List Of UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Nigeria

UNESCO World Heritage – Nigeria has a long and illustrious past as well as a proud cultural heritage. Old towns, monuments, ancient places of worship, artefacts, and historical locations are examples of our legacy.

Some of these historical gems have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while others are being considered for candidacy. On today’s Saturday Small Chops, we’ll look at some of the world’s most important heritage sites, both those on the UNESCO World Heritage List and those on the tentative list.

1. Oban Hills, Cross River

Oban Hills is a part of the Cross River National Park in south-eastern Nigeria that connects to the Korup National Park in western Cameroon. The Oban Hills are a series of hills that provide essential wildlife and natural habitat for a variety of animals and plants, including Bat Hawks, Crested Guinea Fowl, and Chimpanzees.

2. Idanre Hill, Ondo State

Idanre Hill, also known as Oke-Idanre, is one of Ondo State’s most magnificent natural sceneries. The Owa’s Palace, Old Court, Shrines, Agbooogun footprint, and Omi Aopara, which means thunder water, are among the cultural and spiritual features of the Idanre hills. Beautiful vegetation, schools, ancient communities, and massive hills surround it.

3. Sukur Cultural Landscape, Adamawa State

In 1999, the Sukur Cultural Landscape became Nigeria’s first historical site to be recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The scene is set in the Mandara Mountains, not far from the Cameroon border. It was inscribed by UNESCO due to its rich cultural atmosphere, material culture, and naturally terraced fields with dry stones and granite. Sukur Cultural Landscape is one of the most vibrant heritage places teeming with endangered species. It sits on a hill with the Hidi’s (Chief’s) palace, dominating the neighboring settlements. The Sukur Cultural Landscape exhibits a long-lasting cultural and spiritual landscape.

4. Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Osun State

In 2005, the Osun-Osogbo holy forest, which is thought to be the home of the goddess of fertility (Osun), was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sacred grove can be found on the banks of the Osun River on the outskirts of Osogbo, Osun State. Shrine, sanctuaries, sculptures, and other artworks honoring Osun and other deities can be found inside the trees. The famed Osun-Osogbo festival is held at the grove every year. Thousands of Osun devotees and tourists from all over the world attend the celebration. The Yoruba people’s sacred groove has remained a symbol of their identity.

5. Ancient Kano City Walls

The Ancient Kano City Walls were old defense walls constructed to defend the residents of Kano’s ancient city. The walls were constructed between 1095 and 1134 and finished in the middle of the 14th century. The Emir’s palace, Kurmi Market, and the famed Dala Hills were all part of the 14-kilometer city wall that was included on the tentative list of UNESCO Heritage Sites in 2007. The gates, which are as old as the city walls, were used to regulate movement in and out of the city.

Source: Nyscinfo