Auchi, Nigeria

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Auchi, Nigeria

Region: Edo State


Geographic Coordinates: 7.066700, 6.266700
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 35.0°C (77°F to 95°F)
Population: 150000
Language: Edo

Auchi is a lively town located in Edo State, Nigeria, Situated about 30 kilometers from the state capital of Benin City. The town is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and bustling commercial activities. Auchi Polytechnic, One of Nigeria’s largest polytechnics, Is located in this town. With a population of over 100, 000 people, Auchi has a diverse mix of ethnic groups like the Etsako, Ibo, Yoruba and Hausa people. Visitors are welcomed by the hospitable locals who take pride in their cultural heritage.

One must-see attraction in Auchi is Ojirami Dam which provides water supply for domestic and agricultural purposes. Tourists can enjoy breathtaking views while taking a boat ride on this dam. Exploring vibrant markets such as Sabo Market where traders sell food items to textiles or Jattu Market where fresh produce like vegetables and fruits are sold at affordable prices should be on every tourist’s itinerary. During festivals like Afashioke Festival held annually in December, Auchians showcase their love for music and dance while wearing traditional attires made with colorful fabrics.

Notable personalities produced by Auchi include Tony Momoh (former Minister of Information), John Momoh (CEO Channels Television) amongst others who have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s socio-political development. visiting Auchi provides tourists with an opportunity to experience Nigerian culture at its finest through friendly locals, Vibrant markets filled with local products and beautiful landscapes that showcase nature’s beauty.



Important Landmarks

  1. Auchi Polytechnic – a federal polytechnic located in Auchi
  2. Jattu waterfall – a beautiful waterfall located in Jattu village
  3. Otaru Palace – the traditional palace of the Otaru of Auchi Kingdom
  4. Idah Mountain – a scenic mountain range that offers hiking and camping opportunities
  5. Okene-Auchi Road – the major road linking Auchi to other parts of Nigeria
  6. Etsako East Local Government Council Secretariat
  7. The National Museum at Benin City
  8. The Igarra Market Square

Primary Industries

  1. Agriculture
    • Crops grown: yam, cassava, maize, rice, vegetables
  2. Banking & Finance
    • Several banks have branches located within the city
  3. Educational Institutions
    • The Federal Polytechnic in Auchi is one of the leading higher education institutions in Nigeria
  4. Healthcare Services
    • Several hospitals and clinics providing healthcare services to residents within Auchi’s city limits
  5. Manufacturing
    • Small scale manufacturing companies producing goods like soap, cosmetics, and plastic products
  6. Textile Production
    • Auchi’s textile industry produces fabrics such as Ankara prints which are popular across Africa
  7. Trading
    • Numerous markets within the city offer traders the opportunity to sell a variety of goods including food items, clothing materials, and electronics
  8. Transportation
    • Due to its strategic location along major highways linking different parts of Nigeria together, transportation services such as bus transport thrive in the area

Noteable History

  1. Auchi is a town in Nigeria with a rich history dating back to pre-colonial times.
  2. One of the most notable figures associated with Auchi is Oba Eresoyen, who was known for his bravery and leadership qualities during the 19th century.
  3. Unfortunately, Auchi was destroyed by the British during their invasion of Benin City in 1897, which had a significant impact on the town’s development.
  4. In more recent times, Auchi has produced many prominent individuals such as Alhaji Hassan Usman Katsina, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture in the early 1980s.
  5. The Federal Polytechnic in Auchi is also one of Nigeria’s leading technical institutions and has produced many notable graduates over the years.
  6. Other famous individuals from Auchi include Osayande Osagie, a Nigerian artist from Edo state; Dr Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo, an international oil industry expert; and Idris Wada, a Nigerian politician who served as Governor of Kogi State between 2012-2016.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Auchi Polytechnic Art Gallery
  2. The Oba’s Palace
  3. The Auchi Central Mosque
  4. The National Museum of Colonial History, Auchi
  5. The Idah Ironsmelter Monument
  6. The Igarra Stone Monoliths
  7. Ososo Tourist Resort and Nature Park
  8. Okpella Cave and Waterfalls
  9. Agbede Shrine and Cultural Centre
  10. Owan West LGA Secretariat



Cultural Events

  1. Ekaba Festival: This traditional festival is celebrated annually by the people of Auchi as a way to mark the end of the farming season. It usually takes place in November and includes colorful masquerades, music, dance performances, and feasting.
  2. Edo State Cultural Festival: This week-long event celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Edo state. It takes place in December and features traditional dances, music performances, fashion shows, food exhibitions, and other cultural displays.
  3. Auchi Day Celebration: The Auchi community organizes this annual event to celebrate their town’s history and culture on October 4th every year. Parades are held along with performances by local artists and musicians as well as speeches from community leaders.
  4. Eid al-Fitr: Muslims worldwide celebrate this religious festival to mark the end of Ramadan fasting period every year.
  5. Christmas Celebration: As a predominantly Christian town situated in Nigeria’s Muslim-dominated north-central region, Christmas celebration is also observed with fanfare every December 25th with church services followed by merriment at various locations within the town.
  6. New Yam Festival (Iwa-Ji): Although not primarily an Auchi festival but being part of Igbo culture which has been embraced by many communities across Nigeria including Auchi; this harvest festival marks the beginning of yam cultivation season among Igbo people around August/September each year featuring yam-eating contests amongst others.

It is important to note that due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions most events have been cancelled or scaled down over time so it’s always best to check before attending any event/festival in person for safety purposes.


Cuisine

  • Edo Delight Restaurant: This restaurant serves authentic Edo cuisine such as pounded yam and egusi soup, banga soup, and pepper soup.
  • Mama Ose’s Kitchen: This restaurant is known for its delicious jollof rice, fried rice, and assorted meat dishes.
  • Jevinik Restaurant: Jevinik serves a variety of Nigerian dishes including suya, pepper soup, and pounded yam with various soups.
  • Afrikan Fusion Restaurant: This restaurant offers a fusion of African cuisines from different regions such as Ghanaian fufu with Nigerian egusi soup.
  • Uyi Grand Hotel & Suites: The hotel has a restaurant that serves both local and continental dishes including seafood platters and grilled chicken.
  • Ojez Restaurant & Bar: This popular spot is known for its live music performances on weekends while serving Nigerian delicacies like isi ewu (spicy goat head) to customers.
  • Mama Cass Kitchen: Another famous spot for authentic African cuisine in Auchi is Mama Cass Kitchen which offers varieties of soups like okra or vegetable soups with semolina or amala (yam flour).

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Iyakpi Park is a well-known recreational area in Auchi that offers a variety of activities such as picnicking, jogging, and walking.
    2. The Auchi Polytechnic Sports Complex is open to the public and provides facilities for various sports including football, basketball, volleyball, athletics and more.
    3. The Jattu Wildlife Park located near Auchi town in Jattu village offers visitors the chance to see several wildlife species such as monkeys, antelopes, baboons and others.
    4. Etsako East Local Government Area Stadium hosts numerous sporting events including football matches and athletic competitions.
    5. Ogbona Lake Resort situated in nearby Ogbona town features a stunning lake where visitors can enjoy fishing or boating.
    6. Okpekpe Road Race Route is famous for hosting the annual Okpekpe Road Race which attracts athletes from all over Nigeria and beyond.
    7. Idahosa University Sports Complex is accessible to the public with facilities available for football, basketball among others.
    8. Owan West LGA Stadium located in Sabongida-Ora hosts various sporting events including football matches and athletic competitions.

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