Kwara state happens to be one of the most popular states in Nigeria, created on the 27 May 1967, under the military Government of General  Yakubu Gowon. This state came into being after the 4 regions which constituted what is  Known as Nigeria were broken down into 12 states.

When this state came into being, it was first known as the West-central State, but as time passed, it was renamed to what we now have as ‘Kwara State’,  with its state capital named Ilorin.

Known as the state of harmony, the state tends to achieve this more by transforming the state into a tourism mecca and always welcomes its people,  investors, and tourist,  etc. To bring unity among them. Some of the places to visit in Kwara state include:

1. Okuta Ilorin

Literally ‘Okuta’ in Yoruba means ‘stone or rock,  ‘while ‘ Ilo- irin’ means metal or blade sharpener.  This is where the popular city of ‘Ilorin’ was coined. Decades ago, before the invention of sharpening steels for knives, cutlass, and weapons. There was a popular man, whose name was OJO ISEKUSE, he happens to be the founding of the city ILORIN. This man during this time devised a method for sharpening his blades with the use of a large stone/rock. However, it was from this place that the name Ilorin was formed.

People from the neighbouring towns when going to Ilorin to sharpen their blades or farm utensils would say ‘they are going to ILU ILORIN’, meaning (we are going to the town of Blade sharpening’.

Therefore this Rock is still much in Ilorin city and has become a centre for tourism which you wouldn’t want to miss out when you visit Kwara state.

2. Olofa of Offa’s Palace

Offa happens to be one of the 16 local governments in Kwara state. Created in 1991, It houses about 10 wards and has different major towns, which are:  Adeleke, Igbewere, Igbadu, and Offa, with Offa being the Headquarter and has the offa Palace as the ancestral home of the people of offa in it.  

Even though this place is a royal house, it is always open for everyone;  both natives and visitors making it one of the best places to visit in Kwara state.

3. Owu Water Fall

This ambience cool environs and lust tribute to nature is one of the most visited places in Kwara state. Located in Owa Kajola,  in the Ifelodun Local government area of Kwara state, this palisade was said to be built in 1976 and happens to be the highest and spectacular natural waterfall;  not only in Nigeria but in the whole of Sub-Sahara Africa.

Towering about 120 meters above sea level to the base where it cascades to an ice-cold pool. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to miss the ambience of this tropical island.

4.  Esie Museum

Among other tourist attraction sites Kwara state can boost is the Edie museum. Located in the Esie local government area of Kwara State, it was built around 1945 and housed thousand tombstones sculptures, which human beings. It is the first Museum in Nigeria.

5. Sobi  Hill

This is the tallest landmark in Ilorin, which from it, you can be able to view almost every part of Ilorin city. People do visit this place in Kwara state specifically for two reasons;  for the view or spiritual reasons. It is believed that prayers are mostly answered there.

To get to the cliff of this hill, there is a white mark at the back, which when tailed, would lead to its top.

6. Dada Pottery

This place is by the left-hand side of Sobi specialist hospital. It is as old as Ilorin itself because it is believed that ile-dada (Dada House) happens to own the oldest women in Ilorin and inherited this craft from their ancestors.

Dada pottery is where mud pots are made. Here, assortments of pottery products ranging from water storage vessels to cooking utensils as well as decorative pottery items are produced. It is notable to be one of the largest and oldest pottery-making institutions in Nigeria and one of the interesting places to visit in Kwara state.

When visiting the place, you will have to give as little as you can afford to the women on duty, according to the tradition which is known as “Owo Iya” (matriarch’s levy).

7. Ilorin Central Mosque

This is the second-largest mosque in Nigeria after the National mosque in Abuja. It has a 20, 000 capacity. It is situated right beside the Emirs palace, in the busy market of Ilorin.

The mosque has several golden domes, which accentuates the majesty of this imposing place of worship.

8. Asa Dam

History has it that it was a woman, whose name was ‘ASA’ that transformed into this big river, which now serves as a major source of water for the whole of Kwara state.

However, Asa Dam was built to maximize the supply of potable water by approximately 50,000 cubic meters per day, to the towns within the state.

Conclusion

Kwara state is truly a tourist state with lots of interesting places to visit. Which one of the places will you be visiting in Kwara state when you go?

Don’t forget to go with these Top 10 Essential Travel Items Every Traveler Needs when you are going!