Delta State

Delta

The Big Heart

state tabs

River Ethiope Source

River Ethiope, believed to be the deepest inland waterway in Africa, has its source at the foot of a giant silk-cotton tree located in Umutu in the Ukwuani LGA. The 176-kilometre long river flows through seven of the state's LGAs and at Sapele, it is deep enough to provide a harbour for ocean-going vessels.
Araya Bible Site

A copy of the Holy Bible is believed to have descended upon this spot miraculously in August 1914. Araya, located in the Isoko South LGA, attracts thousands of Christian pilgrims, especially during the Easter season.
National Museum, Asaba

The museum was established in the Mungo Park House, a prefabricated colonial structure and historical edifice constructed by the Royal Niger Company (RNC) in 1886 and used successively as its administrative headquarters (1886-1900), a military centre, the colonial administrative divisional headquarters, a depot for the RNC Constabulary (1904-1910) and the seat of the Urban District Council (1954-1976).
Chief Nana's Palace, Koko

This is the only living historical museum in Nigeria. It is located in Koko in the Warri North LGA. It was built by Chief Nana Olomu of Ebrohim, a powerful nineteenth-century entrepreneur. The magnificent edifice is a reflection of his grandeur and houses his personal effects which reveal his extended contract with the British Empire under Queen Victoria.
Palace of Olu of Warri, Ode-ltsekiri

This palace is located in the centre of Ode-Itsekiri and it is home of Olu of Warri who once ruled the Warri Kingdom. A striking architectural work, only part of the palace is open to the public as it is actually a private home. The furniture and interior are European-style.
Demas Nwoko Edifice

Demas Nwoko was an architect, builder and artist of international repute from Idumuje-Ugboko (Aniocha North LGA). This house, created from traditional materials, designs and construction techniques borrowed from the Igbo civilisation and the Benin Empire, is a reflection of his unique craft. It has an impluvium at its centre that collects rainwater. The house is famous worldwide and is a favourite subject for students of twentieth century neo-classical architecture.
Iguaho

This is a festival characterised by traditional dances and general merriment. It takes place in Asaba. It brings all the five quarters of Ebo, led by their heads or Diokpas, together at the Asagba's (king) palace to pay homage to him. Other inhabitants of the capital city such as the Arewa, Yoruba and Igbo communities are also invited to participate. The Asagba uses the occasion to formally announce the dates of forthcoming annual festivals.
Aja/Iwaji

The Aja/Iwaji festival celebrates the arrival of the new yam harvest (the staple food of Asaba people) and takes place annually between July and August. Before the yam is eaten, the Aja festival is held to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest. It is a ceremony of offering and sharing and is performed mainly by the obis (red cap chiefs) and some other titled chiefs but other citizens (particularly farmers who have been blessed with a rich yam harvest) may also participate. The ceremony involves the slaughtering of cocks and the cooking of some tubers of new yams, which are pounded into fufu and eaten with chicken pepper soup. The pounded yams are shared amongst members of the nuclear family and friends and well-wishers who drop in.
Oliea Oma

This festival can be likened to the "Mother's Day" celebration of the western world as it is held in honour of womanhood. It rounds off the festivals of each year. Families remember their dead mothers through prayers, oblations and sacrifice. It is a day of pride for all Asaba women.
Ine

This is the last of the annual traditional festivals and is celebrated about four weeks after the New Yam festival in October. A carnival of sorts, it involves the five quarters of Asaba, which take turns on a daily basis to dance round the town before paying homage to the Asagba, Odogwu and Iyase. The festival, aside from serving as an opportunity for the warriors and able-bodied to display their military prowess and paraphernalia, is also a celebration to mark the end of the traditional year and the beginning of the new farming year. Burials and mourning are prohibited during the festival, which symbolises a period of celebration and happiness.
Itsekiri Boat Regatta

This festival features colourful boats sailing around the Niger Delta as well as concerts and various other activities. It draws people from all over the world with their sailboats.
Awankere Juju Festival

This festival is celebrated in July and it has become one of Nigeria's national festivals. Music, singing and dancing are all part of the celebration. During the festival, people sing to God and give sacrifices for a good harvest and for a steady Niger River. The first part of the festival is ritualistic and closed to the public, but the second part is a big party where people wear masks.