Sapele, Nigeria

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Sapele, Nigeria

Region: Delta

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Geographic Coordinates: 5.826100, 5.653600

Climate: Tropical climate with rainy and dry seasons.

Population: 242652

Language: English

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Sapele is a city located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, In the Delta State. It is situated on the banks of the Benin River and has a population of over 200, 000 people. The city was founded by a British colonial administrator, John Holt, In 1895 and served as one of the major trading centers for palm oil and timber during that time. The economy of Sapele heavily depends on agriculture and fishing. The fertile soil in the region supports various crops such as cassava, Yam, Plantain, Maize, Rice, And vegetables.

Fishing is also an important activity with large quantities of fish caught from both fresh water rivers and saltwater lagoons. Sapele has a rich cultural heritage with diverse ethnic groups such as Urhobo, Isoko, Itsekiri among others residing there. These groups have their unique traditions which are reflected in their festivals such as Ema festival (Urhobo), Iwere festival (Itsekiri) among others.

The city also has several tourist attractions which include museums like Sapele Museum that showcases artifacts from different ethnic groups; Olu Palace – an ancient palace built-in 1914 by King Olu Erejuwa II; Amukpe Market – one of West Africa’s largest markets where visitors can buy local products like textiles made from locally grown cotton. Education is also an essential aspect of life in Sapele with several primary schools to tertiary institutions available for students to attend. Some notable educational institutions include Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro Campus located within Sapele town limits offering courses ranging from engineering to business management.

Transportation within Sapele includes motorbikes popularly known as Okada which serves as taxis for short distances while buses are used for longer distances between towns or cities nearby. Sapele offers visitors a unique blend of culture and tradition alongside modern amenities making it an excellent destination for tourists. The city’s rich history, Fertile land, And diverse ethnic groups make it an exciting place to visit.

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1. Okpeye Market: This is one of the largest markets in Sapele where visitors can purchase a variety of goods including clothing, food items, and household products.
2. Olu Palace: A historic landmark that represents the traditional leadership structure of Sapele and provides insight into local culture.
3. Amukpe Roundabout: Located at the entrance to Sapele, this roundabout features a large statue of a fisherman with his catch and has become an iconic symbol of the city.
4. New Era College: Founded by Chief James Onanefe Ibori in 1996, this college is among Nigeria’s top schools.
5. Okumagba Stadium: Hosts various sporting events like football matches and track meets throughout the year.
6. Ugborhen Community Lake: A picturesque lake with stunning views that attract tourists for relaxation purposes.
7. Eku Baptist Church Historical Site & Museum which houses artifacts from colonial times.
8. Okere Urhobo Kingdom Palace which serves as home to His Royal Majesty Emmanuel Efeizomor II (JP) JP (CON), The Ovie Of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom.

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Major Industries and Businesses in Sapele, Nigeria

1. Agriculture
• Crops such as cassava, yam, maize, and rice are farmed on a large scale
2. Oil and Gas
• Several companies operate in the area
3. Timber Industry
• Home to one of the largest timber markets in Nigeria
4. Manufacturing
• Produces products such as textiles, soap, and plastics
5. Retail Trade
• Thriving sector with many shops selling goods ranging from food to clothing
6. Hospitality Industry
• Hotels and restaurants catering to tourists and business travelers
7. Education Sector
• Several educational institutions including primary schools, secondary schools, colleges of education, polytechnics, and universities
8. Healthcare Services
• Access to several hospitals providing healthcare services within the city

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1. Sapele Massacre occurred on February 16, 1898, when British colonial forces opened fire on a peaceful protest by Urhobo and Isoko people in Sapele. The incident resulted in over 20 deaths and several injuries.
2. Ernest Ikoli was a prominent journalist and political activist from Sapele who played a significant role in Nigeria’s struggle for independence.
3. Michael Ibru was a successful businessman from Sapele who founded the Ibru Organization, one of Nigeria’s largest conglomerates.
4. David Dafinone was a renowned accountant and philanthropist from Sapele who served as a senator during Nigeria’s Second Republic.
5. Olu Akpata was an influential lawyer and human rights activist from Sapele who played an instrumental role in the fight against military dictatorship in Nigeria.
6. Samuel Ogbemudia served as the governor of Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States) and oversaw the development of infrastructure projects in Sapele during his tenure.
7. The Warri-Sapele Railway Line construction marked a significant milestone for transportation infrastructure development linking Warri to Sapele regionally.
8. Ufuoma McDermott is an actress, producer, and director known for her work in Nollywood films such as The Women & Wives on Strike’, hailing from Sapele town.

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1. Sapele Museum showcases the history and culture of the Sapele people, including their traditional art, music, and crafts.
2. Orodje Palace is the traditional palace of the Orodje (king) of Sapele. It represents the rich cultural heritage of the Sapele people.
3. Okirighwre Forest Reserve is an excellent place to explore nature and wildlife in Sapele. Visitors can go on guided tours or hike through forest trails.
4. St John’s Anglican Church was built in 1908 and has been an important landmark in Sapele ever since. It features beautiful stained glass windows and intricate woodwork.
5. Tafawa Balewa Square is located in the heart of town, a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike with a large fountain, gardens, and seating areas to relax and enjoy scenery.
6. Warri City Stadium hosts many sporting events throughout the year such as football matches (soccer) & track & field competitions.
7. Delta Mall offers modern shopping options with a wide range of stores selling clothes, electronics, groceries books & more!
8. Abraka Turf & Country Club features an 18-hole golf course surrounded by lush greenery for golf enthusiasts to enjoy!

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1. Sapele is renowned for its love of football, with many talented players emerging from the area. Some have even gone on to play professionally both locally and internationally.
2. The town boasts several notable football clubs, including:
• Warri Wolves FC – a professional football club that was established in 2000. It is based in Warri, Delta State which is close to Sapele. The team has been playing in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) since 2012.
• Remo Stars FC – initially founded in Sagamu, Ogun State but relocated to Sapele due to security concerns. They currently compete in the Nigerian National League (NNL).
• Delta Force FC – formerly known as Kada City FC before relocating from Kaduna State to Asaba, Delta State where they are now based.
3. There may be other local teams or amateur leagues within Sapele that are not well-known outside of the area but still contribute significantly to the town’s sporting culture.

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1. Sapele Okirika Festival: This festival celebrates the traditional art of canoe making and fishing in the area. It usually takes place in August.
2. Eruemukowharien Festival: This is a yearly festival that celebrates the culture and traditions of the Okpe people who live in Sapele.
3. Odogun Traditional Wrestling Festival: This is a wrestling competition that takes place annually between different communities in Delta State, including Sapele.
4. New Yam Festival: The New Yam Festival is a harvest festival celebrated by various communities across Nigeria, including Sapele.
5. Eid al-Fitr: As a predominantly Muslim community, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy by residents of Sapele.
6. Christmas Celebration: Christmas is also celebrated by Christians living in Sapele with carol singing and other festivities.
7. Independence Day Celebration: Every year on October 1st, Nigerians celebrate their independence from British colonial rule with parades and other events across the country.

These are just some examples of cultural events and festivals that take place in Sapele throughout the year.

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• Eghwobobo Restaurant – This restaurant is known for its delicious African dishes such as Egusi soup, Okro soup, and Banga soup.
• Mama Cass Restaurant – A popular chain in Nigeria that serves a variety of Nigerian dishes including jollof rice, fried rice, and plantain.
• Buka Hut – This restaurant specializes in traditional Nigerian dishes such as pounded yam and egusi soup.
• Foodies Kitchen – They serve a mix of African and continental cuisine with dishes like grilled fish, chicken stir fry, and fried rice.
• Jevinik Restaurant – A chain of restaurants with several locations across Nigeria including Sapele; they serve traditional Nigerian dishes like amala with ewedu soup or ogbono soup.
• Delightful Kitchen – They offer both local Nigerian food as well as Chinese cuisine options like stir-fry noodles or fried rice.
• Obi’s Diner & Bar – A casual dining spot that serves burgers, sandwiches alongside some traditional Nigerian meals like pepper soup or suya (spicy meat skewers).

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Parks and Recreation

1. Oghene Road Park
2. Sapele Stadium
3. Orodje Palace Gardens
4. Okirighwre Park
5. Ovwian Grammar School Field
6. Sapele Waterfront
7. Amukpe Roundabout Park
8. Elume Lake Resort and Recreation Center
9. Ogodo Primary School Field

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Create Memories, Travel Often.

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