A lighthouse in Maryam Babangida Leisure Park is ten storeys tall and measures 36 metres in total. It houses an exhibition gallery and a restaurant. The lighthouse shows that, alongside film production and history, Asaba also offers leisure activities. If you are looking for a hotel in Asaba, you can base your travel plans on these different attractions.
A film city with a history of its own
Asaba has a rich film production history and is considered a centre of Nollywood, one of Africa’s leading entertainment industries in terms of production and economic significance. In December 2023, the city was named a UNESCO Creative City of Film. This dated designation adds to its broader recognition as a film location. Asaba established Nigeria’s first Film Village and is considered its home. The Film Village is associated with international film conferences and international artist-in-residence programmes. It is also considered an institution that identifies and supports local talent. Film production, the UNESCO designation and the Film Village offer different perspectives on Asaba’s cultural profile.
Maryam Babangida Leisure Park: Zoo and lakeside activities
The park’s zoo area is home to more than 70 animals from over 50 species; animal numbers may change over time. Pedal boat rides are offered on the lake and are considered suitable for all age groups. Check with the operator in advance for current conditions. Kayaking is included in the park’s Prime Ticket. Before visiting, check whether this is currently available and what the ticket includes.
So the park offers more than one striking structure: the zoo area provides an animal-focused attraction, while the lake adds pedal boat rides and kayaking as further activities. The distinction between the offerings is useful for planning: pedal boat rides are stated to be suitable for all age groups, while kayaking’s inclusion in the Prime Ticket is relevant. Before visiting, confirm the current conditions for pedal boat rides and the ticket contents directly with the operator.
Monuments and historic sites in Asaba
Asaba’s history can also be explored through specific sites. The Ojife statue at the Federal Medical Centre Roundabout in the West-end neighbourhood is a monument to Princess Ojife, Nnebisi’s only daughter. Nnebisi founded Asaba. The Ekumeku statue is considered historically significant to the Anioma and was located at the Inter-BUA Roundabout in Asaba.
Mungo Park House is a two-storey wooden building built in 1886 by the Royal Niger Company and the Lander brothers, when the Company made Asaba its headquarters. It is located in the present-day central business district, on the site of the former Royal Niger Company. The sites mentioned reflect different historical themes: the Ojife statue recalls the founding family, the Ekumeku statue the history of the Anioma, and Mungo Park House the history of the Royal Niger Company in Asaba.
Oshimili South: additional historical context
In the wider destination of Oshimili South, the National Museum Asaba is associated with Mungo Park House in Asaba; Mungo Park House is now part of the museum. The collection includes memorabilia and artefacts from Asaba’s past. Also in the wider destination of Oshimili South, the Asaba Massacre Memorial Monument commemorates more than 1,000 men and boys who were killed in Asaba during the Nigerian Civil War.
Asaba appeals to travellers who choose film culture and history as the reason for their trip, or who want to include Maryam Babangida Leisure Park. When looking for hotels in Asaba, you can first decide which of these interests will shape your stay. If you plan to go pedal boating or kayaking, confirm the current conditions or ticket contents with the operator beforehand.
For the wider travel overview: Oshimili South.
