The Top 10 Significant Rocks in Nigeria: The Federal Republic of Nigeria is home to numerous prominent locations that attract a large number of tourists aside from the natural riches that can be found on its soil. The most well-known rocks in the country, such as Olumo rock and Aso rock, are only a handful of the most well-known to the general public. We’ll take a look at ten of the most significant rocks discovered in Nigeria, which have been discovered in various parts of the country.
The majority of those massive stone-like monoliths have a history, and they are still venerated by many people today. These rocks were reputed to have served as a sort of safe haven in the past, especially for individuals fleeing raids from neighboring kingdoms, according to legend.
In addition to the numerous advantages that these well-liked rocks bring to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, they also include the following features:
Natural resources such as rocks can be used to generate fuel or energy. We have a natural inclination to extract coal, oil, and even crude oil gas from rocks, which is understandable. One notable example is the Udi Hills in Enugu State, which is well-known for its coal production.
A large number of essential minerals, such as gold and gemstone, are abundantly obtained from rocks. Furthermore, salts are located far away from rocks.
The Top Ten Significant Rocks in Nigeria
Here is a list of the top 10 most significant rocks in Nigeria
ASO ROCK
Aso Granite is said to be Abuja’s largest outcrop of granitic rock. On the outskirts of Abuja, the rock is placed.
The rock is a 400-metre (1,300-foot) monolith that is the city’s most prominent landmark. Aso Rock is surrounded by the Nigerian Presidential Complex, the National Assembly, and the Supreme Court.
The rock’s origins can be traced back to Asokoro, which signifies people of triumph; thus, Aso Rock meaning victorious.
Aso Rock was the site of the 2003 Aso Rock Declaration, which was signed by Commonwealth Heads of Government during the CHOGM in Abuja. This proclamation restated the Commonwealth’s ideals as outlined in the Harare Declaration and established the organization’s aims as ‘promotion of democracy and development.’
OLUMO ROCK
Olumo Rock is a renowned tourist destination in Southwest Nigeria. It stands 449 feet tall and is located in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
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Olumo was historically utilized as a stronghold by the Egba people in the early nineteenth century. The rock provided a vantage position for the people, allowing them to monitor the enemy’s movements, which ultimately resulted in their victory.
If you’re planning a sightseeing trip to the rock, you may simply stay at the Gateway Hotel or the Olumo Guest House, both of which are located just a few minutes from Olumo.
In early 2006, Olumo Rock underwent renovations that included the addition of a new museum, restaurants, a water fountain, and the ancient Itoku market.
The market is the hub of Abeokuta’s indigenous tie-and-dye industry, colloquially known as adire. You may immediately spot the adire artisans, who are typically women, displaying their creations in sheds alongside the highways.
These artisans reside in the structure behind these sheds. Along the road going to Olumo rock, you may also purchase indigenous beads, bracelets, sculptures, and musical instruments such as the sekere and talking drum.
Ascending the rock, you can see the Ogun river running like a silver chain through a jungle of aged red corrugated roofs bordered by dense green trees that stretch to the horizon.
ZUMA ROCK
Zuma Rock is located in the state of Niger. It is a massive monolith consisting of gabbro and granodiorite.
The rock rises dramatically to the west of Nigeria’s capital Abuja and can be seen from the main route between Abuja and Kaduna, off Madala. It is occasionally referred to as the “Gateway to Abuja from Suleja.”
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Zuma Rock is depicted on the N100 note.
Historically, the Gbagyi people used the rock as a protective retreat from invading neighbouring tribes during intertribal warfare. It stands 3,691 feet tall, taller than Aso Rock and Olumo Rock combined.
WASE ROCK
Wase Rock, located in Plateau State, is one of Nigeria’s rare volcanic rocks. Additionally, it is one of only five breeding grounds available in Africa for the Rossy White Pelican Bird. As a result, the State Government conserves approximately 321 hectares (790 acres) of land surrounding the rock as a bird sanctuary and habitat for wildlife.
The rock is named after Wase Town in Plateau State’s Wase Local Government Area. The rock is located near Wase Town.
The rock soars to a remarkable 350 metres (1,150 ft) above the surrounding terrain. It is crowned by a massive dome-shaped rocky inselberg, one of only five in the world.
Wase Rock is a magnificent inselberg and an excellent tourist attraction, though it is not particularly well-known.
RIYOM ROCK
Additionally referred to as the Three Rocks, this remarkable rock formation is found in Riyom town, Jos.
The Riyom Rock is undoubtedly a natural wonder due to its unique arrangement of rocks stacked on top of one another. It’s worth noting that this arrangement has existed for over a thousand years.
November is the best month to visit this tourist attraction because it has the least rainfall. This is also the time of the Nzem Berom Festival, which is a Berom tradition.
The distance between Jos City and Riyom is 25 kilometers, or about an hour’s drive.
Other noteworthy rock formations in Nigeria include the following:
GIBADI ROCK
This rock formation is also a popular tourist attraction in Sokoto.
UDI HILLS
In 1915, this was the first location for a coal mine. Although it is primarily a hill, it is surrounded by rocky formations.
The tunnels beneath the coal-mining hills have developed into a major tourist attraction in Enugu State.
You can either explore these tunnels or climb the hills as a tourist.
SHERE HILLS
Plateau State seems to be the centre of rock formations as Shere Hills is another important rock in this state.
The highest peak of Shere Hill reaches a height of about 1829 metres. The hill is a well known tourist attraction in Plateau and in 1976, the First All African Scouts Jamboree was held at Shere Hills in 1976.
KAZAURE HILL
Kazaure Hill is located in Jigawa State in the ancient city of Kazaure. The inhabitants of the valleys around the hills are known to be farmers.
The city of Kazaure has been very important since 1819 as it has been the headquarters of the Emirate. The history of the city can be traced to Dan Tunku, a Fulani warrior who was one of the 14 flag bearers for Usman dan Fodio.
KUFENA HILLS
Kufena Hills is located in Zaria in Kaduna State. It is known for its rugged terrain with various landforms.
Kufena has a height of about 825m above sea level. On the 17th of July 1956, Kufena Hills was declared a National Monument.
The hills are composed of metamorphic rocks which make up the base material.
