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Onitsha is a city of 1.5 million people (2021) in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria. Onitsha can claim two distinctions. First, it is said to have the largest market in Africa in terms of volume of goods and geographical size. And, secondly, in a more sordid sense, it was ranked the most polluted city in the world by WHO in 2016.
Understand
[edit | edit source]The city has had a somewhat tumultuous past. From the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries, it was developed as a centre of trade and dissemination of Christian mission work by the British. Following Nigerian independence though, Onitsha fared front and centre and lay decimated by collateral damage during the Nigerian-Biafran war of 1967-1971. Since then, oil ventures have brought in a stream of revenue but along with it swaths of people seeking a piece of that prize, resulting in overcrowding, lawlessness, and zoning unsightliness.
Onitsha is also distinguished by being a centre of Nollywood film distribution and the navigable endpoint for most shipping up the Niger River.
Climate
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Onitsha has two seasons,the wet season and the dry season with a short spell of harmattan. The wet season is mostly cold and partly warm, oppressive, and overcast. It starts from April to September annually. The dry season that is usually hot, muggy, and partly cloudy starts from late October of the previous year to March of the coming year. Harmattan starts from December to February.
Get in
[edit | edit source]By plane
[edit | edit source]It is fairly directly connected to Lagos by road, some 450 km away. There is also some limited regional transit by air available through Asaba International Airport ABB IATA nearby.
- 1 Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport Umueri (ICAO). Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport Umueri is the main airport serving Anambra State and is located at Umueri in Anambra East Local Government Area. The airport is approximately 17.6 km from Onitsha, making it one of the closest airports to the city. The airport is connected to Onitsha primarily by road. The principal airport access road links the airport with the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway.
By bus
[edit | edit source]Through the Niger Bridge, you can travel by road to Onitsha. There are several transport companies that operate routes to Onitsha, including GUO Transport, Peace Mass Transit Ltd, GIGM (God is Good Motors Ltd), Evergreen Transport, Ezenwata Motors, Young Shall Grow Motors, Libra Motors, Okeyson Investment Ltd., and many others. From about ₦3,000, you can get a vehicle from nearby destinations, but the exact fare depends on your departure location.
Get around
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There are tricycles and cabs everywhere which one can easily board to move to anywhere within the city.
See
[edit | edit source]
Onitsha is a little short on sights.
- 1 Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity Cathedral, Awka Rd (off Mission Road north of market), ☏ +234 7066006646. On the bank of the Niger River where the first missionaries landed in the Onitsha area circa 1850, and where the first Nigerian priest to be beatified, Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, is buried. Seat of archbishop for Anambra state.
- 2 Nelson Mandela Gardens, Asaba (next to the Asaba Airport), ☏ +234 7061842154. Mon-Sat 10AM-7PM, Sun noon-7PM, closed Mon. A little park commemorating Nelson Mandela with an ostrich.
- 3 Onitsha Bridge. Just a sight in passing really, but the centre-truss bridge is a prominent landmark of Onitsha. Completed in 1965, it allowed for vast improvement in commerce and transportation between the east and west of Nigeria. Although it was destroyed during the Nigerian Civil War, it was later repaired during the Jonathan Goodluck administration.
- 4 Igbo-Ukwu Museum, Igbo Ukwu (very close to Union Hospital along Nnobi-Ekwulobia Road), ☏ +234 7017895370. Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM. Displays 9th-century bronze artifacts of the Igbo-Ukwu people that demonstrate they were the first highly sophisticated bronze metal-working culture of West Africa and had trade networks with groups as far away as the Nile Valley.
- 5 Zik Mausoleum and Conference Centre, Inosi-Onira Retreat, ☏ +234 7041275164. 08:00 - 15:00 daily. The Zik Mausoleum is a memorial complex in Onitsha dedicated to Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria's first president. It contains Azikiwe's tomb and forms part of a larger complex with a museum, library, archives, research facilities and conference halls. The complex was completed in 2018 and officially commissioned in January 2019. The mausoleum is located at Inosi-Onira, an area associated with Azikiwe's residence in Onitsha.
- 6 All Saints' Cathedral Onitsha (All Saints), Ozalla Road by Akwa Road (from the Onitsha city centre, follow the road towards the GRA/American Quarters area), ☏ +234 8035211195, info@dioceseontheniger.org. All Saints' Cathedral the seat of the Anglican Diocese on the Niger. The cathedral has an important place in the history of Christianity in Onitsha and southeastern Nigeria. The Anglican mission established its presence in Onitsha in the 19th century, while plans for the cathedral developed in the 20th century. Its foundation stone was laid on 9 November 1949 by Sir John MacPherson, then Governor-General of Nigeria, and the completed cathedral was dedicated on 1 November 1992. The cathedral is also a prominent architectural and historical landmark in the city.
- 7 Nnamdi Azikiwe Statue (Zik Statue), DMGS Roundabout (at the junction of Awka road, Oguta road, Ozalla road and Upper New Market road). The Statue at DMGS roundabout in Onitsha is a bronze sculpture created by Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu in 1964. The existing monument was substantially remodelled in 2018 under Governor Willie Obiano, when its pedestal was reconstructed and raised and the surrounding roundabout was redesigned with elephant tusk and bead sculptures reflecting Onitsha's cultural heritage.
- 8 Five Elephant Tusk Sculptures, DMGS Roundabout. It's one of the city's most distinctive contemporary public artworks. It was created and installed in 2018 and forms part of the major remodeling of DMGS Roundabout. The sculpture consists of five enormous tusk-like forms arranged around the central monument of Nnamdi Azikiwe. It is said to represent the traditions of Onitsha while some say it represents the five Southeastern states in Nigeria.
- 9 Ime Obi Ọnịcha (Palace of Obi of Onitsha). Ime Obi Ọnịcha is the official palace and traditional headquarters of the Obi of Onitsha, serving as the cultural, historical and administrative heart of the Onitsha kingdom. Historically, each of the two royal clans Okebunabo and Umuezearoli maintained their own palace (Okwu Eze) until 1984 when the current Ime Obi was established at Ezechima Square. The sacred complex includes the palace grounds (Ilo-Eze) and the public entrance (Onu-Ilo-Eze). The palace features the traditional courtyard where court sessions are held every Wednesday. The Obi and Ndichie (chiefs) preside over the court sessions and cases are being settled among grieving parties. The palace also features an art gallery, a library, conference halls and pavilion (where visitors and indigenes sit when there's an event). The throne room (also known as Iba Ofufe) is where the Obi hosts and receives visitors. In the palace ground, there could be found several busts of past kings of Onitsha.
Do
[edit | edit source]- 1 Onitsha Market, Edozie Lane, ☏ +234 7065562455. Claimed to be the biggest market in Africa by geographic size, likely to be a little intense. One sector is focused on electronics.
- 2 Onitsha River Beach. Well, the river might smell like poo, but it's a beach anyway. Actually, this is quite a busy locale as there is a major sand harvesting operation going on here, with (naked?) guys jumping off of pirogues to scoop up sand from the riverbed, all of which is sold for profits. But, all in all, with this and the amount of waste entering the river, this might not be a very nice place to hang out.
- 3 Iyke Christian Brother Trading Enterprise, Ochanja Market, Zik ave, city centre, ☏ +234 803-447-9245. Opens 7AM, closes 6PM. This place is amazing for shopping. It's a place where you can get all kinds of footwear at a very affordable rate. It's also one of the big markets in Onitsha.
- Ofala Festival. Takes place annually in October. Ofala festival in Onitsha is considered unique because it is the first Ofala in the Igbo tribe.
- Aja Chi. Aja Chi is a June thanksgiving ceremony in the traditional Onitsha calendar. It involves thanksgiving and sacrifice to invoke one's personal Chi for assistance in achieving a successful harvest. The ceremony reflects the agricultural and spiritual foundations of traditional Onitsha society.
- Umatu (Ite Umatu). Umatu, held around August, celebrates the new maize (corn) harvest. The ceremony involves the Obi, heads of clans, spiritual heads of kindreds, red-cap chiefs (Ndichie) and other members of the community. It marks the beginning of the harvest celebrations and the enjoyment of the new crop.
- Owuwa Ji (Iwa Ji). Owuwa Ji, usually associated with September - October, is the yam harvest festival of Onitsha. It is celebrated by the different quarters of the community and is associated with traditional celebrations, masquerade performances and, traditionally, the initiation of adolescent boys into masquerade societies. The festival reflects the historic importance of yam cultivation to Onitsha society. Traditionally, food cooked and eaten during this festival are pounded yam with nsala soup and roasted yam with palm oil with a special vegetable leaf that's only eaten during this festival.
- 4 Ofala (Ofala Eze Ọnịcha), Ime Obi Ọnịcha. Ofala is the best known traditional festival of Onitsha and the high point of its ceremonial cycle. Usually held in October, it centres on the annual emergence of the Obi of Onitsha from seclusion. The festival features the Obi in royal regalia, appearances by the red-cap chiefs (Ndichie), royal music and drums, traditional dancing and cultural performances. Ofala has also developed into a wider cultural programme, with associated activities including the Oreze international art exhibition, Ofala Youth Carnival and medical, health and wellbeing outreach. Different age groups also perform on the second day of Ofala making it a very colourful event. Ofala ceremonies are always held in Ezechima Square, Onitsha.
- Osisi Ite. Osisi Ite marks the end of the harvest cycle in the Onitsha ceremonial calendar. The Ime Obi places it after Ikolobioji and associates it with a period of leisure following the yam harvest. Traditional observance includes the preparation and consumption of abundant okra soup.
- Ifejioku (Ikpo Ifejioku Ịrụ). Ifejioku, normally held in January, concludes the traditional ceremonial cycle and prepares the land for the coming planting season. It is associated with the spirit of human wellbeing and prosperity and is traditionally marked with cocoyam.
- 5 Golibe Festival, Golibe Secretariat, ImeObi Ezechima Palace, Awka Road, Onitsha, info@thegolibefestival.com. Golibe Festival is a modern annual arts, music, culture, family and community festival held in Onitsha around the Christmas and New Year period. Golibe in Onitsha dialect means "to rejoice". It was established as an initiative intended to promote Onitsha's culture, community identity, tourism and local economic activity. Activities included street carnivals, masquerade displays, cultural dances, music concerts, highlife performances, drama, comedy, football competitions, food and culinary competitions, arts and crafts exhibitions, children's entertainment, pageantry and crossover/New Year events. Golibe is particularly associated with the the end-of-year homecoming period, when Onitsha indigenes and visitors return to the city. The festival provide opportunities to experience Onitsha food, music, arts traditional performances and contemporary entertainment in one programme.
Buy
[edit | edit source]- 1 Onitsha Market (Onitsha Main Market), Edozie Lane, Main Market. Mon-Sat 7:30AM-5PM. Onitsha Market is the one of the largest markets in West Africa based on geographical size and volume of goods. Most of the major import merchants from Eastern Nigeria have their head offices within the market. Items sold within the market include jewellery, clothing, household, industrial and office equipment.
- 2 Relief Market (Ogbaru Main Market), 7 Obodo ukwu Road, Awada layout, ☏ +234 703-924-6809. Opens 8AM. Relief Market is regarded as one of the biggest provision markets in Onitsha.
- 3 Mgbuka Market Obosi, Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, Owerri road layout, ☏ +234 808-072-6942. Sell, Do waybill, fix vehicle at a very affordable price in the market, they also dealer of any kind of tyre cover for any model such as Toyota, Lexus, and Ford.
Eat
[edit | edit source]- 1 The Rodinia Restaurant and Bar, Summit Junction by Rain Oil filling Station, Asaba, ☏ +234 7030625563. Daily 8AM-10PM. A quick eatery for economically-priced African dishes close to airport.
- 2 Five Star Restaurant, Ridge Road (a few blocks east of basilica), ☏ +234 7067678615. Daily 7:30AM-9:30PM. A neat looking place with African food.
- 3 Chinemeze Restaurant, 5 Ichida St, mcc 434243. A restaurant where you can get contemporary Nigerian dishes.
- 4 Madam Gbowa Restaurant Obosi, Anyoku street, behind Obosi town hall, ☏ +234 803 360 2317. 9AM-8PM. A restaurant where contemporary Nigerian dishes is sold.
- 5 Somma Eatery, Mandela line at ochanja market, Onitsha north. 9AM-9PM. Dine in. Take away. Delivery.
- 6 Gracespot Eatery, 25 Benjamin Street, ☏ +234 8038907312. 10AM-9:30PM. Dine in. Take away. Delivery.
Drink
[edit | edit source]- 1 Remmy Grills and Bar, Unnamed road ogbunike, Nkpor, ☏ +234-813-066-1093. Their service includes, restaurant and bar. They sell all kinds of beer, wine (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), soft drink.
Sleep
[edit | edit source]- 1 Best Western Plus Elomaz Hotel, Plot 22 A/B-27 Core Area, DBS Rd (across Niger River in Asaba), ☏ +234 8038193264. Pool, spa, dining, free breakfast, wifi.
- 2 Soprom Hotel & Suites Ltd, 1,Ogbatuluenyi Drive, Federal Housing Estate, ☏ +234-813-629-5492. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. They offer good customer care service, good rooms, clean environment, cozy and comfortable, homely, the meal served appropriately, stomach friendly. They also have popular Amenities like: pool, spa, free parking, free breakfast, WiFi (fast internet connection), room service 24 hours and it's also children friendly. ₦16,000.
- 3 Dolly Hills, 3, Dr lady Ngozi Agbasimalo Road, ☏ +234-703-451-3661, dollyhillshotel@yahoo.com. Check-out: noon. Dolly Hills hotel is a quite appreciable place with lots of outlooks like bar,garden,pool and many lodging suits from presidential to regular. They also have popular amenities like, swimming pool, free parking,free breakfast, restaurant, fitness center and it's also children friendly, the cheapest room is ₦9,000.
- 4 Portsmouth Villa Hotel and Suites, 4, 6 & 8 Obinwe Street, Fegge, ☏ +234806 146 3304. Check-in: 10AM, check-out: 10AM. Portsmouth Villa Hotel & Suites features a garden, restaurant, bar and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The hotel offers room service and has a water park for guests. Guests can also relax at the spa or enjoy views of the city. The rooms are air-conditioned and include a wardrobe, desk, flat-screen TV and electric kettle. Each room has a private bathroom with a shower and complimentary toiletries, while some rooms also have a terrace. Breakfast is available in buffet and vegetarian options. The hotel has a 24-hour reception, with staff available in both English and French.
- 5 Vegas Astoria Hotel & Suites, No. 12B Vegas Astoria Boulevard,Opposite Stock Exchange (from central Onitsha, travel towards GRA and ask of Stock Exchange; the hotel is directly opposite it), ☏ +2349034878888, info@vegasastoriahotel.com. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: Noon. An upscale hotel that offers rooms, suites and apartments, as well as a restaurant, bars, swimming pool, gym, and spa. Its rooftop Niger Bistro Bar offers views towards the Niger River. Other facilities include free Wi-Fi, free parking, 24-hour reception, daily housekeeping and security. The hotel has several types of accommodation, including Deluxe, Executive and Luxury rooms, as well as larger suites. ₦85,000-150,000.
- 6 De Lumen Hotel and Suites (Delumen), No 9 Bent Lane GRA Onitsha (coming from central Onitsha, ask for Nigerian Stock Exchange in GRA and then proceed to Bent Lane), ☏ +234 07067637798, Delumensuites@yahoo.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Penalty for late checkout is 50% of the room rate.. It offers air-conditioned rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, room service and parking. Rooms have private bathrooms, flat-screen televisions and other basic amenities. The hotel also provides laundry services, breakfast and 24-hour room service. The hotel's room categories include Deluxe, Executive, Super Executive, Royal Suite, Kings Suite and Presidential Suite. Breakfast is included with the listed room rates. ₦60,000 - ₦120,000.
- California Garden Hotel and Suites, 18 New Nkisi Road, GRA. Check-in: noon, check-out: 12:30PM. A boutique-style hotel in the GRA district of Onitsha. Its location provides access to one of the city's established residential and business areas and offers an alternative to accommodation in the more congested commercial districts.
- Kinfac Hotel & Food Court, Mgbemena Street, Awada Layout, ☏ +234 7032809520. Its location in Awada makes it an option for visitors staying on the western side of the Onitsha metropolitan area.
- Kama Hotel and Resort, 50 New Oba-Nnewi Road, behind NNPC filling station, Ezeugwu Layout, ☏ +234 7045064559. Check-in: 24 hours, check-out: noon. It provides accomodation and resort facilities and is located away from the busiest central commercial streets of Onitsha. The property is an option for visitors looking for accommodation in the Ezeugwu Layout area.
- Olive Guest House, ☏ +2348035211195. Check-in: 24 hours. Olive Guest House is an established guesthouse in the GRA area of Onitsha. It provides short-term accomodation in a residential part of the city.
- Top Rank Hotels, Zik's Avenue, Fegge,, ☏ +2348161894017. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. The property provides accomodation together with leisure and business facilities, including a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, fitness centre and meeting spaces. Its 24-hour operation makes it suitable for travellers arriving at different times of the day.
- De Grand Guest House, 2 Park Road, GRA Phase 1, ☏ +2349125294637. Check-in: Daily. It provides guest-house accomodation in one of Onitsha's established residential areas.
- Duke and Duchess Hotel, Along Okoti-Atani Road, Harbour Industrial Layout. Its location makes it an accomodation option for travellers visiting the industrial and southern parts of the Onitsha metropolitan area.
- Niger Heritage Hotel, 1 Olo Street, Omagba Phase 1.
- More Dreams Hotel, 7 Adazi-Enu Street, Omagba Phase II, ☏ +2348105464244.