Random Facts About Nigeria V

Here is yet another list of amazing and mostly obscure facts about Nigeria. Enjoy it!

Farin Ruwa Falls is a waterfall that bestrides the boundary between Plateau and Nassarawa states, with its source on the Jos Plateau. It is said to be the highest waterfall in Nigeria and one of the highest in Africa, even higher than the more popular Victoria Falls.

It covers a height of about 150 metres during descent. Farin Ruwa means white water in Hausa. It got this name due to the fact that it turns white during descent as a result of height covered.

Farin Ruwa Falls

Mungo Park, the famous explorer, who is considered to be the first European to explore the central part of the Niger River, died on his second expendition. He was attached by the locals at Bussa (in Nigeria), sprang into the river and drowned. His remains are buried in Jebba (in Nigeria) along the banks of the river.

Kwara State was initially named the West Central State. ‘Kwara’ is a local name for the Niger River. Jebba, the resting location of Mungo Park, is in Kwara State.

Ogbomosho, one of the largest towns in Yorubaland, was a walled town. It served as a place of refuge for inhabitants of many towns and villages during the Fulani Wars of 19th century. 

How much did it cost the military government of Ibrahim Babangida to build Aso Rock Presidential Villa? $50 mil? No! $100 mil? No! The amount has never been disclosed. ‘Aso’ means Victory in the language of the Asokoro people.

Banana Island, the most expensive place to call home in Nigeria, was initially a private project. It was acquired by the government and this acquisition is currently being challenged in court. It was the brainchild of the Late Chief Adebayo Adeleke, a Civil Engineer. As the name implies, it is banana-shaped.

Zungeru was the capital of the Northern Protectorate from 1902 – 1916. Lord Lugard chose it over Jebba and Lokoja due to its central location within the protectorate. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first president of Nigeria, was born in Zungeru in 1904.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no desert in Nigeria—not even in northern part of Nigeria. The closest thing we have is a Sahel savannah zone. But it is getting drier gradually, hence the hullabaloo about desertification in that part of Nigeria.

Carter Bridge and Eko Bridge are also known as First and Second Mainland Bridge, respectively. Both connect Lagos Island to the Mainland in Lagos State, just like the Third Mainland Bridge. 

Lugard Bridge

Lugard Bridge can be regarded as the bridge that moved. It was originally erected in Zungeru (in 1904) but was moved to Kaduna after the Northern headquarters moved from Zungeru there. It is a footbridge.

Nollywood, the multimillion dollar movie industry of Nigeria, is considered to have begun with the release of the movie Living in Bondage in 1992. Since then the industry as never looked back quantity-wise, as scores of movies are released weekly.

Here is something similar.