Onitsha.
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Overview

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

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

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

By plane 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 nearby.

By bus 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.

Get around

There are tricycles and cabs everywhere which one can easily board to move to anywhere within the city.

See

Onitsha is a little short on sights.

Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity Cathedral. 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.

Nelson Mandela Gardens. A little park commemorating Nelson Mandela with an ostrich.

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.

Igbo-Ukwu Museum. 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.

Zik Mausoleum and Conference Centre. 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.

All Saints' Cathedral Onitsha. 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.

Nnamdi Azikiwe Statue. 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.

Five Elephant Tusk Sculptures. 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.

Ime Obi Ọnịcha. 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

Onitsha Market. Claimed to be the biggest market in Africa by geographic size, likely to be a little intense. One sector is focused on electronics.

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.

Iyke Christian Brother Trading Enterprise. This place is amazing for shopping. 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. 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. 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.

Ofala. 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. 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.

Golibe Festival. 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 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

Onitsha Market. 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.

Relief Market. Relief Market is regarded as one of the biggest provision markets in Onitsha.

Eat

The Rodinia Restaurant and Bar. A quick eatery for economically-priced African dishes close to airport.

Five Star Restaurant. A neat looking place with African food.

Chinemeze Restaurant. A restaurant where you can get contemporary Nigerian dishes.

Madam Gbowa Restaurant Obosi. A restaurant where contemporary Nigerian dishes is sold.

Somma Eatery. Dine in. Take away. Delivery.

Gracespot Eatery. Dine in. Take away. Delivery.

Drink

Remmy Grills and Bar. Their service includes, restaurant and bar. They sell all kinds of beer, wine (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), soft drink.

Sleep

Best Western Plus Elomaz Hotel. Pool, spa, dining, free breakfast, wifi.

Soprom Hotel & Suites Ltd. 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.

Dolly Hills. 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.

Portsmouth Villa Hotel and Suites. 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.

Vegas Astoria Hotel & Suites. 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.

De Lumen Hotel and Suites. 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.

California Garden Hotel and Suites. 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. Its location in Awada makes it an option for visitors staying on the western side of the Onitsha metropolitan area.

Kama Hotel and Resort. 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. 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. 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. It provides guest-house accomodation in one of Onitsha's established residential areas.

Duke and Duchess Hotel. Its location makes it an accomodation option for travellers visiting the industrial and southern parts of the Onitsha metropolitan area.