A FRIEND called me last week, she read and my column and wanted to make some observations on some facts I highlighted in my previous piece about procrastination. I noted her observations and promised to mention her contributions next time I decided to revisit the topic.
As we were about to round up the conversation, she mentioned her planned end-of-the-year vacation next week, according to her, her family is jetting out to three countries for the vacation and she sounded excited about seeing places and she did mention a few places.
That got me thinking, it is that time of the year, many families jet out to different countries for their usual end of the year vacations, make no mistake, I have no issues with such travels, I have had such vacations myself and God knows I crave for more destinations.
But when will Nigerians begin to consider spending their vacations locally – within the country?
NIGERIA is a land blessed with many natural and human resources. Nature has endowed Nigeria with a good design that is so attractive that makes it one of the most naturally picturesque nations in the world. Nigeria is an adventure, simply put.
‘Giant of Africa’ – This name comes from the vastness of its land, the diversity of its peoples and languages, its huge population (the largest in Africa), its oil and other natural resources.
We all are made to believe that the best healthcare services are outside the shore of the country. That’s where our leaders, the who and who get treated for as little ailment as a headache. They just don’t trust our doctors. A good educational system is believed to be outside the country.. the moment one studies abroad, that’s it, theirs is the best.
JAPAnization is now the order of the day, youths are leaving the country for greener pastures. The kind of jobs people do when they leave the country is gory, the most disturbing is the washing of corpses. Other jobs are waiters at restaurants, hotel porters, garbage collectors, and so on. And these are professionally lenient individuals, my question is, if they can be humble and do these and many more abroad, why can’t they stay in Nigeria and do the same and be hopeful?
Fabrics, wears, jewels and appliances we use, are valued more if imported. Made-in-Nigeria products are not regarded no matter how good. It is just believed that those made in Nigeria are of low quality even when they are actually better.
At this stage, we shouldn’t be running to where our ancestors were taken and brutalized but we are left with no choice. We are at a point where even weddings are held outside the country these days – as a status symbol.
Oh, I am sorry for straying, let’s go back to vacations. I sincerely think most of these countries don’t even deserve a visit from any Nigerian in the name of vacation and sight-seeing. And here is why.
The tourist attractions in Nigeria are spread out in the different states that make up the federation. Ranging from natural attractions of which are natural wonders, artistic treasures, beautiful beaches, resorts to man-made attractions like resorts, parks, game reserves, ranches, not leaving out our rich cultural attractions such as festivals and carnivals.
Have a look at Ogun State, which is naturally prettified with the Olumo Rock, a massive outcrop of granite rocks of primitive formation in Abeokuta.
Nature’s gift of the Ikogosi Warm Spring located in Ekiti State. Nigeria is also proud of the Erin-Ijesha Water Falls in Osun State, Ibadan University Zoo, Agodi Zoological Garden, Upper Ogun Games Reserve.
Tinapa, in Calabar, the Agbokin and Kwa Falls, a game reserve at Okwangwo in Obudu local government, and Oban Forest Reserves.
In Akwa Ibom, there is the Oron Museum famous for its collection of fine African carvings; the Ibeno Beach, and the Opobo Boatyard with its natural sand beaches at Ikot Abasi.
Ojukwu Bunker in Abia, where relics and inventions of the Nigeria civil war are displayed.
Gembu and Mambila in Taraba state, quiet and ancient considered the coldest place in Nigeria. Gembu is one fine place with lots of eucalyptus trees and beautiful waterfalls.
The ancient city of Kano is known for its Kofar Mata Dye pit, its tall city walls (Badala), and the mountains of Dala and Goron Dutse and its a city rich in festivities of Durbar even though, that’s occasional.
There is Bauchi known for the super Yankari Game Reserve.
With all of these and more, why not ‘vacate’ home in Nigeria?
Kabara, is a writer and public commentator. Her syndicated column, Voice, appears on News Point Nigeria newspaper on Mondays.