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The Iron of Liberty: Lokoja,
because of its location near the banks of River Niger,
was an important centre for slave trade during the era
of slavery in Nigeria.
Also because if its strategic location, Lokoja aroused
a great deal of interest in the European explorers and
missionaries in the early 19th century, and it soon
became a commercial post for European merchants and
missionaries.
Hence, when the British Government started to wage war
against slave trade, Lokoja became a collection centre
for slaves seized from slave merchants to be consequently
set free.
The spot where such slaves were freed was marked with
a piece of iron pole now referred to as the "Iron
of Liberty". This crusade was championed by the
late Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther.
Confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue:
River Niger remained a marvel to the Europeans until
John and Richard Landers passed through the Confluence
on October 25th 1830, completing the journey that Mungo
Park had started. Rivers Niger and Benue are two largest
rivers in West Africa.
The two rivers meet at Lokoja forming a Y-shaped structure
and draining Southwards into the Ocean. While River
Niger is brownish in Colour, River Benue is light green
in colour.
Fishing is carried on extensively on the Rivers. The
Inland Water Ways Divisions of the Federal Ministry
of Transport also runs ferry and boat services on the
River.
Owu Waterfalls:
The Owu Waterfall is at Owa Kajola, lfelodun Local Government
Area of Kwara State. It is about 120m above water level.
The surrounding is evergreen while the waters are ice
cold.
Pategi Beach:
Pategi Kwara State is located along River Niger and
enjoys a bounteous stretch of sandy beach currently
used by local fishermen. The Regatta pavilion is constructed
on the beach and, together with the recently constructed
regatta complex, Pategi beach has potentials for great
holiday resorts.
Maiyegun Beach:
The beach is within the Maiyegun Tourism Zone of Eti
Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State. The Beach
is popular for relaxation spree. The beach hosts the
popular Lekki Sunsplash Musical Concert.
A project to develop about 9000 square hectares of
land around the beach when completed will transform
the beach into a modern resort of international standard.
The Ancient Town of Badagry:
Agia tree: The site of the fallen tree at
Market street, Badagry was the spot where Christian
was first preached under the tree in 1842. First storey
building was founded in Marina Badagry the first one
storey building in Nigeria was built in 1845 by Rev.
Henry Townsend
Slave Trade Relics:
Relics of the slave trade comprising shackles, locks
are in the custody of the Mobee family at Marina Badagry.
Verekete Shrine:
A shrine in Badagry where Richard Landerwas tried
before a priest for alleged espionage charges. He survived
after drinking concoction as proof of his innocence.
First of pair of Sato Drums: In Badagry are
the first pair of Sato drums brought to Akara Kunmo
in 1543 by Tosavi and Whensu his son, from Dahomey (now
Republic of Benin).
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