Things to do in Osogbo this weekend
Nelson Mandela Freedom Park The aesthetics is superb and it would definitely leave a visitor with plenty of great memories after visiting the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park. It is around the Osogbo train station and is located near the popular Old Garage and Ola-Iya junction. The park was constructed by the incumbent state governor, Mr. […]
Nelson Mandela Freedom Park
The aesthetics is superb and it would definitely leave a visitor with plenty of great memories after visiting the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park. It is around the Osogbo train station and is located near the popular Old Garage and Ola-Iya junction.
The park was constructed by the incumbent state governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola as part of the urban renewal project. Before it was turned into a park, the area was a slum. The government cleaned up the area, planted grasses and flowers turning it into a beautiful environment. As such, the environment stands out with lovely and admirable landscape.
The park has facilities such as parking lots, pedestrian bridges, public toilets, food mart and a police post among others.
Beads market
Indigenes of Osogbo are a people with high sense of traditional fashion and if you are truly a lover of Yoruba beaded works, the finest opportunity is to visit the beads market in Osogbo to purchase beautiful beads at cheap prices. There are varieties to choose from.
AENON Suites
This hotel is one of the major private investments in Osogbo. The hotel which is rated as the best in town at the moment is located in the GRA and it is known for its unique and beautiful environment. It has over 40 rooms and a delightful restaurant serving African and continental dishes. The ambience of the hotel is breath-taking with facilities such as swimming pool, sauna, tennis courts, children’s playing ground, bar, gym, events and business centres as well free internet facility.
Herbs market
There are many ancient markets in Osogbo and each serves different purposes. For instance, items that can be used for traditional medicine can only be bought at Oja-Oba market. Besides, in this market, there are procedures for buying and selling especially when the items are those that cannot be disclosed. There is a particular section of the market that is specifically meant for herbs for treatment of infants and nursing mothers. Pregnant women usually patronise the market and consult the herbalists.
Osun-Osogbo Grove
The ancient city of Osogbo is famous for the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival which attracts tourists from different parts of the world. The Osun-Osogbo Grove is a sacred forest along the banks of the Osun River. Visitors who are interested in exploring the grove are allowed to do so while monkeys and other inhabitants of the forest are pleasant sights. In recognition of its global significance and cultural value, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove was listed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
Susanne Wenger’s home
Fondly called Adunni Olorisa, Susanne Wenger challenged land speculators, repelled poachers and protected the Osun-Osogbo sacred grove at a time when shrines were neglected owing to the advent of Islam in Osogbo in the 1950s. Through the New Sacred Art Movement which she founded, Wenger restored the sanctity of the grove and became a force to reckon with. The house where she lived during her mission in Osogbo between 1958 and 2009 at Ibokun road is now a tourist attraction. The house contains over 400 works of art and is open to visitors even though there are some sacred areas with restriction.
Amintiti Colonial Bridge
Known as Amintiti, the bridge has many unique features. It is a suspended bridge and said to be the oldest pedestrian bridge in Osogbo, perhaps in the state. It was constructed by the colonialists and was used by the colonialists to cross the river to the Oke-Osun farm settlement. The bridge also links the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove to certain communities at Oke-Osun. The bridge affords the lovers of nature the opportunity to enjoy the serenity of the environment.