The Nigerian Field Society

Lagos Branch

Trips & Talks 2008   Osogbo - 01-2008 IITA Ibadan - 01-2008 Niger boat trip - 02-2008 Benin Republic - 02-2008 Omo Forest - 02-2008 Shyllon Art Collection - 03-2008 Argungu Fishing Festival - 03-2008 Kano and Jibia - 03-2008 Lake Chad and Sukur - 04-2008 Lekki Lagoon boat trip - 05-2008 Jos - 05-2008 Benin Republic - 05-2008 IITA Ibadan - 06-2008 Osogbo - 07-2008 Peak Milk - 08-2008 CCA - Yaba - 08-2008 Kano + Katsina - 09-2008 The Africa Shrine - 10-2008

Lekki Lagoon Boat Trip to Ode

May 18th, 2008 

Two groups of 47 avid explorers guided by Scott Hoskins and Matthias Wolandt set off on Sunday, May 18th 2008, at 8h15am and 9h from the Lekki Conservation Center and drove for about 1 ½ hours east, to the small village of Ise. We parked in the sandy school grounds. I would advise lower vehicles to avoid this parking area, as they may get stuck. Our guides went to present a part of the group and a gift to King Ganiyu Adebowale Adegbesan, the Onise of Ise Land, whilst others took photographs of colorful friendly villagers and a boat bringing passengers and mango sellers.

Group meets Oba Ganiyu Adebowale Adegbesan - King of Ise Land	Mangroves and palm trees, lagoon and ocean, Lekki Peninsula

Everyone climbed aboard our motorized open “banana” boats which set off across the beautiful mirror calm water. The reflections of the forest and palm trees in the water were beautiful, and every now and again we would see birds.

There was cheerful chatter as explorers compared previous trips. Being out in the fresh air was great, despite a small shower of rain! I advise future travelers to bring umbrellas, both for shade and rain.

Lekki Lagoon near Ode, Ogun State	Lekki Lagoon near Ode, Ogun State

We arrived at Ode after about an hour where the two groups met. Ode is a fishing village in Ogun State, without any spectacular attraction, but many friendly villagers and children. We had a quick soda, took a few photographs of happy children and chatted to the inhabitants, before returning to the boats. As we were leaving the village, a black kite gave us a show by diving down to pick up a discarded cat fish!

On the way back, we saw timber merchants living in palm leaf “tents” on top of their bound logs which were floating in the water. We were also lucky enough to spot a Fish Eagle.

Departure from Ode, Ogun State	Departure from Ode, Ogun State

Back at Ise and our awaiting vehicles, we set off back to Eco Tourist Resort (east of Eleko Beach) for a potluck lunch at the beach. We set up the tables and a couple of people and the children went for a swim in the sea. The beach is lovely and sitting under the palm trees for lunch was great. It was a good ending to a refreshing day out of Lagos.

Papyrusses on the Lekki Lagoon east of Ise	Potluck lunch at Eco Tourist Beach Resort - Lekki Peninsula

We thank Matthias and Scott for organizing the trip!

Marion Taylor