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5 Reasons why Abuja Is A Great City.
Abuja is the capital and eighth most populous city in Nigeria. Located in the centre of the country within the Federal Capital Territory, it is a planned city built mainly in the 1980s based on a master plan by Japanese architect KenzoTange. It replaced Lagos, the country's most populous city, as the capital on December 12, 1991.
As of 2022, the city is experiencing an annual growth of at least 35%, retaining its position as the fastest-growing city on the African continent and one of the fastest-growing in the world. As of 2022, the metropolitan area of Abuja is estimated at six million people, placing it behind only Lagos as the most populous metro area in Nigeria.
Abuja is the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the regional headquarters of OPEC.
1. It's organized
The master plan for Abuja defined the general structure and major design elements of the city that are now visible. More detailed design of the central areas of the capital, particularly its monumental core, was accomplished by Japanese architect KenzoTange. What I like about Abuja is that most of the buildings are very beautiful and modern looking. I think it's because most of them have been built recently. When I look at Abuja, I see a model city of what every African city should aspire to be; one that is clean, modern, and well organized.
2. Great roads.
As a foreigner, I have to acknowledge that Abuja has some of the best roads I have seen in Africa. They are well marked, and not once have I seen any potholes. The city is well connected, and if you own a car, it will be a pleasure to drive around as there are no traffic jams. Abuja is linked to Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue and Northeast Nigeria by the A234 Federal Highway, which starts from the city as the Goodluck Jonathan expressway, some portions of which are still under construction. A direct highway link to Minna in Niger State is still under construction. The A2 expressway links Abuja with Kaduna in the north and Lokoja in the south. There are also other highway links with the outlying regions, such as that linking the suburb of DutseAlhaji with the Lower Usuma and Gurara Dams, which supply water to the city.
3. Warm Weather
I guess Abuja has better weather than Lagos. It can get hot sometimes, but most of the time, the weather is very tolerable and comfortable. In the dry season, daytime temperatures can soar to as high as 40 °C and nighttime temperatures can dip to 12 °C Even the chilliest nights can be followed by daytime temperatures well above 30 °C. The high altitudes and undulating terrain act as a moderating influence on the weather of the territory.
4. It's clean.
Abuja is also one of the cleanest cities in Africa and definitely one of the cleanest in Nigeria. You cannot compare it to Lagos. The areas around the CBD are spotlessly clean. However, the satellite towns cropping up around the city are eroding this reputation, but efforts are being made to clear them. In most of Abuja, you will not see litter on the streets or the numerous shack shops that are an eyesore in most African cities. The sidewalks are clean and I can imagine it would be a pleasure for the pedestrians. Kudos Abuja.
5. Full of Attractions.
Abuja is home to several parks and green areas, with the largest one being Millennium Park. Another open area park is located in LifecampGwarimpa, near the residence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The park is located on a slightly raised hilltop that contains sports facilities like basketball and badminton courts. Central Park Enjoy a grand time alone or with your family in this 500-acre (202.3-hectare) park, situated in the heart of Abuja. From picnics at the green spots to hiking, the outdoor fans will love it at Usuma Lower Dam, located in the UshafaBwari Area, some minutes’ drive from the capital. It is the fifth-largest human-made lake globally, and it boasts the biggest hydropower plant in West Africa, which serves the metropolis with electricity and water.
Nigeria's Magical Park is Nigeria’s Disneyland and the first and largest amusement park in the country. Whether you’re a Muslim faithful or not, seeing the elegant Nigerian National Mosque, situated on Independence Avenue, is a must. The natural scene combined with urbanization makes the Jabi Lake area, close to the city’s center, a beauty to behold.
Other places you can enjoy visiting in Abuja are the Abuja National Mosque, Jabi Lake Mall, Bature Brewery, Jabi Lake, Millennium Park and many others.
Attributions.
Special thanks to Eboh Media for the use of Abuja City footage. Here is the link to their channel / @ebohmedia2459 Please visit his channel and subscribe to his amazing content.