IMOLEBOJA ROCKSHELTER

Imoleboja Rockshelter: Kwara's rock of refuge

The Imolejoba rockshelter is a massive granite rock with inner apartments capable of accommodating a large number of people. In the local dialect of the people it means 'God has built a house'. It is found in Odo-Owa, Kwara state. This is a massive rock formation with natural architectural design, capable of accommodating about 100 people at a time. It is a good site for picnic and monumental experience and culturally viewed by the people as a rock of refuge. The Rockshelter at various times served as a safety hide-out for local maidens protesting against their peers who engaged in pre-marital relations and become pregnant.

Location/Accessibility: Located at Odo-Owa in Oke-Ero LGA. It is about 90km from Ilorin the state capital and accessible by road.

Accommodation: Available in nearby towns of Iloffa.

Time of visiting: All year round

Security: Available

Bureau of change: Available at the state capital.

Located in north-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Kwara State is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. The state is known as the 'State of Harmony' on account of the peaceful relations that exist among its multicultural and diverse population of about 2.5 million people. Kwara State's peaceful population, abundant natural resources, well-developed infrastructure and proactive investment-attraction policies have made it an attractive destination for investors.

History

Kwara State was created in May 1967, as one of the first of 12 states to replace the nation's four regions. Originally the state was known as West Central State but the name was later changed to Kwara, which is a local name for the Niger River. The size of the state has been reduced over the years, as new states have been created within the federation. The total landmass of Kwara State today is around 32 500 square kilometres.

People and Culture

The main ethnic groups in Kwara are Fulanis, Nupes, Barubas and Yoruba. The state is hugely involved in agriculture and the principlal crops are Cotton, Cocoa, Coffee, Kolanut, Tobacco, Benseed and Palm produce. Mineral resources found in Kwara state are limestone, marble, feldspar, clay, kaolin, quartz and granite rocks.

Kwara state has a very rich and highly interesting cultural heritage and among these are Durbar, which is associated with Edu. The durbar is usually held in honour of a new Emir or chief, to welcome august visitors and on muslim festivals. There is also an annual boat festival called Pategi Regatta that features displays, fishing and swimming competitions.

Kwara State shares a boundary to its west with the Republic of Benin and has as its northern boundary, the Niger River. Kwara State comprises rainforest in the southern parts with wooded savannah covering the larger part of the state. The soil is fertile and the state is well watered by the various tributaries of the Niger River which run through hills and valleys, none of which rise to any great height. The western section of the state is at a slightly higher altitude than the eastern.

Cities and Towns

The capital city of Ilorin is situated 306km inland from the coastal city of Lagos and 5OOkm from the federal capital, Abuja. Major towns include Offa and Jebba, located on the Niger River. Other towns include Patigi, Erin-lIe,lIoffa, Adeleke Igbewere, Ejidongari, Osi, Lafiagi, Gure, Afon, Kaiama, Isanlu-lsin, Omu-Aran, Egbejila, lIota, Iponrin and Igbaja.

Climate

This is a summer rainfall area, with an annual rainfall range of 1000mm to 1 500mm. The months of December and January coincide with the cold and dry harmattan period. Average maximum temperatures vary between 300.C and 350.