The word “home” is often associated with feelings of warmth, familiarity, and comfort. It’s a place where one feels at ease, surrounded by loved ones, and free to be themselves. For me, home is in the heart of Nigeria, where I grew up in Idomaland.
As someone who has lived abroad for several years, going back home is always a highlight of my year, and nothing compares to the feeling of being reunited with family, friends, and the sights and sounds of my childhood. This past holiday season, I decided to make a trip back home, and it was truly unforgettable.
Before embarking on my trip, I made thorough preparations to ensure that everything would go smoothly. Unlike in previous years past, trips back home have become increasingly more obligatory rather than straight holidays due to current global politico-economic situations. In reality, I wanted to make the most of my visit and experience all that my community had to offer, despite my trip being more motivated by family obligations and overshadowed by security challenges.
My family and friends were overjoyed to see me, and we spent hours catching up on all that had happened in our lives since we last saw each other. The highlights of my visit were the opportunity to reconnect with nature such as being woken up by a cock crow, outdoor cooking, communal eating straight from the pot, and familiar sounds of children playing and running around without any care in open spaces. I was absolutely delighted at the opportunity of enjoying fresh palm wine once again.
During my visit, I made it a point to visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in my hometown. Enemabia warm spring in Ogbadibo with its lush scenery is an exotic location for people who enjoy swimming, nature, and adventure. It is the only warm natural spring in Benue state, which makes it ideal for family vacations. I was unable to add more locations due to security and budgetary considerations in Nigeria towards the end of the year.
Here are some things to do or places to see on my next visit to Idomaland:-
- Visit the Otukpo Golf Course, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.
- Experience the Idoma International Carnival: The Carnival, held annually in Otukpo, showcases the cultural diversity of Idomaland with colourful parades, masquerades, and music.
- Ultramodern Ochidoma palace, Otukpo which is expected to be completed in early 2023.
- Attend the Igede Agba New Yam festival, which normally takes place between the 1st to 5th of September every year.
- Of course, no trip back home would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine. From pounded yam and Okoho soup to jollof rice and suya, I enjoyed every bit of the delicious food that I had missed so much.
As my trip came to a close, I realized just how much I had missed my hometown and the people who make it so special. Being able to reconnect with my roots and experience the beauty of my culture was an incredible gift that I will always cherish.
Traveling back home is an experience like no other. It allows us to reconnect with our roots, experience new things, and appreciate the people and places that have shaped us into who we are today. I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to visit my hometown, and I can’t wait for my next trip back home.
Have you journeyed back home recently? Leave your comments below.