green tea are produced, with the famous Highland Tea standing tall as Nigeria’s pride and one of Africa’s top teas.

Sadly. Though Taraba is relatively safe from my observation

mariovito:
Beautiful and scenic.

When I was younger, in the early 2000s, I used to nurse the idea of visiting exotic destinations in Nigeria, especially the north.

But the unfolding realities of insecurity made me jettison that thought.

Beauty Of Nature: My Trip To a Waterfall in Mambilla Plateau


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qx5-HfgoXY?si=TJhyPjiNve-IdDXE
The Mambilla Plateau is the most beautiful and coldest place in West Africa.

Mayo Gade Waterfall – Hidden Gem of Mambilla Plateau, Taraba State

After a 4-hour chase (3 hours on bike and 1 hour hike), we finally discovered Mayo Gade Waterfall, a breathtaking beauty tucked away in Furumi, Mambilla Plateau, Taraba State, Nigeria.

The journey wasn’t easy – bumpy bike rides through rugged trails, followed by a challenging hike – but the reward was worth every step. Standing before this untouched waterfall on the Mambilla Plateau felt like stepping into paradise. 🌿

If you’re a lover of nature, waterfalls, and adventure travel in Nigeria, this is a destination you must add to your bucket list. The Mambilla Plateau is not just the home of scenic landscapes, rolling hills, and tea plantations – it also hides magical spots like Mayo Gade Waterfall waiting to be explored.

📍 Location: Furumi, Mambilla Plateau, Taraba State, Nigeria
🔥 Adventure Level: Tough but unforgettable

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDCnxbnrCUo?si=VVboYFy8LqWH6Yt5
Kakara Tea Farm – Overview
Location:
Kakara Tea Farm is located on the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State, Nigeria, sitting at about 1,800 meters above sea level.

Ownership:
The farm is owned by the Taraba State Government and managed through Mambilla Beverages Nigeria Limited.

Size:
It spans over 615 hectares, making it the largest tea farm in West Africa.

Why the Mambilla Plateau?
The farm thrives here because the cool climate, fertile volcanic soil, and heavy rainfall on the plateau create the perfect natural conditions for tea cultivation.

What They Produce: Highland Tea – the flagship brand, considered Nigeria’s finest and among the top teas in Africa. Both black tea and green tea varieties.

The farm supplies both domestic markets in Nigeria and exports internationally.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpJp8lojZOI
Traveling from Abuja to Taraba State is no easy journey. On this route, commuters are forced to cross the River Benue for 40–50 minutes before even getting to the more dangerous Namnai River, which must be crossed twice—once during the day and again at night.

This became the reality after the Namnai Bridge collapsed over a year ago. Since then, thousands of people—motorists, traders, and students—have been left with no choice but to depend on rickety wooden boats and ferries to cross. Vehicles are ferried at at huge amount, while passengers are crammed in without life jackets or proper safety measures.

The danger is ever-present. In July 2025, a boat capsized in Gassol LGA while ferrying passengers and vehicles, leading to the death of at least 3 people and the sinking of several cars. In August, more casualties were recorded, including a pregnant woman and a 5-year-old child. Many families continue to lose loved ones, goods, and vehicles to these tragic mishaps.

Despite promises, the Federal Government has yet to rebuild the bridge. No life jackets considering that more than 2,000 vehicles attempt the crossing daily.

The people of Taraba, alongside Governor Agbu Kefas, have been crying out for urgent intervention. But as each day passes, lives remain at risk.

https://humanglemedia.com/namnai-bridge-stands-between-life-and-death-in-taraba/

https://www.tvcnews.tv/boat-mishap-claims-three-lives-after-heavy-downpour-in-taraba/

https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/passengers-missing-as-boat-capsizes-in-taraba/

Explore Africa and Nigeria. It's a beautiful continent

I hope our own famous Magicland Amusement Park Abuja is well looked out and taken care of..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBDljkcTSeA?si=6LNfbPUQwVDR9i0o

Amusement park ride snaps at Saudi Arabia park, with 23 reported injured


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrIaATVDWmo?si=RIsgr45lTp14xwqW

An amusement park ride malfunction in Saudi Arabia has reportedly left 23 people injured, with three critically hurt.

Video of the incident shows the ride with "360 degrees" written atop it swinging back and forth before the arm with the spinning wheel carrying passengers snapped off the frame of the ride.

Riders can be heard screaming as they plunge to the ground. It happened on Wednesday at Green Mountain Park in Taif, Saudi Arabia, according to reports.
Eyewitnesses said they saw riders had been injured even though they were strapped into their seats at the time of the fall. The central pole recoiled quickly, which also led to injuries, the witnesses said. Injured people were given first aid at the scene before being rushed to the hospital, reports said

Sources
CNN: https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/07/31/middleeast/saudi-arabia-fairground-ride-intl
Fox News: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.foxnews.com/world/amusement-park-ride-snaps-saudi-arabia-park-reported-injured.amp

This Isn’t Dubai — This Is Tulotulo Village in Yusufari LGA, Yobe State 🇳🇬🏜️


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgQP5qOzTMU

Hard to believe, right? But this breathtaking desert landscape with its striking oasis is right here in Nigeria — not the Middle East. Welcome to Tulotulo Village, a hidden gem tucked away in the sands of Yobe State.

If properly developed and promoted, this site could become one of Nigeria’s most iconic tourist destinations — a world-class desert resort that attracts both local and international visitors. Imagine camel rides at sunset, luxury tents under the stars, desert festivals, and cultural experiences that rival the very best of Dubai.

Nigerians spend billions annually vacationing in foreign deserts and luxury oases — yet right here, we have the raw beauty, the mystery, and the potential. We just need vision, investment, and the will to turn it into gold.

🌍 Nigeria is blessed beyond measure — we just need to start treating our treasures like the goldmines they are.
Yobe could be earning millions of dollars yearly from tourism alone.
Let’s dream it. Let’s build it. Let’s own it.

Nigerians gather at the Abuja Airport in anticipation of the Super Falcons' arrival.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBDljkcTSeA?si=30UyJRgHEqPntBw9

Join us as we take on ALL the outdoor rides at Magicland, Abuja!
In this epic adventure, my friends Henry, Bukky, Derrick, and I set out to conquer every single outdoor ride in Nigeria’s biggest amusement park — and trust us, it was a wild ride! From heart-pounding roller coasters to spinning madness and gravity-defying thrills, we experienced it all.

Get ready for laughs, screams, and unforgettable moments as we explore the fun side of Abuja like never before. If you’ve ever wondered what Magicland has to offer, this is your ultimate guide — with vibes!

Beautiful Site to behold

The Yusufari Desert – Nigeria’s “Mini Dubai” You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

When I first heard of Yusufari being called the “Mini Dubai” of Nigeria, I laughed a little. But I was also curious. So, I packed my bag, charged my phone, and made my way to Yobe State in the northeastern part of the country — and what I found was beyond what I imagined.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgQP5qOzTMU

Welcome to the Desert

Yusufari is not like the places we usually visit. It’s quiet. It’s wide. And it’s full of sand — not the dirty kind, but smooth, golden sand that stretches as far as the eyes can see. The sand dunes are tall like hills, and climbing them is no joke. But when you get to the top and look around, you feel on top of the world. The breeze, the silence, the view — it’s something you just have to experience yourself.

It really does feel like a desert city waiting to happen.

Tulo Tulo Oasis – Water in the Middle of the Desert

One of the most surprising things I saw was the Tulo Tulo Oasis. Imagine walking in the hot sun, then suddenly you reach a place full of palm trees, green farms, and cool water. That’s what the oasis looks like. People plant tomatoes, sugarcane, and groundnuts around it. I even drank cold kunu from a local woman and sat under a tree to rest.

It was peaceful. And it made me wonder — how can such beauty exist in a place so hidden?

A Place Full of History

Yusufari is not just sand and water. It’s a place with deep history. I visited Birnin Ngazargamu, an old town that was once the capital of the Kanem-Bornu Empire. Even though most of it is ruins now, standing there gave me goosebumps. I imagined how people lived, traded, and ruled hundreds of years ago.

And don’t forget the famous Dufuna Canoe — the oldest canoe ever found in Africa — which was discovered not too far from here.

Real People. Real Stories.

The people of Yusufari are kind and welcoming. I met young boys guiding their donkeys, women farming with joy, and elders telling stories of the land. Everyone was proud of their town and wished more Nigerians would come see it.

But they also shared their struggles — desertification (the sand is taking over farms), poor roads, and not enough support for tourism. Despite these challenges, they’re doing their best to protect their environment and show the world what they have.

Why You Should Visit Yusufari

Yusufari may not have malls or fancy hotels, but it has something better — peace, nature, and raw beauty. It’s a perfect getaway if you want to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with nature.

If you’re an explorer, a lover of culture, or just someone who wants to try something new, Yusufari should be on your list.


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Quick Travel Tips:

Carry enough water and snacks — shops are few and far between.

Wear light clothes and cover your head — the sun is no joke.

Respect the people and their way of life — you’re a guest.

Go with someone who knows the area or a local guide.

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So yes, Yusufari might not have skyscrapers like Dubai, but it has heart, history, and hope. And for me, that’s more than enough.

https://kanempress.org/yusufari-showcasing-mini-dubai-in-yobe-state-northeastern-nigeria/

https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/local/desertification-forces-yusufari-lg-residents-in-yobe-to-flee-their-homes-2024092617030941297

https://www.google.com/amp/s/naturenews.africa/amp/discovering-yobe-state-the-yusufari-sand-dunes-experience-2/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgL1PeUfkcA
My Visit to Ogbunike Cave – A Scary but Amazing Experience

Ogbunike Cave is in a quiet town called Ogbunike in Anambra State. It’s not just any cave – it’s full of history and stories from long ago. We heard that a hunter named Ukwa discovered it many years ago while chasing an animal. He noticed that animals kept disappearing into the area, and when he checked, he found the cave with many tunnels and chambers.

When we got there, we paid ₦3,000 each to enter the cave. We also gave a small amount of money for the local people to say some prayers before we entered. This is part of the tradition to respect the cave.

To reach the cave, we had to go down 317 steps. It was a long walk down, but the view was beautiful. The place is surrounded by trees and feels peaceful, yet mysterious.

Inside the cave, it was dark and cool — and filled with bats! They were everywhere, flying above us and hanging on the cave walls. At some point, we were literally covered with bats. It was scary, but also exciting.

One of the best parts was seeing where two rivers meet — one is cold (River Nkissa), and the other is warm (the Cave River). They flow side by side but never mix. It was so strange and beautiful.

We also learned that during hard times in the past, people hid in the cave to stay safe. In 2007, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its history, culture, and nature.

Visiting Ogbunike Cave was one of the best adventures I’ve had. It’s a place full of stories, nature, and surprises. If you ever get the chance, you should go — but be ready for bats!

Ogbunike Caves listed as UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5174/

https://www.pulse.ng/articles/lifestyle/food-and-travel/ogbunike-caves-is-one-of-nigerias-most-impressive-natural-wonders-hiding-in-anambra-2024080202572366575

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The Mysterious Source of River Ethiope, Delta State


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_lIDJG-6jM?si=p-maHWZsXoqZ2rOL

The source of River Ethiope is located at Umuaja, a small town in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.

What makes River Ethiope particularly fascinating is that it mysteriously springs from the root of a giant silk-cotton tree (Ceiba pentandra). From this small bubbling spring, it becomes one of the deepest inland rivers in Africa, flowing over 70 kilometers through several towns including Obiaruku, Abraka, and Sapele, before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s a culturally and spiritually significant river, considered sacred by many locals, and is also known for its clean, clear waters and lush surrounding vegetation.

As of now, River Ethiope is not designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also not listed on Nigeria’s official UNESCO Tentative List, which outlines sites under consideration for future nomination.

However, there have been ongoing efforts to protect and recognize the river's ecological and cultural significance. The River Ethiope Trust Foundation (RETFON), established in 1992, has been actively working to safeguard the river's ecosystem and promote its cultural heritage. In collaboration with the Earth Law Center, initiatives have been launched to grant the river legal rights, aiming to set a precedent for environmental protection in Africa.

Here are notable tourist sites along River Ethiope in Delta State, Nigeria, each offering unique cultural, spiritual, or recreational experiences:

1. Source of River Ethiope – Umuaja

Location: Ukwuani LGA
Highlights: Crystal-clear spring from the root of a sacred silk-cotton tree. Believed to be spiritual by locals. Beautiful, serene surroundings.

2. River Ethiope Resort – Abraka

Location: Abraka, Ethiope East LGA
Highlights: Popular for swimming, kayaking, boat rides, and picnics. The clear blue water and natural ambiance make it a perfect relaxation spot.

3. McCarthy Beach – Abraka

Location: Near River Ethiope in Abraka
Highlights: Sandy riverbank, beach-like atmosphere with water sports and social events. A favorite for students and tourists.

4. Sapele Waterfront

Location: Sapele, Ethiope West LGA
Highlights: Where River Ethiope merges with other rivers. Offers canoe rides, fishing experiences, and riverside markets.

5. Umutu/Obiaruku River Banks

Location: Ndokwa West LGA
Highlights: Peaceful riverside environment with lush vegetation, ideal for picnics, nature walks, and photography.

6. Agbon Kingdom River Banks (Okpara Waterside)

Location: Near Abraka
Highlights: Quiet cultural setting with traditional practices related to the river. Often used for festivals and local gatherings.

Would you like help writing a short travel piece or content about visiting the source of River Ethiope?

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/river-ethiope-wonders-river-sprang-cotton-tree/

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The Man Who Built 99 Room Mansion & Paid Ibadan’s Tax! - Sanusi Adebisi Idikan


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ7-XL2v7A0

Sanusi Adebisi Idikan (1882–1938) was a notable entrepreneur and philanthropist from Ibadan, Nigeria. Born into a family of traditional weavers, he expanded their Ofi cloth trade across southwestern Nigeria. By the age of 18, he was so successful that his siblings retired from the business.

He later ventured into large-scale agriculture, owning cocoa plantations in Ashipa village and about 200 acres of farmland in Apata, Ibadan. He became the sole distributor for the British firm Miller Brothers (which later became UAC) and also supplied timber for the Lagos-Ibadan railway between 1898 and 1901.

Adebisi was best known for his philanthropy—most notably paying the taxes of all taxable adults in Ibadan at one time, an act that earned him the nickname “the man who paid tax for the whole of Ibadan.”

He also made history by building the first ever mansion in Ibadan, located in the Idikan area. The grand structure was not only a symbol of his wealth and vision but also an architectural masterpiece of its time. The mansion still stands today and remains a family residence, drawing admiration from locals and historians alike.

In 1926, he was honored with the title Ashaju Baale of Ibadan, marking his rise in the traditional leadership structure. He died on June 21, 1938, at the age of 56, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, leadership, and entrepreneurial excellence.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2016/07/sanusi-adebisi-idikan-1882-1838-first-ibadan-notable-entrepreneur-philanthropist/amp/

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