Located in south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Delta State is an oil producing state situated in the region known as the Niger Delta. The state which was created in 1991 is divided into twenty five local government areas which include Aniocha-North, Aniocha-South, Bomadi, Burutu, Ethiope-East, Ethiope-West, Ika-North-East, Ika-South, Isoko-North, Isoko-South, Ndokwa-East, Ndokwa-West, Okpe, Oshimili-North, Oshimili-South, Patani, Sapele, udu, Ugheli-North, Ugheli-South, Ukwuani, Uvwie, Warri-North, Warri-South,Warri South-West.
History
Delta State which used to be a part of Bendel State was created in 1991 and got its name from the delta of the River Niger. The area called Delta State today was once an integral part of the old Western Region of Nigeria before it became an autonomous entity in 1991 after having been part of the old Midwestern State from 1963 to 1976 and the defunct Bendel State from 1976 to 1991. The state got its name as a result of its location within the delta of the River Niger.
People & Culture
Delta State has an estimated population of about 4.2 million with Urhobo, Itesekiri, Ijaw (Izon), Isoko and Anioma (Igbo) as the main ethnic groups. These groups share ancestral and traditional administrative systems, evident in their dress, language, festivals, music and folklore. The people are hospitable, enlightened, resourceful and hardworking.
Weather/Climate
Delta State is situated in the tropics and therefore experiences a fluctuating climate, ranging from the humid tropical in the south, to the subhumid in the northeast. The lessening of humidity towards the north is accompanied by an increasingly marked dry season. The average rainfall is about 266.5mm in the coastal areas and 190.5mm in the extreme north. Rainfall is heaviest in July. Temperature increases from the south to the north. In Warri, located in the south for example, the average daily temperature is 30°C, while the temperature in Asaba in the north eastern area is 44°C.
Cities & Towns
Other important cities and towns include Warri, Asaba, Ugheli, Sapele, Agbor, Abraka, Kwale, Oleh, Koko, Oghara, Ozoro and Burutu, with Sapele, Warri and Koko as major seaports.
The beauty of Delta State is held together by the dozens of rivers, streams and creeks which crisscross it. The majestic Niger, one of the most famous rivers of Africa, washes the shores of the capital city, Asaba. Further downstream, it breaks into the dozens of creeks through which it empties itself into the Atlantic. During the dry season, the golden sandbanks of the Niger are a sight to behold and ideal for relaxation.
Abraka Turf & Country Club
This is arguably the only equestrian leisure club in Nigeria and it usually hosts an International Polo Tournament, which takes place annually during Easter weekend. Here visitors can go horse riding or walk along the nature trail above the banks of the Ethiope river, swimming and fishing. Read more here
River Ethiope Source
River Ethiope, reputed to be the deepest inland waterway in Africa, has its source at the foot of a giant silk-cotton tree at Umuaja in Ukwuani local government area and it then flows through seven Local Government Areas in the state. By the time it reaches Sapele, it has become deep enough to provide a harbour for ocean-going vessels.
Kwale Game Reserve
This reserve is situated in the low coastal zone of Delta State, characterized by rainforest vegetation and deltaic swamps. It is rich in reptiles and water associated animals, particularly red river hog, sitatunga and a variety of brackish, marine and freshwater fish species.
Jamieson River
A trip up the Jamieson River is a pleasant outing. If you cannot hire a boat it is possible to get to Jamieson River at Sapoda by car, where there is a pleasant picnic spot. The river up stream from Sapoba is beautifully clear and suitable for swimming, although the water is surprisingly very cold.
Chief Nana’s Palace Living History Museum, Koko
This is national monument also known as “koko palace” located at the port of Koko in Warri North, it is a monument that attracts thousands of tourists. It was the residence of Chief Nana Olomu Eborhimi of the Itsekiri tribe, who was a powerful nineteenth century indigenous entrepreneur.
Leisure Paradise Amusement Park, Ekpan
Located in Ekpan, Effurun, it’s a place to head for a family day off around Warri. With a newly built roller coaster, a flying elephant ride and waters slides, it’s great for kids. For the adult there’s the tumbler tower, horse bark riding or one should just take a walk round the park or enjoy a nice drink while listening to cool music.
Olona Ranch & Holiday Resort, Onicha-Olona
The ranch is noted for its traditional African setting with facilities for accommodation, conferences and recreation. The ranch is an ideal place for those who wish to escape the hustling and bustling of city life. Some of its attraction includes, fishing, swimming, bird watching and sumptuous Delta dishes.
Royal Palace, Idumuje-Ugboko
This is the palace of the Obi (traditional ruler) which was built over 150 years ago. Only laterite and traditional construction techniques were used in its construction. The structure and the cultural objects in it are singulary beautiful and historically significant.
Mungo Park House, Asaba
This is a national monument that happened to be the first headquarters of the Royal Niger Company and Nigeria’s first political headquarters in 1900.
Lander Brothers’ Anchorage, Asaba
It was built in memory of the Lander Brothers-Richard and John who anchored at about that spot of the River Niger during the expedition that they took over from Mungo Park. The erected anchorage is, however, not the original one but a replica; the original one is at Aboh. The Lander Brothers are credited with the discovery of the mouth of the River Niger. This led to the opening of the West African trade which eventually replaced slave trade. The anchorage has an information centre and a restaurant.
Expatriate Graveyard, Asaba
This is the resting place of missionaries and colonial workers that came to Asaba on a mission.
Bomadi Beach Party Resort
The Bomadi beach party resort usually takes place on the fascinating sandbanks of the Niger at Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi LGA.
Escarvo Beach
This sandy beach is an exciting and popular site in Escarvos for relaxation and organizing of picnics.
Gordon River Resort, Abraka
The resort is located at Abraka on the road to Benin between Abraka and Obaruku and it is a tourist delight for those who want to get away into the kind of serenity that any african jungle can offer. Facilities here include swimming pool, restaurant, and bar and well furnished chalets, rooms and suites.
Other attractions
[tab:Eating Out] Not yet posted [tab:Shopping] Not yet posted [tab:Hotels] Grand Hotel, AsabaSet on the west bank of the Niger River with sweeping views of the landscape, the hotel has well-furnished rooms, restaurant and bar over looking River Niger, night club, casino, internet access, well-equipped gymnasium, Olympic-sized swimming pool, a giant chess board in the garden, and tennis court. There is also health and beauty treatments, massage and manicure services. Address: located at no 192 Nnebisi Road, Asaba, Tel: New Owerri, Off Port Harcourt Road, Owerri.
Nelrose Hotel
This is one of the top hotels in Asaba where leisure and accommodation are excellently provided. It has beautifully landscaped and gorgeous surroundings, fully fitted gyms, wireless internet access, relaxing pool side area, artificial beach, exotic lounges and bars, night clubs, beautifully appointed rooms, finest cuisine and much more. Address: Government House Rd, Asaba. Tel: +234 046-300688, 300324, 046-300263, 08034729419
Amena Hotels & Resorts
Located in Oghara, Amena is a seven-hole golf resort on the banks of the Ethiope river. The course features water holes with shots across hidden coves and hauntingly beautiful bayons. This golf resort is complemented with twenty five classy suites equipped with amenities that are anything but standard with variety of luxurious options, all with full kitchen, laundary facilities and pool. Address: 147 Aja Road, Ugbimidaka Qtrs, Oghareki-Oghara, Oghara. Tel: +234-056-342646, 341657, 08035779087
Hotel Excel & Towers
This is a home of comfort, leisure and luxury with beautiful landscape. For over a decade, the hotel has been delivering efficient hotel and catering services passionately at competitive and affordable costs. Address: Refinery Road, Effurun, Warri. Tel: +234(0)7092001714, (0)702613134
Akoko Hotels
The hotel offers luxury and exquisite rooms furnished to taste with air-conditioning, cable TV, outdoor & indoor pool, sauna/spa, gym, non-smoking rooms, conducive relaxation, bar and restaurant, has a live band and a barbeque stand as extra facilities. Address: 2, Ayoro Lane, Off Enerhen Road, Enerhen-Warri. Tel: +234 (0) 8039279196
Wellington Hotel
Located in Effurun which is few 15mins away from the city centre and also the local airstrip, Wellington Hotel offers 140 contemporarily decorated guest rooms with a warm, cozy and intimate accommodation experience. Address: 17 Effurun-Ughelli Expressway, Effurun.Tel: +234 (0)80 5502 44 (60-64), 080 3458 22 (11-14)
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