A casual look at a 100 naira note and you would notice the image of the Zuma rock emblazoned on it. I am sure the major criteria for this is its size…
Yes, the story of Zuma rock may, no doubt, be compelling, but how many people know that another rock exist, just a mere two States and a few thousand kilometers from Niger State where the Zuma rock is located, whose size will make the awe with which most Nigerians behold the size of Zuma rock a child’s play?
Oruku is a massive monolith located in a scenic town of streams and rocks caught within the undulating Somorika hills in northern Edo State that not only tower above Zuma rock in terms of height above its surrounding area, but is also wider in circumference. From a distance, its peak would appear like a massive cone, but upon attaining the top of it, you will discover a plain rocky terrain that’s the size of two football pitch.
Sadly, like many other things about Ososo, not many Nigerians, including most Ososo indigenes themselves, know this fact. For example, in the Holy Bible, Jesus Christ was reported to have spoken of “the eye of a needle”. There are experts who have come forward today to say he was referring to an actual “gate in Jerusalem”. How many people know that in Ososo, there exists “the eye of a needle” gate the type that Jesus spoke about which is formed entirely of rocks? There are a few Obelisk in the world today, most of them man made, and the two most prominent are in Washington DC and the Vatican. How many people know that in Ososo, there is a massive natural rock Obelisk, sliced into two equal halves, and surprisingly the other half is nowhere to be found around the vicinity? On the peak of another huge rock in Ososo, you find a “natural swimming pool” in which countless kids swim, play and have fun? I can go on and on…
The book “Ososo: Our Place, Our People and Our Patrimony” is a mesmerizing account that not only describes the legend of “an oasis in the desert” as many have described Ososo, but also a glowing confirmation of why visitors, including the colonial masters who didn’t want to leave, are often held spellbound upon setting foot on the land and why Nigerian Breweries hosted its 2011 Guilder Ultimate Search reality show in Ososo. The book is also an invitation.
Thanks to the development of modern means of transportation, today traveling is now enjoyable and fun. No longer do people need to travel, like early men did, because of the sole need for food. We travel these days for sightseeing, education, leisure, adventure and so on. With the confidence that a journey to Ososo would be as seamless as it can be, I invite everyone not just to buy and read this book, but also to come and see nature at its best. To come and hear a unique story. Come and share from the wonderful experience of a people.
Get a copy of this book, make time to visit and you will be embarking on a memorable adventure in which you may catch some type of deep spiritual epiphany…
Olayide –
You wont know how richly blessed Nigeria is in terms of her tourism potentials until you read this book…
Tomilola Aramide –
For the first time, we now have a window into the world of wonders that Ososo offers, quite literally…
Aghogho Bright –
I have always believed Afeso is a good writer, but with this picture book, he earned his place in the committee of creative minds in this nation…kudos boss
Billy Bolaji –
I have been to the place Ososo so I can relate perfectly to this work…with this book, Albert has set a standard…
Oghenetega Omoyine –
great job
Louis Omoyine Benbo –
The landmarks and tourist sites we travel to go see abraod, many of them exists here and even more… Reading this book opened my eyes to this truth….it’s good someone has taken it upon himself to document some of our heritage sites as seen in the town of Ososo…this book is a must read…
Monday Paul –
Having read most of Afeso’s books, especially his shorts, I’d like to say I was not disappointed reading this book. Congrats boss