In the late 1970s, in the centre of Nigeria, the construction of a new city began. It was named Abuja, after the Abu Ja, an exiled king from Zaria who became king of the old settlement of Abuja (now Suleja) in 1825. His full name was Abubakar, but he was called Abu for short, and the legend says that because he was fair skinned, he was called »Abu Ja« or »Abu the fair one«. Abuja started to grow in the middle of savanna, south of the 400 metre monolith Aso Rock. It was built mainly in the 1980s and became capital of Nigeria on December 12, 1991. |
By 1970 it was clear that Lagos could no longer cope with the exploding population and inferior infrastructure needed for a country capital. Given that the civil war had just finished, it was evident that Lagos, with its 75% Yoruba population, was not conductive to easing ethnic tensions. General Murtala Muhammed set up a commission to decide on a central spot that was accessible from all parts of the country and that was ethnically neutral. The site of Abuja was chosen for its strategic position at the centre of the country, its good climate, and because it was at the time of choosing sparsely populated by people who did not have any particular religious or ethnic allegiance. The original inhabitants were mainly Gwari people who farmed the central savanna region.
Plans to build the capital were approved in 1976, and the Federal Capital Territory was created near the old town of Abuja (now Suleja), and with immediate effect the ownership and control of that land became vested in the federal government. The territory is located north of the Niger-Benue confluence and has a landmass of approximately 7,315 sq km, of which the actual city occupies 713 sq km. The land was designated from parts of the states Niger, Kwara, and Plateau.
Construction of the city began during the late 1970s, and from its outset it was reckoned that it would take 15 – 20 years to build. The development attracted a huge influx of people in a sort of »gold rush« manner for the good job opportunities and better standard of living because of the modern and efficient services and infrastructure. The development of housing and infrastructure could not keep pace with the torrent of new arrivals, unleashing an acute housing problem that still exists. Most of the population cannot afford to live in Abuja itself and have to commute from satellite towns, which developed outside the original Abuja master plan and have very little infrastructure.
Abuja has the best infrastructure in Nigeria, with speedy expressways and traffic lights. It is not a city for walking, as everything is very spread out along wide freeways. It has some of the trappings of westernization, thanks to the embassies, conference centres, luxury hotels, good food, and some decent shops. Like in Lagos, prices in Abuja are much higher than in the rest of the country. Abuja is sometimes criticised for being sterile and without much colour or culture, but nevertheless those who have made the move from Lagos say that the general standard of living is better in Abuja.
The indigenes of Abuja are chiefly subsistence farmers. The major food crops include yam, maize, guinea corn, beans, and millet. Fishing activities are also prominent among the Bassa people and villagers along rivers of Usamma, Jabi, and Gurara. Besides farming, wood and craft work was and still is a notable occupation. Products derived from wood work include mortars, pestles, tobacco pipes, masks, musical instruments, ans other household utensils. The Ganagana are renowned in iron works. They produce such items as knives, hoes, dane guns, arrows, and ornaments. Cloth weaving is practised by women who weave heavy and closely patterned materials of different colours.
The city's most noticeable feature is a 400 metre monolith Aso Rock. In the Gbagyi language, the word Aso means success or victory. According to tradition, the original inhabitants of the region lived at the base of the rock for centuries without being conquered. The rock was a refuge as well as mystical source of strength. In addition, the term Aso Rock is increasingly being used to refer not only to the physical structure of the most imposing rock in the area, but also as a symbol of government power and a nation.
Zuma Rock is a giant rock, located in Suleja, along the main road Abuja - Kaduna. It is proclaimed as the gateway to Abuja. Zuma Rock was used for defensive purposes by the Gwari people against invading neighbouring tribes during inter-tribal wars. The rock is believed to possess certain powers, which rendered enemies powerless and provided the natives with a hiding place. Its most distinguishing feature, a humanlike face, is quite visible with naturally formed engravings resembling humanlike eye sockets, nose, and mouth. Zuma Rock represents a beautiful and unique work of nature.
Another impressive attraction is the Gurara Falls, which are located 32 km from Suleja. They are at their best in the rainy season when a torrent of foamy water spans a width of up to 200 m and drops 30 m. This reduces to a mere trickle in the dry season, though you can take a shower in them and swim in the Gurara River.
The Millennium Park is the largest public park of Abuja. It is located in the Maitama district of the city. The Millennium Park was inaugurated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom on December 4, 2003. A river crosses the park in its main rectilinear axis, dividing it into two parts. One side of the park is dedicated to uncontaminated nature, while the other side is dedicated to the scientific knowledge of the natural environment.
National Children's Park and Zoo is the newest and nicest zoo in Nigeria, located at the foot of Aso Rock. It is essentially a children's activity park with many playgrounds, climbing frames, a football pitch, and other treats, but there is no reason why grown-up children cannot enjoy a wander around the pleasant gardens. Animals include wildebeest, antelope, buffalo, giraffe, ostrich, zebra, lion, cheetah, monkey, camel, donkey, chicken, duck, and others.
Abuja is known for being the best purpose-built city in Africa. The unofficial population of the metropolitan area is well over 3 million. Beautiful nature, modern architecture, and good infrastructure make Abuja a very nice place to live.
Plans to build the capital were approved in 1976, and the Federal Capital Territory was created near the old town of Abuja (now Suleja), and with immediate effect the ownership and control of that land became vested in the federal government. The territory is located north of the Niger-Benue confluence and has a landmass of approximately 7,315 sq km, of which the actual city occupies 713 sq km. The land was designated from parts of the states Niger, Kwara, and Plateau.
Construction of the city began during the late 1970s, and from its outset it was reckoned that it would take 15 – 20 years to build. The development attracted a huge influx of people in a sort of »gold rush« manner for the good job opportunities and better standard of living because of the modern and efficient services and infrastructure. The development of housing and infrastructure could not keep pace with the torrent of new arrivals, unleashing an acute housing problem that still exists. Most of the population cannot afford to live in Abuja itself and have to commute from satellite towns, which developed outside the original Abuja master plan and have very little infrastructure.
Abuja has the best infrastructure in Nigeria, with speedy expressways and traffic lights. It is not a city for walking, as everything is very spread out along wide freeways. It has some of the trappings of westernization, thanks to the embassies, conference centres, luxury hotels, good food, and some decent shops. Like in Lagos, prices in Abuja are much higher than in the rest of the country. Abuja is sometimes criticised for being sterile and without much colour or culture, but nevertheless those who have made the move from Lagos say that the general standard of living is better in Abuja.
The indigenes of Abuja are chiefly subsistence farmers. The major food crops include yam, maize, guinea corn, beans, and millet. Fishing activities are also prominent among the Bassa people and villagers along rivers of Usamma, Jabi, and Gurara. Besides farming, wood and craft work was and still is a notable occupation. Products derived from wood work include mortars, pestles, tobacco pipes, masks, musical instruments, ans other household utensils. The Ganagana are renowned in iron works. They produce such items as knives, hoes, dane guns, arrows, and ornaments. Cloth weaving is practised by women who weave heavy and closely patterned materials of different colours.
The city's most noticeable feature is a 400 metre monolith Aso Rock. In the Gbagyi language, the word Aso means success or victory. According to tradition, the original inhabitants of the region lived at the base of the rock for centuries without being conquered. The rock was a refuge as well as mystical source of strength. In addition, the term Aso Rock is increasingly being used to refer not only to the physical structure of the most imposing rock in the area, but also as a symbol of government power and a nation.
Zuma Rock is a giant rock, located in Suleja, along the main road Abuja - Kaduna. It is proclaimed as the gateway to Abuja. Zuma Rock was used for defensive purposes by the Gwari people against invading neighbouring tribes during inter-tribal wars. The rock is believed to possess certain powers, which rendered enemies powerless and provided the natives with a hiding place. Its most distinguishing feature, a humanlike face, is quite visible with naturally formed engravings resembling humanlike eye sockets, nose, and mouth. Zuma Rock represents a beautiful and unique work of nature.
Another impressive attraction is the Gurara Falls, which are located 32 km from Suleja. They are at their best in the rainy season when a torrent of foamy water spans a width of up to 200 m and drops 30 m. This reduces to a mere trickle in the dry season, though you can take a shower in them and swim in the Gurara River.
The Millennium Park is the largest public park of Abuja. It is located in the Maitama district of the city. The Millennium Park was inaugurated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom on December 4, 2003. A river crosses the park in its main rectilinear axis, dividing it into two parts. One side of the park is dedicated to uncontaminated nature, while the other side is dedicated to the scientific knowledge of the natural environment.
National Children's Park and Zoo is the newest and nicest zoo in Nigeria, located at the foot of Aso Rock. It is essentially a children's activity park with many playgrounds, climbing frames, a football pitch, and other treats, but there is no reason why grown-up children cannot enjoy a wander around the pleasant gardens. Animals include wildebeest, antelope, buffalo, giraffe, ostrich, zebra, lion, cheetah, monkey, camel, donkey, chicken, duck, and others.
Abuja is known for being the best purpose-built city in Africa. The unofficial population of the metropolitan area is well over 3 million. Beautiful nature, modern architecture, and good infrastructure make Abuja a very nice place to live.