Benin City, Nigeria

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Benin City, Nigeria

Region: Edo State


Geographic Coordinates: 6.333300, 5.622200
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Population: 1147188
Language: English

Benin City is a historic city located in the southern part of Nigeria, In the Edo State. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and history, Which can be traced back to the 15th century when it was founded by the Edo people. The city has a population of over 1.5 million people, Making it one of the largest cities in Nigeria. One of the most notable features of Benin City is its ancient walls and moats that were built around the city during its heyday as a powerful African kingdom.

These walls were constructed using mud and laterite stones, And they extend for about 10, 000 kilometers around the city’s perimeter. The walls were built to protect against invaders from neighboring tribes and kingdoms. Another significant feature of Benin City is its artistry and craftsmanship. The Edo people are famous for their bronze works, Which date back to as early as the 13th century. These works are highly valued worldwide for their intricate designs and attention to detail. In addition to artistry, Benin City also boasts several museums that showcase its rich cultural heritage.

One such museum is located at Oba Palace Square where visitors can explore artifacts from pre-colonial times such as royal crowns, Ivory carvings, Bronze sculptures among others. The city also has several festivals throughout the year that celebrate different aspects of Edo culture including music, Dance performances like Bata dance which involves drumming with traditional instruments like bata drums made out of wood or animal skin stretched over them; masquerades showcasing elaborate costumes representing different deities or spirits; food festivals featuring local cuisine like pounded yam served with egusi soup or okra stew among others.

Benin City also offers exciting outdoor activities such as visiting Okomu National Park where visitors can see wildlife such as elephants and monkeys; exploring Ososo Hills which offer panoramic views across miles upon miles of lush greenery; visiting the Idanre Hills, A UNESCO world heritage site with stunning rock formations and waterfalls. Benin City is a city rich in history, Culture and tradition. It is a place where visitors can experience the beauty of African artistry, Explore ancient walls and moats that once protected the city from invaders, Enjoy local cuisine at food festivals or take part in traditional dances.

With its museums showcasing artifacts from pre-colonial times to its natural wonders like Ososo Hills or Okomu National Park – there’s something for everyone in Benin City.



Important Landmarks

  1. Benin City National Museum
  2. Oba’s Palace
  3. Igun Street (famous for bronze casting)
  4. Emotan Statue
  5. Okomu National Park
  6. Idia Renaissance Statue
  7. Holy Aruosa Cathedral
  8. Ososo Tourist Centre
  9. Kada Plaza and Filmhouse Cinemas
  10. Udo Park and Zoo

Primary Industries

  1. Agriculture
    • Cultivation of crops such as oil palm, cassava, yam, maize and rice
  2. Manufacturing
    • Production of goods like textiles, footwear, soap and cosmetics
  3. Trading
    • Large market where foodstuff, clothing and electronics are sold
  4. Education
    • Several universities and other educational institutions
    • Attracts students from all over the country
  5. Healthcare
    • Several hospitals and clinics located within Benin City
    • Provides healthcare services to residents of the city and surrounding areas
  6. Banking and Finance
    • Several banks providing financial services to businesses and individuals
  7. Tourism
    • Historical sites like the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin
    • Attracts visitors from all over Nigeria

Noteable History

  1. The Kingdom of Benin was a powerful and prosperous state in Africa from the 15th to 19th century, with Benin City serving as its capital.
  2. Oba Ewuare, a powerful ruler who reigned over the Kingdom of Benin in the 15th century, is credited with expanding and strengthening the kingdom’s political and economic power.
  3. In 1897, a British force led by Admiral Sir Harry Rawson invaded Benin City during the British Punitive Expedition; they looted its treasures, burned down its palace, and exiled its king.
  4. The city is renowned for its bronze artworks which were created during the reigns of various obas (kings) between the 13th and 19th centuries.
  5. The National Museum in Benin City houses an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient times to modern-day Nigeria.
  6. Samuel Ajayi Crowther was captured as a slave but later freed by British abolitionists; he went on to become a Christian missionary, linguist, and bishop in Nigeria.
  7. Festac ’77 brought together artists from around Africa as well as African diaspora communities around the world to celebrate their cultural heritage when Nigeria hosted it in 1977 -the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture-
  8. Tony Momoh served as Minister for Information under President Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime between 1986-1990; he was also a prominent Nigerian journalist.
  9. Olusegun Obasanjo served two terms as president (1999-2007) after having previously served as military head of state from 1976-1979; he is one of Nigeria’s most famous politicians.
  10. In 2005, dozens of people were killed when militants attacked Benin City during what became known as The Benin Massacre; many buildings including the palace were destroyed.

Museums and Things To See

  1. National Museum of Benin City
  2. Oba’s Palace (Igun Street)
  3. Emotan Statue
  4. Okomu National Park
  5. Igun Street (Bronze Casting)
  6. Ososo Tourist Centre
  7. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium
  8. Nigerian Observer Newspaper Head Office and Printing Press
  9. New Benin Market
  10. Ugbowo Campus of the University of Benin


Sports Teams

  1. Bendel Insurance FC: This football club was established in 1972 and is situated in Benin City. They have won multiple national and international titles, including the Nigerian FA Cup in 1978 and the CAF Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.
  2. Edo Queens FC: Founded in 2000, this women’s football club is based in Benin City and has secured several national titles, such as the Nigerian Women’s Football League Championship in 2019.
  3. Edo Dynamos FC: Established relatively recently (in 2017), this football club also calls Benin City home and competes in the Nigeria National League (NNL). They are renowned for their exceptional youth development program.
  4. Edo State Handball Team: The handball team of Edo State has a lengthy history of success both nationally and internationally, having earned numerous medals at events like the National Sports Festival as well as African Handball Championships.
  5. Edo State Basketball Team: Over the years, this basketball team has also achieved some noteworthy accomplishments, including winning medals at various national tournaments such as the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Championship.

All things considered, it is clear that Benin City possesses a dynamic sports culture that remains vibrant to this day thanks to many gifted athletes who represent their city on both domestic and global stages.



Cultural Events

  1. Igue Festival: This is a traditional festival held annually in Benin City to celebrate the Oba (king) and the ancestors of the Bini people.
  2. New Yam Festival: The New Yam Festival is celebrated by the Igbo people of Nigeria to mark the beginning of a new harvest season.
  3. Edo National Carnival: This is a cultural carnival that showcases various aspects of Edo culture, including music, dance, food, and fashion.
  4. Emotan Statue Unveiling Ceremony: The Emotan Statue Unveiling Ceremony was held in 2016 to honor Emotan, a legendary market woman who lived in ancient Benin City.
  5. Olokun Festival: The Olokun Festival is an annual event that celebrates Olokun, the god of the sea and wealth.
  6. Ososo Carnival: The Ososo Carnival is an annual festival held in Ososo town near Benin City to celebrate culture and tradition through music, dance and other forms of entertainment.
  7. Iri-ji (New Yam) Festival: This festival is celebrated by some ethnic groups in Nigeria including those from Benin city as well as other parts of West Africa to mark the beginning of yam harvest season.
  8. Ugie Odudua Celebration: A celebration that commemorates Oduduwa who was believed to be one of Yoruba’s founding fathers.
  9. Owanbe Party: A popular party style where guests come dressed up for parties with lots food, drinks, dancing, music and celebration.
  10. Ososo Cultural Day: An annual cultural day that showcases various aspects of Ososo culture such as traditional dances, folklore tales etc.

Cuisine

  • Pepper soup: A spicy soup made with meat or fish, vegetables, and spices.
  • Ekpoma Rice: A special type of rice grown in Edo State, Nigeria.
  • Bitterleaf Soup: A traditional Nigerian soup made with bitter leaf and other ingredients like meat or fish and spices.
  • Suya: Grilled skewered meat seasoned with spicy pepper sauce.
  • Edikang Ikong Soup: A delicious vegetable soup made with spinach leaves, water leaves, beef or chicken stock and other ingredients like crayfish and palm oil.
  • Mama Ebo’s Kitchen: This restaurant serves authentic African dishes including jollof rice, fried plantains (dodo), pounded yam topped with egusi soup among others.
  • Yellow Chilli Restaurant & Bar: This restaurant offers a fusion of African and Continental dishes including grilled fish served with chips or plantains, seafood linguine pasta among others.
  • Sweet Sensation Confectionery Limited: This is a popular fast-food chain that serves a variety of Nigerian dishes including fried rice & chicken wings combo meal among others.
  • Note that these are just some suggestions based on what is popularly known about Benin City’s cuisine scene!

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Ogba Zoological Garden and Nature Park
    2. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium
    3. Kada Cinemas and Entertainment Center
    4. Edo State Museum
    5. Oba Akenzua Cultural Center
    6. Ugbowo Campus of the University of Benin (UNIBEN)
    7. Igun Street (Bronze Casting)
    8. National Museum, Benin City
    9. Okomu National Park
    10. Olumo Rock Tourist Complex

    Suitcase

    Experience The Extraordinary.


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