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5 Countries To Explore Visa-Free With A Nigerian Passport

Published

5 days ago

November 9, 2024

Nigerian Passport: 5 Countries To Explore Visa-Free | fab.ng

Travelling without the hassle of visa applications is a dream for many, especially when considering the time and expense often involved. Fortunately, Nigerian passport holders have access to several beautiful destinations around the world that don’t require a visa.

While the Nigerian passport might not offer the same level of global access as some others, there are still some exciting destinations that Nigerian passport holders can explore without the hassle of a visa.

These countries offer a diverse range of experiences for Nigerian travellers. Here are five exciting countries you can explore visa-free with a Nigerian passport.

1. Ghana

Ghana, one of Nigeria’s neighbouring countries, offers Nigerian travellers a rich blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes without requiring a visa.

As part of the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), Nigerians can travel to Ghana freely for up to 90 days. This ease of entry has made Ghana a popular destination for those seeking a quick getaway or extended stay in West Africa.

In Ghana, you’ll find the vibrant city of Accra, where you can explore markets like Makola Market for unique handicrafts, jewellery, and textiles.

For a touch of history, visit Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. These historical landmarks provide a moving insight into Ghana’s past, especially related to the transatlantic slave trade.

Additionally, nature lovers can head to Kakum National Park, where they can walk along the famous canopy walkway, suspended 30 meters above the ground, to enjoy breathtaking views of the tropical rainforest.

2. Barbados

Barbados might seem like a distant paradise, but Nigerian passport holders can explore this beautiful Caribbean island for up to six months without a visa.

This extended stay period allows Nigerians ample time to fully experience the island’s rich cultural heritage, white-sand beaches, and vibrant music scene.

Barbados is famous for its beaches, with Crane Beach and Accra Beach offering clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Moreover, visitors can experience the lively capital city of Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colonial architecture, bustling markets, and historic landmarks like St. Nicholas Abbey.

Don’t miss the island’s Crop Over Festival, a colourful celebration of Barbadian culture featuring music, dance, and carnival parades.

To immerse yourself in local flavours, try dishes like flying fish and cou-cou, or enjoy a rum distillery tour to learn about Barbados’ history with this Caribbean staple.

3. The Maldives

The Maldives, a tropical paradise renowned for its luxury resorts and vibrant coral reefs, also offers visa-free entry to Nigerian citizens for up to 30 days.

Known for its clear blue waters and overwater bungalows, the Maldives is a perfect destination for honeymooners, adventure seekers, and anyone looking for a serene escape.

While the Maldives is often associated with high-end resorts, there are plenty of affordable guesthouses on local islands like Maafushi, where you can experience the beauty of the Maldives without breaking the bank.

Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts will find an underwater haven, with coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, sea turtles, and even manta rays.

Additionally, travellers can indulge in Maldivian cuisine, which includes coconut-infused curries and freshly caught seafood.

For those interested in cultural experiences, visiting Malé, the capital, provides insight into Maldivian traditions, local markets, and historical mosques.

4. Gambia

Moving on to another welcoming destination, The Gambia provides Nigerian travellers with a visa-free stay of up to 90 days. Known for its warm hospitality, this small West African nation boasts spectacular Atlantic coastlines and diverse wildlife.

Furthermore, visitors can explore the historic Kunta Kinteh Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the poignant story of the transatlantic slave trade.

Meanwhile, nature enthusiasts can discover the abundant wildlife at River Gambia National Park or the Abuko Nature Reserve. Above all, the country’s year-round warm climate makes it an ideal destination for beach lovers.

5. Benin Republic

Just next door to Nigeria, the Benin Republic welcomes Nigerian passport holders visa-free for up to 90 days. Subsequently, this makes it an excellent choice for both short getaways and extended stays.

The country’s rich cultural heritage is particularly evident in the historic city of Ouidah, famous for its role in the slave trade and voodoo culture.

In addition to its historical sites, Benin offers natural wonders such as the Pendjari National Park, home to some of West Africa’s last remaining big game.

Similarly, the stilt village of Ganvie provides a unique glimpse into traditional lake-dwelling communities.

For more travel articles, check here.

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5 Most Affordable Places To Eat Pasta In Lagos

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TRAVEL

5 Most Affordable Places To Eat Pasta In Lagos

Published

2 weeks ago

November 3, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Affordable Places To Eat Pasta In Lagos | fab.ng

Food invites you to come as you are—no judgments, no prerequisites (though people with allergies may need to watch out). You don’t have to be Italian to eat pasta, nor do you need cooking skills to savour it. If you’re in Lagos, and craving budget-friendly pasta, this article will provide you with some affordable places to eat pasta in Lagos.

Whether you’re looking for a casual dining experience, a cozy ambience, or just good pasta on a budget, these affordable places to eat pasta in Lagos cater to a variety of tastes and settings. Lagos has a thriving food scene, and these spots deliver quality without the high price tag.

This is for anyone who appreciates delicious pasta without the splurge. This list of affordable places to eat pasta in Lagos guarantees you’ll find satisfying options that won’t break the bank.

So, if pasta is on your mind, get ready to explore some of the city’s tastiest and most affordable options below!

1. Sidewalk Restaurant

Known for its “creamy, dreamy, and utterly divine” pasta, Sidewalk Restaurant is a must-visit. They specialize in rich, luscious pasta that lives up to their motto: “After all, greased elbows deserve creamy meals.”

This place is located at 23 Sanusi Fafunwa Street, Victoria Island, with a second branch on the Mainland at 79 Awolowo Way, Ikeja. The spot brings gourmet pasta to both sides of the city.

Open every day of the week, you can indulge in their pasta dishes at a fantastic price of 5,000 to 7,000 naira on the Mainland and 6,000 to 8,000 naira on the Island. For those searching for affordable places to eat pasta in Lagos, Sidewalk Restaurant delivers both quality and value.

2. La Taverna

For a cozy Italian experience, La Taverna serves delicious pasta options from Seafood Linguini to Penne Four Cheese every Thursday, or “Pasta Thursday.” For 10,500 naira, you’ll receive a pasta dish and a complimentary glass of wine or sangria.

Located at 48 Balarabe Musa Crescent, Victoria Island, they’re open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., closing at 10:30 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays. For pasta lovers seeking affordable places to eat pasta in Lagos that offer authentic Italian flavours, La Taverna is a top choice.

3. Korede Spaghetti

For students or anyone on a budget, Korede Spaghetti, right across from the University of Lagos, offers an unbeatable option. It is situated on Ransome Kuti Road opposite Biobaku Complex and next to Kofo Ademola Hall. Korede Spaghetti provides tasty pasta dishes priced between 2,000 and 4,000 naira.

Open from Monday to Saturday, they also have branches at Sabo and Surulere. Try their famous “NNPC pasta,” made with traditional spices and Asun, for a unique twist. For students or anyone looking for affordable places to eat pasta in Lagos, Korede Spaghetti hits the spot.

4. Anchor Lagos

For a fine dining experience without the typical price tag, Anchor Lagos offers a special ‘Pasta Thursday’ event. It is located at Lekki Leisure Lake on Adekunle Animashaun Drive.

Priced at 15,000 naira, guests enjoy a three-course meal with a starter, a pasta main, and a glass of wine. Starting at noon and ending at 7 p.m., it’s a delightful way to enjoy pasta while soaking in the lakeside views.

With options like Spaghetti Bolognese and Spicy Penne Pasta, Anchor Lagos stands out among affordable places to eat pasta in Lagos for those seeking a luxurious experience.

5. Brisk Lagos

Finally, Brisk Lagos brings you a creative pasta experience with their “Bella by Brisk” every Tuesday at 8 p.m. Also called ‘Build-Your-Own-Pasta Night’, this event lets you customize your own pasta dish. You can do this with a wide selection of sauces, cheeses, vegetables, proteins, and spices.

Located at 1 Alfred Rewane Rd, Ikoyi, Lagos, this interactive meal is priced between 14,000 and 20,000 naira. It is perfect for a unique date or a night out with friends. For those who want a personalized twist among affordable places to eat pasta in Lagos, Brisk’s Pasta Night is a top pick.

When it comes to affordable places to eat pasta in Lagos, these five options offer everything from creamy dishes to interactive experiences, catering to every taste and budget.

Visit here for more reads.

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Meet Efunroye Tinubu, The Influential Slave Trader Who Controlled Lagos

Published

2 weeks ago

October 28, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Madam Efunroye Tinubu, slave trader who controlled Lagos | fab.ng

Efunroye Tinubu rose as a formidable political and economic figure in Abeokuta and Lagos. Born in Abeokuta in the early 1800s, she married young and had two sons. Her husband’s early death left her widowed, but in 1833, she remarried Adele, the exiled Oba of Lagos. This marriage marked the beginning of her influence, allowing her to gain significant political and economic power.

The couple settled in Badagry, where Tinubu established a thriving business. She traded slaves for salt and tobacco with European merchants, creating a powerful network of alliances.

When Adele regained his title in 1835, Tinubu returned to Lagos with him. However, Adele died two years later, so she remarried Yesefu Bada, Adele’s military advisor, and expanded her trading empire to include palm oil and slaves.

The Yoruba Wars of the 1840s and 1850s provided an opportunity for Efunroye Tinubu to increase her wealth further. She monopolized both palm oil and slave trading, selling weapons obtained through her European contacts.

Her growing influence earned her the title of Iyalode of Egbaland, the highest chieftaincy title for women, in recognition of her contributions to the war against Dahomey.

Madam Efunroye Tinubu, the Influential Slave Trader Who Controlled Lagos | fab.ng

Oladipo Yemitan’s biography, Madame Tinubu: Merchant and Kingmaker, explores her controversial role in the slave trade.

One notable incident involved an alleged sale of a young boy into slavery, which she denied. In another episode, the Amadie-Ojo Affair, Tinubu declared she would rather let 20 slaves drown than collect half-payment for them.

Her business dealings were matched by her political ambitions, as she openly opposed colonial policies in Lagos and engaged in king-making in Abeokuta. In 1879, she supported Prince Oyekan over Ademola for the Alake title in Egbaland.

Despite her power, Tinubu’s influence began to wane after clashing with British Consul Benjamin Campbell. Campbell objected to her economic dominance and covert slave trading, which threatened British interests. She criticized him for meddling in Lagos’s sovereignty, sparking a standoff that saw British gunboats force her back to Abeokuta in May 1856.

Even in exile, Tinubu’s legacy endured. She died in 1887, and Lagos Island’s Tinubu Square now bears her name. Ironically, after her death, her possessions passed to her slaves, marking a complex end to her influential and contentious life.

TRAVEL

Want To Visit Nigeria? See The Best Time Of The Year!

Published

4 weeks ago

October 19, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Nigeria is a year-round travel destination, offering unique experiences no matter when you visit. However, the best time to visit Nigeria is during the dry season.

This is especially between December and February, when the Harmattan winds create a cooler and drier climate. During this period, northern Nigeria experiences pleasant cold mornings, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

From October to April, Nigeria enjoys its dry season, which spans most of the country. This is widely considered the best time to visit Nigeria as the dry conditions make it easier to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural attractions without interruptions from rainfall. Travelers can experience festivals, local markets, and historical sites more comfortably during these months.

The rainy season, which stretches from May to September, brings heavy downpours and occasional flooding in some regions. While lush green scenery emerges during this time, it’s not ideal for travel due to disruptions caused by the weather.

To ensure smooth travel and enjoy the country’s beauty, plan your trip during the dry months, which are regarded as the best time to visit Nigeria for an enjoyable and hassle-free experience.

Let’s take a quick tour through the best

January

In January, the Harmattan season arrives, bringing slightly chilly weather in the early mornings and nights, while the daytime can get hot and dusty. Visitors should pack a cardigan for the cooler times and wear sunglasses to shield against the dust.

If you’re in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, head to Jabi Lake for a relaxing boat ride or go horse riding along its shores. On Saturdays, you can join hundreds of joggers along the lake.

Jabi Boat Club and Dray Entertainment presents The Independence Lake Rave

For a shopping experience, visit Wuse Market or explore the Abuja Arts and Craft Village for unique souvenirs. For local cuisine, stop by Jevinik and enjoy dishes like jollof rice, pounded yam, eba, and moimoi.

Alternatively, take a short drive to Abacha Barracks, where you can indulge in mouthwatering grilled fish and chips.

Average rainfall: 0 days
Average temperature: 20°C

February

Jos Plateau in northern Nigeria offers a perfect escape in February with its warm and dry climate. While there, make sure to visit the Shere Hills, located just a few kilometers east of the Jos metropolis.

These hills, with stunning rock formations, provide a breathtaking view of the entire city. At an elevation of over 1,829 meters (6,000 feet), the highest peak of the Shere Hills is Nigeria’s third-highest point.

This is after Chappal Waddi on the Mambilla Plateau. Guides are available to safely lead you on your climb up the mountain, making it a rewarding adventure.

Average rainfall: 0 days
Average temperature: 31.1°C

March

March marks the peak of the dry season, so pack light clothing and carry water wherever you go. If you’re in Kaduna State, take a drive to Lugard Hall.

Built by British colonial administrator Lord Frederick Lugard, who served as Nigeria’s first governor-general, Lugard Hall is still in use today and serves as the meeting place for the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

Its architectural design mirrors that of the Palace of Westminster, offering a glimpse into Nigeria’s colonial history.

Average rainfall: 0 days
Average temperature: 27.4°C

April

Watch dancing at the Tuk-Ham Festival.

Every Easter, the Tuk-Ham Festival takes place in Kwoi, located in Kaduna State’s Jaba local government area. This celebration honours the Ham people, known for their ancient Nok terracotta heads, which date back to 900 BC.

The festival features over 30 dance troupes, along with displays of Nok terracotta heads and other Ham artwork. Visitors from around the world travel to witness this vibrant cultural display, which has been ongoing for nearly 40 years.

Kwoi’s pleasant weather throughout the year makes the dry season, from November to April, the best time to visit.

Average rainfall: 0 days
Average temperature: 24°C

May

Visitors can swim in the Enemabia warm spring.

May signals the end of the dry season, just before the rains begin. This is the perfect time to visit the Enemabia Warm Spring in Orakam, located in Benue State, central Nigeria.

The warm spring offers a serene swimming experience. May is also the time when Benue’s famous juicy mangoes are in season, giving visitors the opportunity to savor some of the best mangoes in Nigeria.

Average rainfall: 0 days
Average temperature: 24°C

June

Many believe the Ohum waterfalls have healing powers.

June ushers in Nigeria’s rainy season, making it an ideal time for nature enthusiasts to visit the Ohum Waterfalls in Udi, Enugu State. The trail to the waterfall is scenic, and many believe that the falls possess healing powers.

In the valley of Udi and Nsukka Hills ''Awhum Town" - Ou Travel and Tour

Visitors often come here for spiritual reflection or simply to reconnect with nature. As you hike, make sure to bring plenty of water for the journey.

Average rainfall: 14 days
Average temperature: 31°C

July

In Sokoto State, visit the Tomb of Usman dan Fodio, the first Sultan of Sokoto and founder of the Sokoto Caliphate. Usman dan Fodio, who lived from 1754 to 1817, led the Fulani War jihad from 1804 to 1808.

His tomb, adorned with a black cloth, also contains the graves of many other prominent figures in Sokoto’s history. Although women cannot enter the tomb, they can view it through a nearby window.

Average rainfall: 16 days
Average temperature: 30°C

August

The Durbar is a Muslim ceremony.

August gives you the chance to witness the Durbar, a grand Muslim ceremony that takes place in Kano State. During the Durbar, the emir and his subjects parade through the streets, adorned in royal regalia and finery.

Photo by @olayanhabakkuk on Retna

This spectacle can also be seen in other northern Nigerian cities such as Zaria and Katsina. For a more historical experience, explore the ancient Kano city walls, built in the 14th century to defend the city from invaders.

Average rainfall: 14 days
Average temperature: 29°C

September

Zuma Rock is a famous tourist spot in central Nigeria.

In September, visit Zuma Rock, one of Nigeria’s most iconic landmarks, located in Niger State. Rising over 600 meters (2,000 feet) above the ground, this massive rock is steeped in local mythology.

One popular belief is that the rock would take on human forms at different times, while others claim that breaking the rock would result in flooding across Abuja and Niger State. Regardless of the myths, Zuma Rock remains a must-see destination for visitors to central Nigeria.

Average rainfall: 10 days
Average temperature: 28°C

October

The Ake Book Festival is a celebration of literature and art.

In October, book lovers can immerse themselves in the Ake Book Festival, which features engaging panel discussions, art exhibitions, and film screenings.

This festival rotates locations, with Lagos hosting it in 2018. October is also the perfect time to visit Lagos’s beautiful beaches, where the weather is just right for a day by the sea.

Average rainfall: 11 days
Average temperature: 30.4°C

November

You may spot giraffes at the Yankari Game Reserve.

As November marks the return of the Harmattan season, cooler days arrive in Nigeria. It’s a great time to visit the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State.

Yankari National Park in Nigeria

Established in 1956, this large wildlife park offers safari-like experiences, allowing visitors to see elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife. The reserve also boasts natural warm-water springs, perfect for a relaxing dip.

Average rainfall: 0 days
Average temperature: 28°C

December

Calabar Carnival is the best place to be in December.

December in Nigeria is synonymous with the Calabar Carnival, Africa’s biggest street party. International acts like Kool & the Gang have performed here, drawing huge crowds each year.

If you’re attending, be sure to book your accommodation weeks in advance. For a quieter alternative, head to the scenic Obudu Cattle Ranch, where you can enjoy a cable-car ride and a canopy walkway amidst beautiful landscapes.

Average rainfall: 3 days
Average temperature: 21°C

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