“I sneaked in through the back door trying to avoid everyone from knowing I was home".

Took the back stairs and tip-toed straight to my room without anyone's knowledge but my sister who was already aware of my coming for Christmas as we planned this surprise together.

I freshened up and came downstairs looking like I passed the night at home that morning and Alas! Everyone screamed for joy at their first glimpse of me.

Edited Using Canva

...Permit me to backtrack a bit...

I worked in Lagos, Nigeria, and had a really demanding job that was about to also take a huge chunk of my December. I didn’t think I would be able to make it home for that years’ Christmas but things changed last minute and I flew home on Christmas day morning. No one was expecting me. You could imagine the pure joy on everyone's face to see me back home for Christmas.

It was my Best Christmas yet!

You may wonder how this all fits in right? Well…

Hands down, my home is where my heart is and that is my favourite place in the whole world. Rivers State is home not due to what it has to offer in terms of structure, recreation, entertainment, etc but because of the people, my people.

A bulk of my loved ones reside there.

My Girls & I

Can you imagine what life is like without the ones we love around us especially when we need them most?

I will leave you to answer.

What places have I visited in Nigeria?

Shall we go on a brief tour of places I have visited before I talk about my favourite place?

Abuja
I visited Abuja when I was still an undergrad. I went to ECOWAS and NIIA to carry out interviews with a couple of directors that were vital for my final year project topic. While I was there, my friend took me on a tour of a few places such as Jabi Lake Mall, Jabi Lake, Dunes, Anglican Church of Nigeria and we saw a movie at the Silverbird Cinema.

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Recommendations: In addition to the places I visited, you can visit Zuma Rock, National Children's Park and Zoo, Millennium Park. Go on a boat cruise.

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Ogun
I attended University in Ogun State. I did a bit of exploring and excursions here and there in the area. I patronized their local markets in close proximity to my school. During an excursion, I visited the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Olumo rock, and the Obasanjo farm.

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Recommendations: In addition to the places I visited, you can visit Cenetary Hall, Hi-Impact Planet, Saam Health Farm and Holiday Resort, Osuuru Water Spring.

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Lagos
I served as a National Youth Service Corper in Lagos. I lived and worked there for 2years. It was mostly a sweet experience but I don’t think I want to live there except something is done about the crazy traffic situation. Yeah, I have a love-hate relationship for Lagos.

I really explored Lagos and I think there is so much more exploring to do. While I was there, I visited the Ikeja City Mall, Lekki Conservative Centre, Palms Shopping Mall, Tarkwa Bay Beach, The Cathedral Church of Christ, Nike Art Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Market, etc.

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Recommendations: In addition to the places I visited, you can visit Landmark Beach, National Museum Lagos, Lekki Arts & Crafts Market. Enjoy the variety of Restaurant options and nightlife offers. Go on a boat cruise.

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Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
I visited Uyo for a wedding of a dear friend and although I didn’t do so much exploring as my trip was short and packed with wedding activities, I had a deep sense of appreciation for their roads. Uyo as at when I last visited had one of the best-maintained and well-constructed roads in Nigeria.

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Recommendations: You can visit Unity Park, Presbyterian Church Uyo, Discovery Park, National Museum of Colonial History, Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Ibom Tropical Entertainment Center, Amalgamation House, Ibeno Beach, Le Meridien Ibom Golf Hotel & Resort, Ibom Plaza, Ibom connection, Oron museum, etc.

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Yenegoa, Bayelsa State
My sister and her family live in the city of Yenegoa. I have visited here and there but have not really spent a long vacation there. I think Bayelsa as a state is so blessed, I only hope and pray the leaders there can at least try to maximize the resources and potentials of this great state.

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Recommendations: You can visit Okpoama Beach, Peace Park, Kontiki Amusement Park & Resort

Aba, Abia State
I visited the popular big market called Aba market in Abia state. This was in the early years of my life as an entrepreneur. It was a really massive market that had simply anything and I mean anything you are looking for in all shapes, sizes, and grades of the item. It was a mini excursion for me. Lol.

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Recommendations: You can visit the Mbonu-Emerem Museum of Art, National War Museum, Ojukwu’s Bunker.

Owerri, Imo State
I transited through the state. I didn’t really get to explore it in its entirety but I caught a glimpse of certain landmarks here and there.

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Recommendations: You can visit Owerri Mall, Nekede Zoo, Oguta Lake & Golf Resort

Enugu, Enugu State
Just like Owerri, I went on a road trip and stole a few glances at historical sites and a few natural geographic attractions while in transit.

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Recommendations: You can visit Magic Garden, Polo Park Mall, Ugwueme & Udi Hills, Milken Hills, Nike Lake Resort, National Museum of Unity, Awhum Waterfall & Cave. Try the famous Okpa, Abacha, and Palm wine.

Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
I visited the city of Abakiliki for the wedding of a popular Nigerian musician’s younger sister –“Patoranking”. I felt like a child on an excursion during my time there as I had only a few hours to grasp a lot of sceneries as my friend toured me around.

I saw quite a number of village houses that stood out as luxurious and great architectural masterpieces. Truly, the Igbos don’t play when it comes to their village houses.

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Recommendations: You can visit Abakaliki Golf Course, Abakaliki Green Lake, Amanchor Cave, The Golden Sand Beach, Okposi Salt Lake.

What places do I dream of visiting in Nigeria?

I dream and plan to visit the following attractions sites in these regions below because of their historical significance, entertainment, and educative resource purposes.

Kaduna:

Kajuru Castle, Matsiriga Waterfalls, Kagoro Hills, and the Ancient Nok Settlement amongst other tourist attractions

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Kano:

Gidan Makama Museum, Kano Zoo, Emir’s Palace, Roxy Amusement Park, Minijibir Park

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Jos:

Solomon Lar Amusement Park, Jos Wildlife Park, Pandam Game Reserve, Museum of Nigeria for Traditional Architecture, Shere Hills, Jos Zoological Garden, Kurra & Assop Falls, Jos Museum

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Ekiti:

Ikogosi Warm spring, Arinta Water Falls, Esa Cave

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Delta:

Falcorp Mangrove Park, Park Vega Waterpark, Otuogu Beach, Shiloh Beach Resort, Nelson Mandela Gardens. Go clubbing.

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Benue:

Ikwe Holidy Resort, Montane Games Reserve, Enemabia Warm Spring

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Calabar:

Kwa Waterfalls, The Tomb, Statue & House of Mary Slessor, Slave Museum, Cross River National Park

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Anambra:

Akwa Wonderland, Ogbunike Cave, Aguku Lake

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Kogi:

Lord Luggard’s Rest House, Residence & Office, Lokoja Confluence, Ebiraland Palaces

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What makes my favourite place so special?

My answer is simple yet succinct.

My People: Port Harcourt, Rivers State is my favourite place because of my loved ones. I was born and bred in Port Harcourt. I did my nursery, primary, and high school in the same school in Port Harcourt. I have so many fond memories here with family and friends. I feel a deep sense of belonging and community here.

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Culture: The culture is so diverse yet rich and unique. My both parents are from different parts of Rivers State. So I am a mixed breed. Lol… I get to enjoy a variety of upland and riverine dishes. We are known to have the famous fisherman soup and a mix of diverse seafood. Our famous Bole(roasted plantain & fish) is to die for. Yes! It is worth the hype and more.

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My mother is from the kalabari tribe and their traditional attires are so beautiful, distinct, royal, and outstanding. Our unique tribal languages are so sweet to listen to especially when used in music. As a state, we are blessed with natural resources- one of the oil-producing states in Nigeria.

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I totally love it here!

What can you do in my favourite place?

Recommendations: You can visit Port Harcourt City Mall, Pleasure Park, Rutaland TCK Family Park, Port Harcourt Golf Club, Rivers State Museum, Isaac Boro Park. Get a taste of our Bole, Fisherman soup, and diverse Seafood options.

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Thank me later 😂

As always, thank you for listening to my gist and reading my story.

This is my entry into the weekly (last week's 😀) @Hivenaija contest.

Kindly pardon my delayed entry, I just could not miss out on the opportunity to participate in this one.