The Nigerian Field Society

Lagos Branch

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Nigerian Field Society, Lagos Branch

Newsletter, August 18th, 2008

At long last, consider your time not about your about work, but about the wonders of the culture and environment of Nigeria and West Africa! Below is the program from now until December. Ditch that job (OK: on the weekends and holidays) and sign up now!!

EVENTS

How to Sign Up:

Want to participate in a Trip or Talk? Here’s how it works.

Each event has its own organizer, and you should direct all questions to that person once the trip is OPEN for sign-up. The system works on a “first come first served” basis. Email the NFS and indicate that you wish to participate. He/she will tell you the details of how and by when you need to make your deposit to secure your place on the trip. The trips fill up quickly, so do not delay in responding!

If a trip is SEEKING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST it means that not all of the details of the trip are confirmed and that the trip may or may not go ahead. If you think that you may be interested in participating respond to the NFS and they will get back to you as soon as more information is available. Often these trips have short turn-a-round times and will not be re-advertised.

If a trip is NOT YET OPEN, mark the dates in your diary but please wait for developments in a subsequent newsletter. Organizers will not start a waiting list or reserve you a place on a trip until it is OPEN and the deposit is paid.

All trips are run “at cost” with all participants, including the organizers, paying their equal share. We do try to keep costs as low as possible. Once a deposit is paid it is non-refundable, although the organizers will endeavor to give refunds as long as they are not out of pocket as a result of cancellation.

Some trips are identified as being “child-friendly”. These are trips with a programme which may be interesting for children. However, parents should check with the trip organizer and decide for themselves. As always with travel, the sun can be fierce, the roads bumpy, and aircrafts or meals can be delayed!

Please note that participation in NFS trips is entirely at one’s own risk.

The NFS Committee attempts to design a programme with a wide range of types of events: some short, longer, child friendly, budget and more complicated (i.e. costly), outdoorsy and cultural. Your feedback is most welcome. Do you have any trip ideas? Please get in touch with Robin and Hugh Campbell at NFS.

AUGUST

Sunday, August 31st, 10 AM to Noon: Forest Walk and Talk with The Prof!
at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation’s (NCF) Lekki Conservation Center

Are you craving to get away from the hum of generators and the hustle of Lagos? Are you interested in nature and want to learn more? Well, here is your chance! Experience the beautiful outdoors right here in Lagos with expert guides!
Lekki Conservation Center is a 78 hectare nature reserve composed of a variety of vegetation from mangrove swamps to grasslands and is home to over 100 species of birds as well as monkeys, monitor lizards and a variety of small mammals. It is also the head quarters of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Nigeria’s major environmental NGO.
You will tour the reserve under the expert guidance of Prof. Obot, the Executive Director of NCF, and his staff. Prof. Obot is one of Nigeria’s foremost botanists (with special expertise in orchids). He and his team will help you identify the flora and fauna as well as explain the forest ecology.
Bring your binoculars on this child-friendly trip! The fee is 200 Naira entrance fee (or free for Nigerian Conservation Foundation members).

This trip is OPEN.

SEPTEMBER

Saturday, September 6th: Historic Tour of Epe

Only a short distance from Lagos is Epe, a town with a very long history including claims of links to the Queen of Sheba!

Legacy, an NGO which is dedicated to the preservation of historic sites in Nigeria is organizing and leading this trip. More details will follow soon.

This trip is NOT YET OPEN.

Friday, Sept. 12th - Sunday, Sept. 13th: Boat Trip and Cultural Festival in Badagry

The coastal town of Badagry lies just 45 km from Lagos but is a tumultuous ride by vehicle. What about a boat ride? We will leave the cars behind and take to the creek for a relaxing motorboat jaunt down Badagry Creek to arrive at our hotel, The VIP Chalets. The Chalets are very basic but each room does contain a refrigerator. The first Badagry Cultural Festival was held in 1999 with an aim toward preservation and conservation of local culture. This year's event will celebrate with traditional dance troupes, masquerade parade, and a musical concert.

We will leave Friday morning about 9 a.m. to include a visit to Badagry Heritage Museum and a procession from the palace with the Akron of Badagry through town to the 8 quarters or sections to greet each White Cap Chief. Traditional dancers will compete in a contest on Saturday following a masquerade parade. A concert is slated to begin Sat. late afternoon with international artist Sagbohan from Benin Republic with his unique blend of western and traditional music. We will head back to Lagos Sunday morning.

The hotel is about 2 km from the events and we plan to walk. If all that walking sounds like too much, you can always arrange a taxi. This is a family friendly trip. The trip is 23,000N per person double occupancy, single supplement 5,500. This covers 2 nights hotel; dinner Friday night; boat fees; gratuities, entry fees, and seating at the parade. The trip will be limited to 24 people.

This trip is OPEN.

Sunday, September 14th or 16th: Music at The Shrine, Ikeja 9:00 p.m.- 12;30 pm

The Shrine, a nightclub in Ikeja, was made famous by the legendary musician and political activist, Fela Kuti (remember ”ITT: International Thief, Thief “ ?!). The Shrine continues to be the center of live music in Lagos and is now the home of internationally renowned musician Femi Kuti who is Fela’s son. Although The Shrine rocks with or without Femi, it takes on its’ real magic when he’s there.
Femi plays at The Shrine when he is not on his world music tours. His whereabouts are always a bit unpredictable hence the uncertain dates for this event. The trip will be confirmed about one week in advance.

This trip is NOT YET OPEN.

Talk: Conservation of the Endangered Manatee
Date and Place: To Be Announced
Talk Organizer: Scott Hoskins

Saturday, September 20th or Sunday, September 21st: In Search of the Endangered Manatee

The manatee is a gentle, whale- like mammal which is found in brackish waters in only a few spots on the globe, including the Lagos backwaters. With the help of Prof. Obot of the Nigerian Conservation (NCF), which is working on preserving this unique mammal, you will search for this wonderful rare creature by boat.

This trip is NOT YET OPEN.

OCTOBER

Wednesday, October 1st to Sunday, October 5th: Experience the Beauty and Culture of Benin Republic

Benin Republic is Nigeria’s neighbour to the west. Although only three hours away by road and with a similar history and many similar tribes to Nigeria, the country offers quite a different cultural experience. It is a small country of only 9 million people with a wide range of topography from savannah (and the best game viewing in West Africa) to tropical rainforest. The traditional voodoo religion, practiced by the 70% of the population, dominates all aspects of community life. The official language is French and French cuisine and wine are readily available. Tourism is an important industry and there are numerous hotels catering to tourists from France escaping cold winters and seeking an African experience.
The details of this visit are still under development but will certainly offer some time in the charming beach hotel Auberge Grand Popo.

This trip is NOT YET OPEN.

Wednesday, October 1st to Sunday October 5th:

Durbar Festivals in Katsina & Kano

This magnificent Muslim festival celebrates Eid-el-Fitir, the end of Ramadan, the date of which is dependent on the Muslim lunar calendar and the sighting of the moon. By good fortune this year, Nigeria’s Independence Day falls on October 1st, the day before this festival, allowing members to enjoy this 5 day trip without having to miss a day of work!

The group will attend two Durbars, the first one in Katsina and the other in Kano. Both are famed for their pageantry as the traditional rulers greet the Emirs of Katsina and Kano. The colorful procession of riders on horses and camels, acrobats and musicians must be seen to be believed. Thanks to Paulette van Trier’s connections, participants are likely to have an audience with the Emir of Katsina in his palace and the women will have the unique privilege of going into the hareem of the Emir of Kano and meeting with one of his wives.

Visits within Kano and the surrounding areas are also a feature of this trip, including the old Town, the Kurmi market, the Museum, dye pits, a pottery village, a weaving village and Tiga Lake. The Prince Hotel accommodation is very comfortable.

The total cost including return flight, hotel, transport, meals, guides and seats at the Durbars is 125,000 Naira for a single person and less for people sharing a room. Children are welcome to join this trip, however the Durbars and travel may be too hot, dusty and tedious for young children. Approximately 30 people can participate in this trip. The deposit is 75,000 naira/person.

This trip is CLOSED.

Friday, October 24th to Sunday, October 26th: Trip to Ibadan (IITA) and Pottery Village near Ikire

Spend a relaxed and child-friendly weekend at the magnificent compound of the IITA near Ibadan.

We will leave Lagos on Friday afternoon and stay at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), a large, secure, enclosed campus on the outskirts of Ibadan, an ideal place for nature lovers and a family friendly environment. Visitors can enjoy and stroll around the IITA campus with its preserved forest and a large lake, enjoy some exercise on the tennis and golf courts or the pool and make use of the hotel-style amenities with good and cheap food and drink facilities, including pizza night on Friday.

On Saturday morning, we will proceed to a village near Ikire (about 30 km drive), where we will mingle with the villagers and watch some of the people doing pottery and burning clay pots in a kiln. We will shake our legs, walk around the fields and climb one of the huge granite hills, while enjoying the beautiful view of an open landscape during our picnic.

Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning simply entertain yourself at the beautiful environment of IITA.
This is a child friendly tour and families are most welcome! Space is limited to 25 people.

This trip is NOT YET OPEN.

Sunday or Saturday: Date to be Announced: Visit to the Ikeja Saddle Club

This child friendly trip offers the opportunity for adults and children alike to visit the Saddle Club in Ikeja. Horse riding, games and an excellent lunch are all part of the program!

This trip is NOT YET OPEN.

Day Trip Visiting Art Studios of Lagos: Date to be Announced

Lagos is home to many recognized contemporary artists. This trip will tour Ikeja taking you visit the studios of many of Nigeria’s finest and well known artists.

This trip is NOT YET OPEN.

NOVEMBER

Saturday, November 1st: Boat trip and Historic tour of Badagry: Joint trip with LEGACY

Badagry town is a former slave trading centre close to the border of the Benin Republic with many interesting relics of its notorious past. Professor John Godwin will lead the group and deliver a lecture on points of interest along the way. We will leave by boat from a jetty in Lagos and travel through the beautiful inland waterway to Badagry, avoiding the traffic and hassles of the road. The tour of Badagry will include the Slave Museum, the Christian Cemetery, and the Akran's Palace. If possible there will be an audience with the Akran. On the return the boat will stop at Whispering Palms Resort for a late lunch.

This trip is NOT YET OPEN. This trip is co-organized with LEGACY as non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historical monuments in Nigeria. The trip will be limited to approximately 15 NFS members.

Saturday, November 8th , Boat trip to Makoko Stilt Village

Have you ever looked down from the Third Mainland Bridge and wondered about life in the ever expanding stilt villages? This is your opportunity to meet the people of the largest village called Makoko. We will take motor boats from VI to the stilt village where we will meet with the Balle, the Community Leader. From there we will transfer to traditional pirogue dugout canoes and tour the village visiting local clinics, churches, schools, industries and restaurants, all built over the water on stilts.

So as to minimize the impact on the community we will limit participation to 15 people. But we will rerun this trip every six months.

This trip is NOT YET OPEN.

Friday, November 21st to Sunday, November 23rd: Trip to Idanre and the Akure -Owode Community

Visit the mystical granite boulders of Idanre! Embedded in giant, smooth and rounded granite rocks, the town of Idanre in Ogun State is nestled in the most striking landscape.

With a local guide we will climb up the approx. 500 steps to the high plateau to the old and abandoned ancient Idanre village. It was only in the 1920’s that the people moved down the valley to the present location of Idanre. In Adanre we will meet with the local authorities and learn more about the culture and history of its people. We will also visit the Oba’s Palace where people took shelter in times of war.

We will leave Lagos on Friday afternoon, and stay for two nights at the Owena Hotel in nearby Akure. Early Saturday morning, we will head for Idanre and we will head back to Lagos on Sunday.

As an added bonus, on our way back to Lagos, we will pass at the Owode village, a small village near Akure which is mainly reliant on photo voltaic systems for home electricity. We will mingle with the villagers and learn more about their agricultural practices.

Space will be limited to 20 people.

This trip will be opened at the end of October.

Saturday, November 29th: Bicycling the Third Mainland Bridge!!

Yes, it really can be done, a truly unique experience. A 30 km ride on environmental Saturday, November 24th. We had about 35 'survivors' from last year, so we plan to repeat the trip this year. We are getting the notice out well ahead of time so you can start training! You will need a bike and a 'proper' bike helmet is MANDATORY - no helmet, no ride, no exceptions. We'll provide the sag wagons (although no one needed one last year) and mopol. Departure will be at 7 AM from Shell Trustee Estate and we'll return there for BYO snacks and drinks (nothing better than a coldie on Saturday morning after a ride) and a dip in the pool.

Want to participate but don’t have a bike? We’ll try to help.

The trip is NOT YET OPEN.

Day Trip to Ijebu Ode: Date To be Announced

Ijebu Ode is a city is located about 2 hours from Lagos. This trip will provide the opportunity to visit an important Yoruba center, as well as be introduced to some community based projects, with a special focus on children.

This trips is NOT YET OPEN.

DECEMBER

Saturday, December 6th – Tuesday, December 9th : River Niger Trip from the Ancient Town of Baro to Lokoja

This is a unique opportunity to travel the historic river trading route from Baro to the confluence of the Benue and Niger Rivers as well as visiting isolated nomadic encampments of Fulani herdsmen.
We’ll fly to Abuja where we shall take the bus for Baro, north of the Niger and Benue Rivers’ confluence. Baro is a town built at the beginning of last century, before Nigeria was created, by UNILEVER. It was established for the sole purpose of bringing products from the north of the country down the River to the south and then to the UK. The town, although deserted for over 80 years, is still in an excellent state with a residential area on the hill, the railway down at the river, the post office, church, stores and shops etc. We shall stay overnight in Baro where we may have to camp in a covered building but in the open.

We shall take a native passenger boat downstream to Lokoja and for 6-8 hours we shall enjoy the beauty of the River Niger and small villages till we reach the old City of Lokoja, the first Capital of northern Nigeria. We shall also visit Fulani nomadic camps before travelling back to Abuja to catch the plane for Lagos.

This trip is NOT YET OPEN. Space will be limited to approximately 15 people.

Season’s Greetings End of Year Party: Date and Venue: To Be Announced!

OTHER TRIPS UNDER DEVELOPMENT!

--Trip to Pandrillus Chimp and Drill Monkey Reserve: Cross River State
--Trip to Okomo Forest Eco-Lodge

Robin and Hugh Campbell
Co-Chairs
NFS Lagos Branch