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The Canoe Sculptures of Lagos: Discovering the From Ebute Monument

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  If there’s one thing that defines the soul of Lagos, it’s water. From fishing communities to bustling ferry routes, the city’s connection to water is deep and enduring. Standing tall on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way in Ikeja is a powerful symbol of this heritage - the From Ebute Monument . This striking public art piece is more than just a sculpture; it’s a story told through fiberglass and form, connecting Lagosians to their aquatic past. What Is the From Ebute Monument? The From Ebute Monument is a 30-foot-tall installation of multiple fiberglass sculptures of indigenous wooden canoes - the kind traditionally used by Lagos' earliest settlers. “Ebute” in Yoruba means “harbour” or “jetty,” which gives the monument its name and context. It stands as a tribute to the communities that thrived along Lagos’ waterfronts long before the skyline was dotted with high-rises and traffic-filled bridges. This monument isn’t just beautiful to look at - it tells a powerful story. It repr...

Who is Seyi Explore? Get to Know the Traveler and Storyteller

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Hi there, Explorers! My name is Seyi Dada , though you probably know me as Seyi Explore . I’m excited to finally share a bit more about myself, the journey that led me here, and what inspires my love for exploring. If you’ve ever wondered about the person behind the name, this is your chance to get to know me better! Personal Life I was born in Abeokuta , Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria, and grew up in Isolo , Lagos, also in Southwest Nigeria. My love for exploring started early, I’ve always been curious about the world around me. Whether it was childhood adventures or my more recent solo trips, discovering hidden gems and experiencing new cultures has always been a big part of my life. My freelance job gave me the opportunity to move around Lagos and a few other parts of Nigeria, deepening my love for exploration and enriching my experiences in new environments. Education I studied Food Technology at both Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and The Federal Polytechnic Ilar...

Reflecting on My 2010 Visit to Olumo Rock: A Journey of Inspiration

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Back in 2010, my coursemates and I embarked on a memorable adventure to the iconic Olumo Rock Tourist Center in Abeokuta. As I reflect on this cherished trip, this photo of us sitting together on a cement chair in front of the imposing rock brings back vivid memories. Though our expressions were serious and focused on the camera, the excitement and curiosity we felt that day were undeniable. Olumo Rock was more than just a tourist attraction for us; it was a deep dive into history and culture. The rock's towering presence and the stories of resilience it holds left us in awe. Exploring its paths, learning about its significance, and taking in the breathtaking views from its summit were experiences that have stayed with me over the years. Sharing that day with my coursemates; walking, observing, and soaking in the environment, added a sense of togetherness to the adventure. That trip to Olumo Rock is one of the key experiences that sparked my passion for exploring Nigeria’s uniq...

Why Excursions Matter: Reflections from My Time at Isolo Secondary School

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Ancient Heads Carved in Stone - Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove In Nigeria, excursions are often viewed as a luxury reserved for students in private schools, leaving their peers in government schools with limited exposure to cultural and educational trips. Personally, I attended Isolo Secondary School, a government school in Lagos, for six years without any excursions. I am not sure if pupils in public primary schools then had the same opportunity I had when I went on an excursion to the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos while at Beverly Children's School, a private primary school. This disparity in opportunities reflects a gap that needs to be addressed. View of National Theatre - Lagos Tourism ministries at both federal and state levels can play a significant role in bridging this gap by making excursions compulsory across all government schools. Here are several reasons why excursions should be part of every student’s education, especially in government schools: 1.    ...

Exploring African Culture: My Experience at the GOGE AFRICA 25th Anniversary Festival

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Attending the GOGE AFRICA 25th anniversary festival was nothing short of a journey through the heart of African culture and heritage. Known for celebrating the richness of African traditions, GOGE AFRICA has been a powerful force for cultural unity and tourism in Africa, and I was thrilled to be part of this milestone event. With the theme,  “Symphony of Cultures,”  the festival aimed to highlight the beauty of Africa’s diverse heritage. From the energy of the crowd to the vibrancy of each performance, the festival was a remarkable experience that left a lasting impression on me. A Fortunate Encounter On my way to the festival, I had the pleasure of meeting Mariam, a law graduate and entrepreneur. I spotted her at the Tafawa Balewa Square area as she approached me, asking for directions to Onikan Stadium, the festival venue. As luck would have it, we were headed to the same place! We decided to walk together, enjoying each other's company, and quickly bonded over our shared ex...