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Hope Eden Farm, Kuje and Abuja
On Friday 12th a group of 15 people, 5 children and 10 adults, met at the airport at 2:30 p.m , and off to Abuja at 3:30 p.m. At the airport in Abuja, a bus was waiting for us to take us to Hope Eden Farm, well the bus arrived a little bit late because it was waiting for us at the international airport. It was only a 30-minute ride “home” for the weekend. When we arrived at the farm, Annegret and Shiekar Kumbur, the owners of the farm, welcomed us to their farm / home “Hope Eden”. After we had a chance to settle in, the children and some of the adults had the experience of roasting sticks of bread at the fire. Of course after the flight and trip to the farm we were all hungry. Dinner was a “stew” of vegetables grown on the farm. I must admit I ate more than I should, as a side you will not go hungry, there is more than enough food. Our accommodations at the farm were a mixed of African and European style, basic but neat and very cozy. The farm has room for about 20 people in the old, the new farmhouses and other buildings. The first night some of the visitors didn’t sleep much as it was hot. It did get cool once a light rain started falling late into the night. It was interesting to listen to all the sounds of nature especially the ound of the peacock. The other new experience for many was the “bucket shower” which worked perfectly and was refreshingly cold after a long hot day exploring the other farms that were around. To finish the day we had dinner at the community house. Next morning up after a cup of tea and great coffee, Shiekar led us around the farm to enjoy an early morning walk. After the hour walk an excellent breakfast was waiting us at the Community House. After breakfast, representatives from Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and Julius Berger Nigeria (JBN) gave a presentation of the history of Abuja, resettlement issues, squatter settlements and the problems of land administration in Abuja. It is good to know that there is hope for the urban poor to afford decent housing of their own. The most astonishing view was the largest rock formation “Aso Rock*”. It is the main axis of the Central District, and it rises to nearly 400 meters above sea level and towers majestically in the background of the Three Arms Zone. It is called the “Three Arms Zone” because it is home to the Presidential Complex, the National Assembly and the Supreme Court. The original village of Asokoro was first located at the base of the rock and had existed there for centuries. But the development of the new city resulted in the villagers being resettled initially in Suleja and subsequently in Kubwa District. The area of the village is now part of Asokoro district. We also passed by The National Mosque, The NNPC Headquarters, The Sheraton Hotel, The Abuja International Center, The Government district in front of the ASO Rock, The House of Parliament and The Market. It is time for lunch! And we went to the STRABAG camp restaurant and had a wonderful time eating and watching the children swimming in the pool. In the evening we all got together at the Community House and experienced pounded yam (like heavy mashed potatoes) eaten with Egusi soup (grounded Nigerian pumpkin seeds, spinach, palm oil, meat and pepper). It was very good! On Sunday, our last day, our first walk was through the vicinity, passing the surrounding farms. After breakfast we were off to our second walk through the hilly countryside. All in all, this trip, organized by Matthias Wolandt, was an invitation to share the simple rural life style. Thanks to all our new friends who made it such a memorable weekend! Trip Reporter: Mark Gardner (Lagos, Nigeria)
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Lagos Branch
