Esiẹ

Esie is in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria.

Understand

Esie is to the south east of Ilorin, the capital of Kwara. Esie is an Igbomina Yoruba town in Kwara State of Nigeria lying about 48 km south east of Ilorin and about 128 km north of Ife. Esie is generally known as a home of 800 soapstone figures.

History

The town was founded by Prince Baragbon around 1770. The dialect of Yoruba spoken in Esie is predominantly Igbonna. The town has a king who is Oba Yakubu Babalola Egunjobi II.

Get in

Getting to Esie you need to get to Ilorin first, the capital of Kwara State. The city of Ilorin serves as a gateway between the northern and southern part of Nigeria.

By plane

You can fly in from other Nigerian cities (Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna).

The Ilorin international airport is also used for domestic flights to other cities within the country and international flights to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah.

• 1 Ilorin International Airport. (updated Jun 2021)

By train

A moving train on the Ilorin rail way terminal

Rail services in Nigeria are still very slow and unreliable but several routes have reappeared. Nigerian Railway Corporation have daily services from Ilorin via Ibadan, and an overnight service from Kano via Kaduna a few times per week. A new higher speed railway is under construction and is expected to be completed in the 2020s, resulting in increased speeds and frequency.

By bus

Several bus companies like Young Legacy, Mufsuf Motors, Kasmag line, Okin Express offers daily services from almost all major cities (Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Kaduna, Kabba, Lokoja, Sokoto, Kano, Makurdi, etc.) around the country. While buses usually are quite comfortable, journey times are very long.

There are also independent transporters under the aegis of the national union of road transport workers (NURTW) and road transport employees association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in various parks, such as Post Office, Offa garage, and Maraba who travel to various towns within and outside the state. From Ilorin you can only board a bus to Esie town. Buses are available in all terminals.

Get around

There are three modes of transiting within the State, which also extends to the region – the most popular being the conventional taxis. There are the commercial motor bicycles commonly called “Express”, and the more recent arrival on Ilorin’s roads, “Keke NAPEP”, imported commercial tricycles. If travelling around Ilorin, be sure to be accompanied by a tourist guide who is familiar with the routes. For the most part, it's safe to move about during the day. If you are going out at night, be sure to go in groups, and stick to known routes.

By bus

Ilorin now has decent mass transit buses, courtesy of the Maigida Soludero Mass Transit (MST) schemes. The MST buses have their major terminal at Post Office area of Ilorin, and offer travel services to the University of Ilorin, Offa garage, Kwara State Polytechnic, Tanke, Oyun, and Sango. The tickets for the MST can be purchased at the bus stops before boarding. Tickets range from ₦50-150, as of 2021.

By car

The road network of Ilorin city for most part is good, but there is sometimes traffic congestion and parking spaces can be scarce, especially during working hours. Be sure to be on the lookout for road signs, in order to avoid entering one-way roads or streets. KWARTMA (Kwara State Road Traffic Management Authority) is the body responsible for managing traffic in most of the traffic congestion areas. Make sure to follow traffic rules. There are car parks around in hotels and shopping malls, most of which provide free and safe parking.

By taxi

One of the easiest ways to get around Ilorin city is by taxi. Taxis are relatively cheap and cost about ₦50-100 per drop. Ilorin city taxis are painted green and yellow and most of them are Mazda cabs.

By motorbike

For traveling short distances, you can use motorbike taxis called Okada. These motorbikes are quick, cheap, and save a lot of walking. Okada accidents are common but safety equipment is now provided because the state government and the Federal Road Safety Commission have mandated it. Before you try and negotiate any transportation fare, always confirm the fare from a local. If you have a Nigerian friend, let them negotiate for you as the quoted fare differs greatly for locals and foreigners.

Safety helmets are a must at all times for both the rider and passenger. Majority of the times these are ill-fitting.

See

• Esiẹ Museum. Established in 1945, this was the first museum in Nigeria. It was established to house one of the greatest treasures ever bequeathed to mankind, Esie Stone Images (Ere Esie). The museum once housed over one thousand tombstone figures or images representing human beings. It is reputed to have the largest collection of soapstone images in the world. In modern times the Esie museum has been the centre of religious activities and hosts a festival in the month of April every year. (updated Jan 2022)

Stay safe

In general, Kwara State has become a much safer place to visit than before, except for occasional clashes and violence, the state of security in the city has relatively improved with the state spending huge budgets on security with police patrol cars, CCTV cameras (though this isn't always the case). But beware of deals or businesses that sound too good to be true (especially e-mails soliciting your help), and do not openly flaunt your possessions, especially in public places.

While it is rare for a tourist to be a victim of a violent crime, it is still wise to stay safe and be alert, especially during late night outings. Stick to crowded streets and make sure to go out in groups as against going out alone.

The people of Ilorin are generally nice and friendly people, most of whom will readily offer directions to you if you are lost.

Connect

The networks in certain parts of Esie town can be very erratic at times. But it's occasional and that is why if you want to stay for a long term, make sure you have at least two phones or a dual sim phone.

Go next

• Ibadan
• Ogbomosho
• Lagos
• Ibadan
• Offa
• Omu-aran