42nd,JCI Nigeria National Convention |Abeokuta|October 9-12,2014|Green Legacy Resort, OOPL, NNPC Mega Station, Abeokuta | OLUMO ROCK; THE PRIDE OF ABEOKUTA OGUN STATE A lot has been said about the historic, famous Olumo rock, situated at Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Sitting on a large expanse of land with massive rock formation, it is perhaps the most popular and one of the most prestigious tourist sites in Ogun state and Nigeria, at large. It is also worthy to mention that the name of the town “ Abeokuta” is derived from the rock (a word meaning under the rock). Dating from 1825, Abeokuta owes its origin to the inroads of slave hunters from Dahomey and Ibadan, which compelled the village populations scattered over the open county to take refuge among the rocks surrounding the city. Here they constituted themselves into a free confederacy of many distinct groups, each preserving the traditional customs, religious rites and even the very names of their original villages. History tells us that those early settlers of the area hid under Olumo rock, using it as refuge against enemy attacks. Abeokuta is the largest city and capital of Ogun State in southwest Nigeria and is situated on the Ogun River; 64 miles north of Lagos by railway, or 81 miles by water. As of 2005, Abeokuta and the surrounding area had a population of 593,140. Abẹokuta lies in a fertile county, the surface of which is broken by masses of grey granite. It is spread over an extensive area, being surrounded by mud walls, 18 miles in extent. Palm-oil, timber, rubber, yams and shear-butter are the chief articles of trade. It lies below the Olumo Rock, home to several caves and shrines. The town depends on the Oyan River Dam for its water supply. The original settlers of Abeokuta were of the Egba nation. Later, some members of other Yoruba clans came to the city. Baptist and Anglican missionaries operated in the area in the 19th century. In 1851 and 1864, the forces of Abẹokuta defeated Dahomean slave raiders. In 1893, the Egba United Government based in Abẹokuta was recognized by the United Kingdom. In 1914, the city was made part of the colony of Nigeria by the British. Abeokuta is just about an hours drive from the bustling metropolitan city of Lagos, providing convenient access to an array of hotels, restaurants, clubs, casinos and various nightlife activities. Lagos is also home to the closest international airport to Abeokuta, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Tourists to Africa and Nigeria definitely need to consider putting Olumo rock on their travel plans. New renovations were completed in early 2006 and the infrastructure at the site was upgraded to include a new museum, restaurants, water fountain and an elevator that reduces the climbing challenge and provides a wonderful view of the surrounding city. A visit to this ancient site shows a great interplay between the modern and the ancient with the provision of facilities like 3 panoramic elevators for tourists who can’t go through the rigour of climbing the stairs to the peak of the rock as well as for the physically challenged, aged and children. The stairs are also an added construction. The ancient Itoku market, where local artisans and traders enjoy haggling over price just as much as the customers like to find a bargain, lies just outside the Olumo rock premises and is a must-see. The market is the center of the indigenous Abeokuta industry of tie-and-dye, locally known as adire. Adire crafters, usually women, both old and young, show off their designs in sheds alongside the roads. Behind these sheds are buildings where many of these crafters live and work and their parents before them. In places where the plaster has cracked off the walls, you may see traces of the mud bricks used in the original construction. The locals are very friendly and, if asked, will often give tourists and visitors informal tours of the dyeing processes. Other popular items to watch out for include local beads, bracelets, sculptures and musical instruments like the sekere and talking drum. A trip to Olumo rock usually commences with a climb up the man-made stairs carved into the rock. While this sounds easy enough, it leaves many breathless and ready to take a break to rest on the benches under the trees growing from the rock and enjoy some clean breeze. The journey continues with climbs on irregularly sized rocks (or ladders which are now thankfully provided) through a narrow corridor that leads to the top of the rock. All along the way, catch sights of carvings in the rock, cowry-studded statues and the ancient abode of the priestesses who live in huts on the rock. And yes, it is not uncommon to catch a sight of the very aged women who live there and mutter greetings or blessings as people make their way through. Only the strong and brave could formerly climb the rock. Before the advent of the stairs, tourists had to jump at some points of the rock, while some were carried across other difficult points by tour guide or friends. However, the experience was worth the rigour as one climbed the stairs at some point and had to jump at other points where there were no stairs. The joy of it all is the beautiful scenery that gradually builds as one goes higher. One will come across points on the rock like the Olumo Main shrine, The Egba War hide out, where early inhabitants hid. The holes they dug as grinding stones are also still visible. As one walks around the rock, one will hear voices from another angle of the rock; these voices are those of the natives who live there on the rock. Priestesses who are faithfuls of the ancient Yoruba cosmology, adding that believers of their faith still come for consultation. The relationship between the rock and its inhabitants has an ancient and modern co-existence side by side within the framework of the rock. Summarily, the Olumo rock is a living Museum of undeterminable age. It is often helpful to enlist the services of a guide who possess vast knowledge of the history of the rock and the culture of the people. This makes for an interesting climb as every twist and turn will reveal a significant story, making the trip a truly memorable one. On the way back down the rock, the sight of the Ogun River, running like a silver chain amidst a forest of aged red corrugated roofs, bordered by thick green forests which melt into the horizon, is breathtaking. The Olumo rock is a must see for everyone. One step through the gate and you’ll immediately feel serenity and nature at its best. UNVEILING OUR CUSTODIAN OF CULTURE AND TRADITION ARE NEXT NAMELY ALAKE OF EGBALAND, OSIELE OF OKE-ONA EGBA, AGURA OF GBAGURA LAND AND OLOWU OF OWU KINGDOM. Looking forward to welcome you to city of Abeokuta in the month of October.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 09:04:12 +0000