Okene

Okene is in central Nigeria. It is claimed to be one of the most beautiful places in the whole of West Africa, with a notable beautiful palace, referred to as "Azad's palace", which belongs to the king of Ebira Land, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Dr. Abdul Rahman Ado Ibrahim, the current Ohinoyi of Ebira land.

Understand

Okene is a town in Kogi state, south-central region of Nigeria.

History

Okene as a Local Government Area was created in 1976 from the division of Ebira also known as Igbira during the Administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo. The Ebira Tao people of Central Senatorial District of Kogi State are the same people of Okene LGA.

Climate

The temperature varies from 64°F to 91°F and it is rarely below 57°F or above 97°F throughout the year.

The hot season starts from January 24 to April 14, with an average daily high temperature above 89°F. March is the hottest month of the year in Okene with an average high of 91°F and low of 72°F.

The cool season is from June 19 to October 23 with an average daily high temperature below 83°F. August is the coldest month of the year with an average low of 69°F and high of 81°F.

Early November to late February is the best time of year to visit Okene for hot-weather activities.

Get in

UBA Junction Okene

Kogi shares a border with 10 other states. Travellers are provided with several options whether to travel by air or road.

By plane

• 1 Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport (ABV ^IATA). International flights to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport are offered by several airlines, notably, Lufthansa, KLM, and British Airways. If arriving from the US, Delta Air Lines has a direct flight from New York JFK. Many visitors fly through connecting flights from Lagos.  

By bus

You can travel to Kogi State by bus from major cities like Abuja, Lagos, Benin, Kano and Port Harcourt. Transportation companies such as ABC Transport (with air-conditioned luxurious bus rides), God is Good Motors (GIGM), Big Joe Motors, Chisco Transport (CTN) and Young Shall Grow, provide transport services from other parts of the country to Kogi State.

By train

• 2 Itakpe Train Station Nigeria Railway Corporation has completed an inter-city line between Kogi, Abuja and Kaduna, where you can connect with the rest of the Nigerian rail system. Trains arrive and depart from Itakpe. The train service offers three types of such as Economy, First Class and Sleeper. The schedules and current fairs can be found on the Nigeria Railway Corporation website.

From Itakpe train station one can easily get a taxi/bus to Okene.

See

• Ekuku dam Ekuku dam near Koroko reminds one of an old farm house. The Ekuku Dam in Okene is one of many natural landscapes in Kogi State. It is located in the far axis of Agassa in Okene with serene environment dominated by farmers.

Buy

Okene Central Market is a shopping store where you can buy things you desire.

• 1 Okene central market (G6XP+6QW). 5AM–7PM. A shopping store where you can get distinguished items you wish to buy. ₦1000 and more. (updated Dec 2021)

Eat

• 1 Marl Kitchen, ☏ +234 703 327 8923. 8AM-10PM. Marl kitchen is an eatery in Okene where you can get different meal of your choice. ₦500. (updated Dec 2021)

Stay safe==

Kogi is a cool state, it is known to be relatively safe as there is no real chaos in the state, the environment is serene and peaceful.

Sleep

• Ramadat Hotel, Oniyeka Street, 264103, Okene, ☏ +234 814 533 8048. Check-in: 8AM, check-out: noon. ₦5,000-20,0000. (updated Apr 2022)