Edo

Edo State is one of Nigeria's most culturally significant regions, the heartland of the Benin Kingdom — one of the most powerful and sophisticated pre-colonial states in West Africa. Its capital, Benin City, was a metropolis of extraordinary wealth and artistry from the 13th to the 19th century, famed for its massive earthwork walls (the Benin Moat, four times longer than the Great Wall of China) and the exquisite Benin Bronzes (brass and ivory sculptures looted by the British in 1897). Edo State lies in the South-South region, a transitional zone between the Yoruba west and the Igbo east, with the Edo (Bini) people as the dominant ethnic group. The state's geography ranges from the rainforest of Okomu National Park in the south (home to the white-throated monkey and forest elephants) to the rolling hills of the northern Edo (Auchi, Igarra) near the Kogi border. The state is an important agricultural and oil-producing region.

The dry season (November–March) is best. The Igue Festival (December/January) is the most important cultural event — a week of rituals at the Oba's Palace. The rainy season (April–October) is heavy, especially in the southern rainforest areas.

Benin City is a major transport hub. Uber and Bolt operate in the city centre. Taxis and keke tricycles are everywhere. The Benin–Lagos road (A1) is the main artery. Benin is connected to Asaba (3 hours), Warri (2 hours), and Akure (2 hours). Benin Airport (BNI) has flights to Lagos and Abuja.

Edo cuisine is distinctive. Banga Soup (palm nut soup with fresh fish or meat) is the signature dish. Owo Soup (made from ground melon seeds and greens) is a local speciality. Starch (made from cassava) is the staple swallow, served with rich soups. Grilled catfish with pepper sauce is widely available. The New Benin Market area has the best street food.

The Igue Festival (December/January) is the crown jewel of Edo culture — the Oba of Benin performs rituals to bless the kingdom and usher in the new year, with traditional dances and ceremonies at the palace. Emotan Day honours a legendary market woman. The Benin City Festival celebrates the city's history. The Okomu National Park is home to the white-throated monkey and offers nature walks and birdwatching.

• Oba's Palace tour in Benin City — the historic centre of the Benin Kingdom, with stunning courtyard architecture
• Benin Moat walk — sections of the ancient earthwork walls are still visible and walkable
• Okomu National Park — rainforest wildlife trekking, including the endangered white-throated monkey
• Benin National Museum — home to the finest collection of Benin Bronzes in Nigeria
• Igun Street (Bronze Casters' Guild) — watch traditional bronze-casting using the lost-wax method, an unbroken tradition since the 14th century

• Benin City — the historic capital, with the Oba's Palace, Benin National Museum, Igun Street bronze castings, and the Benin Moat
• Auchi — a town in the north-west, the centre of the Afemai people, with the Auchi Polytechnic and the Auchi Central Mosque
• Ekpoma — a town in the north-central area, home to Ambrose Alli University and a major agricultural centre
• Uromi — a historic town in the north, the seat of the Otaru of Uromi, the traditional ruler of the Esan people
• Igarra — the headquarters of the Akoko-Edo people, a town in the far north near the Kogi border
• Irrua — a town in the Esan heartland, known for the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital
• Sabongida-Ora — the headquarters of the Owan Local Government Area, in the Owan Hills
• Igueben — the headquarters of the Esan Central LGA, a farming and trading centre
• Ubiaja — a town in the Esan South-East, known for the Ubiaja Palace
• Fugar — a town in the Etsako Central area, a commercial centre for the Afemai people
• Okomu National Park — a rainforest reserve protecting endangered primates, birds, and forest elephants in southern Edo