IKENGA VIRGIN FOREST
This is the only known virgin forest in Nigeria. It is a thick forest reserve, till date it has neither been cultivated nor its trees cut. It is a typical rainforest composed of tall evergreens, climbers and thick shrubs reputed to be the home of many species of animals that have gone extinct in other parts of the country. At the centre of the forest is a communal shrine presided over by a high priest who protects and ensures that the sanctity of the forest is never compromised.
OMASHI-IYI CAVE – AKPU
This cave is also the shrine of Omashi-Iyi, the oracle of Akpu believed to offer protection to its people and adherents. Within the cave itself are hundreds of sacred bats that have inhabited it since the origin of the cave, centuries ago. As is always the case with caves, this one contains compartments, crevices and a very long tunnel about 1km long. Approaching the cave, there is a stream; semi-circular in form, which borders the cave and forms a pool at its entrance, this stream is hooded by trees and bamboos, a natural setting for a cave or a hiding place.
ODO RIVER – OMOGHO
This river is located at the heart of Iwolo village in Omogho community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra state. It is the source of the famous Obutu Lake. The legendary story of this migrate river’s origin is very interesting. It was revealed that the river has not always been in its present site but only appeared in 1930 as most people who witnessed its emergence in its present location are still alive today. 
OBUTU LAKE – OMOGHO
This is an offshoot of the Odo River, covering a large 10 hectares of land. People come here all year round for fishing and excursions. During the rainy season, it covers a larger area of land. The water of this lake is considered an antidote by locals. When fetched at midnight and without being observed, the water has power to cure a person of ailments and poisoning. The lake provides water for irrigation of abundant rice and vegetable farms during the dry season. It is also a reservoir of fishes and a delight to local fishermen who ply their trade along its bank. In the rainy season when the lake overflows its banks, the fishes are easily caught. The beauty of the lake lies in its clear crystal nature and as a natural fish pond, its sand beach provides a serene environment for relaxation.There are no harmful animals in the lake. Students from far places come to the lake for excursions and picnics. It is attractive for tourism, rowing, swimming, leisure and recreation. There was an attempt in the past by the Odo River to flood the lake but this was foiled by a sand dune on its path towards the lake. It however succeeded in dumping a large quantity of sand into the far end of the lake, making it a bit shallower than the near end.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
Omogho community where the Obutu Lake is found is pre-dominantly farmers. Among crops grown in the community include rice, cassava, and yam vegetable. Obutu Lake provides favourable environment for rice and vegetable cultivation during the rainy season. The Lake is a breeding ground for various fishes and amazingly does not harbour dangerous reptiles. Fish harvesting is done all the year round. During the rainy season, the lake occasionally overflows its banks depositing large quantities of fish on the way which are easily caught along the shallow portion of the Lake.
The Lake is clean all year round and its water serves domestic purposes; it serves as recreational site as people from Omogho and environs converge there swimming and paddling canoes particularly during the heat period of the dry season.
The strategic location of the Lake makes it a tourist delight, hence the visit by Students and researchers who throng the site all year round.
CULTURAL IMPORTANCE
The Lake is located at Agueke/Iwollo villages at the heart of Omogho community. There are motorable earth roads leading to the site and it is possible to drive up to its bank. The Lake also serve religious functions, it is sacred water believed to have cleansing properties for ailments and poisons of various kind. If water is fetched after midnight without seeing or meeting anybody on the way, such water is strongly believed to possess power to neutralise poison and could be used in healing any form of sickness. From the history of the Lake till date, there has not been any recorded incident of drowning. 
IYIOCHA LAKE AMAOKPALA TOWN
This is a long and still lake at the outskirts of the town. The far end of the lake is in Oko town where the Federal Polytechnic is located. The lake is as quiet as the Dead Sea and no aquatic life has been recorded in it. The mystery behind the lake is that till date no case of drowning of an indigene of the community has been recorded. Mrs. Rose Ezeh, wife of the present Town Union Chairman once fell into the lake and it was about one hour later that rescuers were able to reach her. Clearly expecting the worst, the locals were however mystified to discover that she had not taken in one single gulp of water. As soon as she was rescued, she woke up and went home.
OKPU ANA NATURAL SPRING (UKPOR)
This spring whose source is unknown simply gushes out of a large boulder embedded in a cliff and is regarded as the purest waters to be found anywhere. To access the waters, one has to descend virtually into the bowels of the earth by means of steps constructed by the people for that purpose. The people of Ukpor are very proud of the mystery spring, as they lead tourists to its banks and encourage them to take a drink. The spring forms a stream at the bottom, which has a beautiful bet of white clay, giving it an entirely surreal atmosphere.
The quiet and serene environment of the spring is conducive for camping and picnicking or simply for a quiet time of meditation.
DIKE’S ANCIENT WAR TOWER (UKPOR)
Any person referred to as ‘Dike’ in Igbo land is a great man and must have performed an extraordinary feat to deserve the title. In times past, it was used for great warriors who had shown exceptional bravery at war. Dike Madueke, who lived and died in Ukpor before 1700, falls under this category. He is reputed as the greatest warrior in Ukpor land. He led the people to many wars, perfecting a strategy that enabled the people defeat their enemies all around. The early European adventurers who came to Ukpor met such stiff resistance from the local soldiers that they had to retreat for re-enforcement before they were able to subdue the people.
This is the only known virgin forest in Nigeria. It is a thick forest reserve, till date it has neither been cultivated nor its trees cut. It is a typical rainforest composed of tall evergreens, climbers and thick shrubs reputed to be the home of many species of animals that have gone extinct in other parts of the country. At the centre of the forest is a communal shrine presided over by a high priest who protects and ensures that the sanctity of the forest is never compromised.
OMASHI-IYI CAVE – AKPUThis cave is also the shrine of Omashi-Iyi, the oracle of Akpu believed to offer protection to its people and adherents. Within the cave itself are hundreds of sacred bats that have inhabited it since the origin of the cave, centuries ago. As is always the case with caves, this one contains compartments, crevices and a very long tunnel about 1km long. Approaching the cave, there is a stream; semi-circular in form, which borders the cave and forms a pool at its entrance, this stream is hooded by trees and bamboos, a natural setting for a cave or a hiding place.
The cave is in the custody of the chief priest of Omashi-Iyi who offers a yearly sacrifice at the entrance of the cave to appease the gods of the land, to solicit for its blessings and to predict the future on behalf of the people. The cave is a wonder as one experiences the sheer thrill watching the colony of beautifully coloured bats flying all over its entrance.
ODO RIVER – OMOGHOThis river is located at the heart of Iwolo village in Omogho community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra state. It is the source of the famous Obutu Lake. The legendary story of this migrate river’s origin is very interesting. It was revealed that the river has not always been in its present site but only appeared in 1930 as most people who witnessed its emergence in its present location are still alive today.
According to history, the 18th century wicked rulers of Omogho extended their dubious activities to Ududonka deity of Nanka in Oruumba North Local Government Area. After their deaths, the Ududonka retaliated and the wonderful Odo River surfaced from nowhere, directing its course to the residences of all those past wicked rulers, destroying everything in its path with a great flood, believed to have been a means of spiritual cleansing of the land of the past atrocities by its rulers.
In the year 1930 stories say that Onu Nwambogu an indigene of Iwolo village, Omogho saw a stranger in the evening of that fateful day, making inquiries about the residences of the past rulers of the town. But on a second thoughts, he turned to ask the man why he is asking for the directions to a place which had been destroyed by the great deluge and has been overgrown by weeds, but saw him no more. That night, it rained heavily with lightening and great thunderstorm, the magnitude of which had never been witnessed in the community before.
In the morning it was observed that the farmlands had been flooded. Tracing the course of the flood, it was observed that it followed exactly the direction Onu Nwambogu had pointed out to the strange man the previous day. On consulting the oracle, it was established that the strange man was ‘odo’ river, disguised in form of a man. Diviners revealed that the stranger was a cleansing spirit who came to purge the town of the abominations committed by the past generation. One month later, there was another rain storm and a flood split the Odo River into four different units, one of them being the Obutu Lake. The Odo River changes course yearly, taking a different direction each time. The water is brownish and undrinkable but the local people access clean water by digging holes at the bank of the river which collects fresh drinkable water. There is a natural sand beach at the river which is attractive for tourism, sightseeing and investment by the hospitality industry.
In the morning it was observed that the farmlands had been flooded. Tracing the course of the flood, it was observed that it followed exactly the direction Onu Nwambogu had pointed out to the strange man the previous day. On consulting the oracle, it was established that the strange man was ‘odo’ river, disguised in form of a man. Diviners revealed that the stranger was a cleansing spirit who came to purge the town of the abominations committed by the past generation. One month later, there was another rain storm and a flood split the Odo River into four different units, one of them being the Obutu Lake. The Odo River changes course yearly, taking a different direction each time. The water is brownish and undrinkable but the local people access clean water by digging holes at the bank of the river which collects fresh drinkable water. There is a natural sand beach at the river which is attractive for tourism, sightseeing and investment by the hospitality industry.
OBUTU LAKE – OMOGHOThis is an offshoot of the Odo River, covering a large 10 hectares of land. People come here all year round for fishing and excursions. During the rainy season, it covers a larger area of land. The water of this lake is considered an antidote by locals. When fetched at midnight and without being observed, the water has power to cure a person of ailments and poisoning. The lake provides water for irrigation of abundant rice and vegetable farms during the dry season. It is also a reservoir of fishes and a delight to local fishermen who ply their trade along its bank. In the rainy season when the lake overflows its banks, the fishes are easily caught. The beauty of the lake lies in its clear crystal nature and as a natural fish pond, its sand beach provides a serene environment for relaxation.There are no harmful animals in the lake. Students from far places come to the lake for excursions and picnics. It is attractive for tourism, rowing, swimming, leisure and recreation. There was an attempt in the past by the Odo River to flood the lake but this was foiled by a sand dune on its path towards the lake. It however succeeded in dumping a large quantity of sand into the far end of the lake, making it a bit shallower than the near end.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
Omogho community where the Obutu Lake is found is pre-dominantly farmers. Among crops grown in the community include rice, cassava, and yam vegetable. Obutu Lake provides favourable environment for rice and vegetable cultivation during the rainy season. The Lake is a breeding ground for various fishes and amazingly does not harbour dangerous reptiles. Fish harvesting is done all the year round. During the rainy season, the lake occasionally overflows its banks depositing large quantities of fish on the way which are easily caught along the shallow portion of the Lake.
The Lake is clean all year round and its water serves domestic purposes; it serves as recreational site as people from Omogho and environs converge there swimming and paddling canoes particularly during the heat period of the dry season.
The strategic location of the Lake makes it a tourist delight, hence the visit by Students and researchers who throng the site all year round.
CULTURAL IMPORTANCE
The Lake is located at Agueke/Iwollo villages at the heart of Omogho community. There are motorable earth roads leading to the site and it is possible to drive up to its bank. The Lake also serve religious functions, it is sacred water believed to have cleansing properties for ailments and poisons of various kind. If water is fetched after midnight without seeing or meeting anybody on the way, such water is strongly believed to possess power to neutralise poison and could be used in healing any form of sickness. From the history of the Lake till date, there has not been any recorded incident of drowning.
IYIOCHA LAKE AMAOKPALA TOWNThis is a long and still lake at the outskirts of the town. The far end of the lake is in Oko town where the Federal Polytechnic is located. The lake is as quiet as the Dead Sea and no aquatic life has been recorded in it. The mystery behind the lake is that till date no case of drowning of an indigene of the community has been recorded. Mrs. Rose Ezeh, wife of the present Town Union Chairman once fell into the lake and it was about one hour later that rescuers were able to reach her. Clearly expecting the worst, the locals were however mystified to discover that she had not taken in one single gulp of water. As soon as she was rescued, she woke up and went home.
The story has it that students of the Polytechnic were at one time, dumping refuse into the lake. But on the night of 3rd September, 2004, between midnight and 2.00am in the morning, there was a continual gushing sound and by morning, the locals discovered that the lake had completely drained out from its near end, an act believed to be a reaction of the water spirit over the dumping refuse into the lake. It took several months for the waters to return and when it did, it was discovered that the lake had changed its course and mysteriously re-routed it through Amaokpala town.
UKU CAVE AND SPRING – URUEZE VILLAGE, EKWULUMILI
This is a natural stone cave at the outskirts of the town that was also an oracle of Urueze village. Within the cave, there are tamed lions and pythons that do not harm the innocent. To determine the guilt or innocence of an accused person, the suspect is brought before the cave and the guilty person is immediately devoured by the lions whereas an innocent man is ignored by the same lions. This location is a must-see for every visitor to Anambra State. It is likely one of the few places where live lions can still be observed in their natural habitat.
This is a natural stone cave at the outskirts of the town that was also an oracle of Urueze village. Within the cave, there are tamed lions and pythons that do not harm the innocent. To determine the guilt or innocence of an accused person, the suspect is brought before the cave and the guilty person is immediately devoured by the lions whereas an innocent man is ignored by the same lions. This location is a must-see for every visitor to Anambra State. It is likely one of the few places where live lions can still be observed in their natural habitat.
EKWULUMILI BOTANICAL/ HERBAL GARDEN
The site for the proposed Federal Government Botanical Garden in Eastern Nigeria is near a small stream in Ekwulumili, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. A secluded grove of bamboo and shrubs, it is a natural setting for a garden; its purpose is to serve the alternative medicine needs of the people. Rare herbs and endangered species of plants are nurtured in this garden.The site is about 1 kilometer in diametre. This garden can be appreciated by the fact that it is surrounded by clear stream water that keeps evergreen all through the year. It is also a major tourist location in Anambra state.
The site for the proposed Federal Government Botanical Garden in Eastern Nigeria is near a small stream in Ekwulumili, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. A secluded grove of bamboo and shrubs, it is a natural setting for a garden; its purpose is to serve the alternative medicine needs of the people. Rare herbs and endangered species of plants are nurtured in this garden.The site is about 1 kilometer in diametre. This garden can be appreciated by the fact that it is surrounded by clear stream water that keeps evergreen all through the year. It is also a major tourist location in Anambra state.
OKPU ANA NATURAL SPRING (UKPOR)
This spring whose source is unknown simply gushes out of a large boulder embedded in a cliff and is regarded as the purest waters to be found anywhere. To access the waters, one has to descend virtually into the bowels of the earth by means of steps constructed by the people for that purpose. The people of Ukpor are very proud of the mystery spring, as they lead tourists to its banks and encourage them to take a drink. The spring forms a stream at the bottom, which has a beautiful bet of white clay, giving it an entirely surreal atmosphere.
The quiet and serene environment of the spring is conducive for camping and picnicking or simply for a quiet time of meditation.
DIKE’S ANCIENT WAR TOWER (UKPOR)Any person referred to as ‘Dike’ in Igbo land is a great man and must have performed an extraordinary feat to deserve the title. In times past, it was used for great warriors who had shown exceptional bravery at war. Dike Madueke, who lived and died in Ukpor before 1700, falls under this category. He is reputed as the greatest warrior in Ukpor land. He led the people to many wars, perfecting a strategy that enabled the people defeat their enemies all around. The early European adventurers who came to Ukpor met such stiff resistance from the local soldiers that they had to retreat for re-enforcement before they were able to subdue the people.
It was said that in the process of perfecting his war strategies, Dike Madueke erected in his family compound which still stand today, a twenty-foot tall multi-purpose pyramid tower that aided the people to thwart the plans of their enemies. The interior of the tower has three decks, spy holes all around it and with the aid of ladder people climb from one deck to another. a sentry is constantly posted on top of the deck from where he observes the surrounding are and reports the movement of soldiers from every direction. The middle rung is reserved for sharp-shooters armed with Dane guns and darts. The height gives them the advantage of reach over enemy soldiers.
The ground floor of the tower is the most spacious and acts as a refuge for women and children, considered the most vulnerable in war times. While the men fight, they ensure their loved ones are protected from attack. Dike’s tower has recently been reduced in height to enable maintenance and preservation of this important historical monument. It has survived years of weathering due to special indigenous architectural skill that went into its construction, which according to the people has been lost, years ago. The walls, hedging the Madueke family compound are as old as the tower itself and still stand as strong as ever. One cannot claim to have seen the ingenuity of the Igbo people during the early years without a visit to Dike’s tower at Ukpor town in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The ground floor of the tower is the most spacious and acts as a refuge for women and children, considered the most vulnerable in war times. While the men fight, they ensure their loved ones are protected from attack. Dike’s tower has recently been reduced in height to enable maintenance and preservation of this important historical monument. It has survived years of weathering due to special indigenous architectural skill that went into its construction, which according to the people has been lost, years ago. The walls, hedging the Madueke family compound are as old as the tower itself and still stand as strong as ever. One cannot claim to have seen the ingenuity of the Igbo people during the early years without a visit to Dike’s tower at Ukpor town in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
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