NOTABLE WATERFALL IN NIGERIA AND THIER HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

(1) Erin-Ijesha Waterfall

Erin-Ijesha waterfall is also known as Olumirin waterfall – meaning “another deity”. This natural
waterfall is located in Erin-Ijesha town of Osun State in southwest Nigeria. The waterfall is along the
Efon Ridge along the Ilesha-Akure expressway, and within the community axis of Erin-Oke, Erin-Ijesha,
and Erinmo. The spectacular thing about this waterfall is that it is an assemblage of seven distinct
waterfalls falling alongside one another from the top cliffs of the rock, cascading down into a pool of
river that runs into canopies of lush vegetations

Historical Background

.Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls (also known as Olumirin waterfalls)[1] is located in Erin-Ijesha, Osun State. It is a
tourist attraction located in Oriade local government area, Osun State, Nigeria. The waterfalls were
discovered in 1140 AD by one of the daughters of Oduduwa. However, according to The
Nation,"Olumirin waterfall was discovered by hunters in 1140 AD".[2][3] Another source has it that the
tourist site was discovered by a woman called Akinla, founder of Erin-Ijesha town and a granddaughter
of Oduduwa, during the migration of Ife people to Erin- Ijesa.[4] The name Olumirin was given to the
tourist attraction by Akinla, which means (oluwa mirin - another god).

(2) Mayanka Waterfalls

Mayanka falls is located at the outskirts of Suleja, Nigeria; but it is the capacity that gave it its fearful
name: Mayanka, only a few people know this historical place or its two hundred years of life. That
'infamy' and the 'fearfulness', and, thus, the fascinating part of the location tale, all seem more about
the 'Mayanka' than about the 'falls,' whatever attractiveness the falls may exude to any modern-day
visitor

History Background

Mayanka, typically means slaughter of animals for human consumption, is the Hausa word for slaughter
house, slaughter slab or any slaughter spot. The Mayanka of Suleja, down the falls of the Iku River, was
the place for the slaughter (execution) of criminals sentenced in pre-colonial times to death by the
traditional authorities of the domain.

Every Nigerian society had its system of administering justice as part of its comprehensive system of
government, from time immemorial until the advent of colonialism, with regard to what is conceived as
civil and criminal offenses according to its traditional norms and values.

Shehu Uthman Danfodio-led jihadists sacked the Zage-zagi from their ancestral territory (headquartered
in Zaria) in the 19th century, from where they moved south to the present location to find another
Zazzau territory.
According to the source, therefore, any Fulani man or woman sighted in the domain in those days would
be treated as a jihadist spy and would be arrested and brought as a criminal before the Sarkin Zazzau
Royal Court, to be summarily sentenced to death by the sword of the Mayanka Hauni.

(3) Farin Ruwa Falls

Farin Ruwa Falls is a waterfall found in the central region of Nigeria. It is among the highest waterfalls in
Nigeria. It is significant among Africa's falls when the total height covered by the waterfall is considered.

The source of Farin Ruwa falls is found on the Nasarawa State, from whence it gushes down over the
edge of the Nasarawa. During its descent from the Jos Plateau, the water drops a total height of about
150 metres (492 ft).[1] This drop is higher compared to the more popular Victoria Falls, which drops a
height of around 108 metres (354 ft) during its descent.

Location

Farin Ruwa falls is found in Massange village of Farin Ruwa Development Area in Wamba Local
Government Area of Nasarawa State. The falls is found along the boundary of Plateau State and
Nasarawa State, under the Bokkos and Wamba Local Government Areas of the two states. The falls has
its source on the Jos plateau, in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Historical Background

The falls was discovered by the original inhabitants, the Kulere speaking community of Massange and
was popularized by the then British colonial rulers of Nigeria in the 1950s. A catering Rest House was
established in MASSANGE village close to the falls in order to exploit it commercially. To protect its rich
heritage, the colonial administration gazetted it and named it MAYES (a kulere word for the waterfall)
Forest Reserve. However, despite this early development, Farin Ruwa was consigned to the background
until the creation of Nasarawa State in 1996.[3] The waterfall is about 120 kilometres from Lafia, the
Nasarawa state capital, and 30 kilometres from Wamba town.Is also 192.6 km (almost 3hrs 45mins)
from Abuja the capital city of Nigeria via Keffi-Akwanga Nasarawa State.

The mountainous nature of the region surrounding the Farin Ruwa falls induces heavy rainfall from
clouds passing over the region during the rainy season from March to November. As a result, there is an
increase in the volume of water of the falls crashing from the mountains during the rainy season. The
mountains around the falls are the edge of the Jos Plateau.

There is a drop in the volume of water of the falls during the dry season, from December to March. But
it is for a short while, as the falls recovers its water volume again during the rainy season.

(4) Gurara waterfall

The Gurara waterfall is located nearly 3 kilometres off Minna-Suleja road and about 30 minutes drive
from Abuja, the nation’s capital. The waterfall has a width of about 200 metres and cascades down a
decline of 30 metres during the rainy season, but the intensity of the waterfall reduces during the dry
season when all rainfalls have ceased. It is thought that the waterfall is an offshoot of the Gurara river
which is a tributary of the popular River Niger. The waterfall is ideal for bird-watching, social picnics,
photo and video sessions, and academic researches.

Historical Background

According to oral history, Gurara Waterfalls was discovered by a Gwari hunter called Buba in 1745
before some Europeans discovered it in 1925 after they found it as a recreation centre. Prior to the
discovery of the waterfalls by the Europeans, Gurara Waterfalls was worshipped by people living in
communities around it. Oral history also has it that Gurara Waterfalls and Gurara River were named
after two deities called Gura and Rara

(5) Awhum Waterfall

The Awhum waterfall is located along the Enugu-9th Mile expressway and about 30 minutes drive from
Enugu State in eastern Nigeria. The waterfall is protected by a nearby Catholic Monastery so that people
do not spoil it or damage its tourism potentials. The waterfall is fed by a continuous stream of river that
streams from a large rock formation and cascades down to the delight of flora and fauna. This is one
place to visit in Enugu for the best of tourism and social delights.

Historical Background

The Awhum Waterfall is located at Amaugwe village of Awhum town in Udi Local Government Area,
Enugu State, Nigeria.[1] The Awhum Waterfall is formed out of a massive outcrop of granite rock with
water flow at the top forming a stream. Some part of the waterfall is usually warm through the seasons.
The Awhum waterfall is 30 metres high[2] and is located near the Awhum Monastery.The water is said
to be curative (have healing power) and capable of dispelling evil forces if and wherever it is sprinkled. It
takes about 45 minutes walk from the parking spot to the fall. The site is particularly good for religious
tourism.[3]

The Awhum Waterfall is also a popular tourist location in Nigeria

(6) Owu Waterfall

The Owu waterfall is located in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State of Nigeria and one of the most fascinating
waterfall to visit in southwest Nigeria. This waterfall is noted to cascade about 330 feet onto a rocky
outcrop of hills and lush vegetations that fascinate tourists. The cascading pool of water is ice-cold and a
delight to bathe in, while it will make a very good photo session for artistes and other interested
individuals.

Historical Background

Nestled in the soothing forest with luxuriant vegetation and breath taking landscape of Owa-Kajola, in
Isin Local Government area of Kwara State is the Owu Falls. Visitors to the site of the Owu falls in Kwara
State have marvelled at the neglect and underdevelopment which have dogged this potential tourist
delight.

According to City Spotlight, Owu Falls is said to have been brought to limelight by Reverend Plafare Dui
over 40 years ago, during missionary activities for the Sudan Interior Mission, now known as Evangelical
Church of West Africa. (ECWA)

Towering about 120metres above sea level to the base where it cascades to an ice cold pool, Owu falls is
considered as the highest and most spectacular waterfall in the whole of sub Saharan Africa West Africa.
Owu falls is surrounded by a stretch of mountains extending to Ekiti and Kogi states. The rich and lush
green vegetation makes the environment attractive to visitors and other creatures like birds, monkeys
and reptiles. The natural flora and fauna have turned the falls into a nature seekers delight.

Folklore has it that Owu falls, was once home to a giant snake and birds that threatened the communal
life of the villagers. This situation persisted until after 1940, when according to the narration, “God in His
infinite mercies and love for His people struck the snake with thunder, and miraculously sent the
dangerous birds away.”

According to oral history, the founding fathers of Owu, Owa-Kajola and Owa Onire were siblings from
Owa family. Then, they lived on the hills above the falls, without knowing of the existence of the
waterfalls below till the settlers moved to the present location (Owa-Kajola) in 1940, due to the
unavailability of social amenities and the rocky nature of the terrain which made farming very tedious.
With that movement, one of the brothers, Owa Kajola established his home close to this falls, while Owa
Onire moved to the city boundary near Isanlu, in the present Kogi State.

It is believed In Owu community and its environs that the falls respond to human voices. On this visit
that belief was demonstrated as the falls doubled its pour of water on the tourists and other fun seekers
around, making it seem as though it was greeting them.One attraction of Owu falls is its coolness which
is usually experienced even from a distance of about 10 kilometres to the site, especially during the
rainy season. Though the fall is not an easy place to locate due to the bad state of the road, the intricacy
in the location was itself another form of excitement.

(7) Assop waterfall

Assop waterfall is located in Plateau State and about 64 km from Jos, the state capital. The waterfall is
along Jos-Abuja road and one of the best natural attractions for tourists and fun-lovers in north-central
Nigeria. Assop waterfall is ideal for picnicking, swimming, bird-watching, sight-seeing and other social
functions during festive periods.

Historical Background

Assop Waterfall is a natural waterfall occurring at the bottom of the famous Hawan Kibo, a rocky uneven
hill stretching a long distance below which members of the immediate community live and by which the
community, is named.The silence before getting to the waterfall itself is occasioned various songs or
different birds chirping while creating rhythmic music to the ear only to prepare you for what comes
next...Assop Waterfalls flooding down the valley with an intensity that will send a shrill of excitement
through your heart and make you wonder of the awe that the creation of such beauty only nature can
truly boast of.

There are concrete rock formations in between that lead to the waterfall site, either side surrounded by
thicketsTo see this beauty of nature costs a paltry N50, but any tourist who wishes to access the
waterfall is required to part with nothing less than N300 or more, if he is to take photographs.To hold a
meeting at the waterfalls attracts a charge of N3,500 while group picnics attract N4,000. To hold a
'ceremony' at the falls attracts N4,500 charge while movie producers pay N18,000 to shoot their movies
at the Assop Waterfalls.

Locals believe that the Assop Waterfall harbours spirits, and that the spirits have been responsible for
the deaths that have occurred there. Giving credence to the belief that spirits were responsible for the
incidents, one of the guides said the spirits often used the beauty of the water to draw victims into a
trance, rendering such victims vulnerable for the deadly slip or jump as the case may be that typically
led to death.

But like other tourist attractions across the country, patronage at the beautiful natural heritage has
decreased with time and this is not unconnected to the neglect that the Assop Waterfall has suffered, as
well as the security challenge peculiar to that area of the country.Tourists no longer trust that part of
the country anymore. And the guides there said that once security is assured, the Assop Waterfall will
return to its normal bubbling attraction that it was once again.Also, government also need to take
tourism beyond the level of rhetorics and turn to revenue earner by ensuring that the facilities around
the waterall are put in proper shape to meet with international best standard

(8). Agbokim Waterfall

Agbokim waterfall is located nearly 315 km from Calabar in Cross-River State of Nigeria. It is about 17km
from Ikom, the nearest village in Etung LGA and very close to the Nigerian-Cameroon border. The
captivating and alluring serenity of the waterfall makes it a first choice among tourists from
neighbouring states, and many tourists have been lucky to catch a rainbow across the aura of the
waterfall at definite times of the year.

Historical Background

The history of Agbokim Waterfalls dates back to the early 90?s when a hunter named Ntankum made
the discovery of the waterfall. He later brought his family members to reside around the waterfall area.
Over the years, members of the Agbokim community have worked collectively to ensure that they
develop this place. Due to the fact that the source of the water is from the remains of plants, they?ve
encouraged afforestation. The Afforestation also helps to increase the volume of the water.

are said to have migrated from another village called Inagu. This newly found complex river that also
serves as a border between Cross River (Nigeria) and Cameroun helped provide water which could be
boiled, to form salt; forest for hunting and food crops for consumption as they gathered and shared in
common with each other.

Since then, the families have grown into a tribe. The development of Agbokim waterfalls dated far back
before the advent of tourism development in the country. More exposed members of the Agbokim
community have been working collectively to make the waterfalls a developed area by discouraging
deforestation and encouraging afforestation as the source of the river is from remains of plants and
animals. They also encouraged afforestation, which aids increase in the volume of water.

The community waterfalls area is a major source of foreign attraction as it serves as recreational centre
where entertainment and relaxation take place.

(9) Kwa Waterfall

Kwa waterfall is located in the Cross River National Park and the waterfall derives its source from the
Kwa River not too far from Calabar, the state’s capital. The tropical location of the waterfall amidst its
rainforest and vegetative park makes it a delight to tourists to explore any time of the year, and you
stand to enjoy the foaming waterfall if you happen to visit during the rainy season when most rivers fill
to overflowing.

(10) Obudu waterfall

The Obudu waterfall is not as big or large as the other waterfalls in Nigeria, but yet it presents a
fascinating sight to tourists to the Obudu Mountain close to the Obudu Cattle Ranch resort in eastern
Nigeria. Being a natural resort, wild animals such as gorillas, monkeys, and rare birds visit the waterfall
for a drink; and this makes it the more fascinating to tourists who like to have photo sessions during
picnics around the area.

Historical Background

It was developed in 1951 by M. McCaughley, McCaughley a scottish who first explored the mountain
ranges in 1949. He camped on the mountaintop of the Oshie Ridge on the Sankwala Mountains for a
month before returning with Mr. Hugh Jones, a fellow rancher, in 1951 and Dr Crawfeild. Thus, together
they developed the Obudu Cattle Ranch.

Since 2005, a cable car climbing 870 metres (2,850 ft) from the base to the top of the plateau gives
visitors a scenic view while bypassing the extremely winding road to the top.

(11) Matsirga Waterfall

Matsirga waterfall is located in Kafanchan in Kaduna State of northern Nigeria. The waterfall derives its
source from the springs of water above Kagoro hills and it cascades off the cliffs to about 25 metres
below to a pool that flows off into the surrounding hills. The waterfall is a combination of four different
waterfalls streaming down in a picturesque fashion that continues to fascinate all tourists to the site.