I recently visited Madalla Mountains and the human face popular Zuma Rock in the Federal Capital Territory, writes on how the beautiful sites have turned a haven for tourists and men and women who want to keep fit.
In recent time, mountain climbing has gained popularity in the Federal Capital Territory. Before now, it was a practice left exclusively for the passionate few with unbelievable bravery and high tolerance levels. Today, all these have changed as modern equipment and experienced instructors are now available to guide and guard interested members of the public who are keen about exploring either Zuma Rock and other mountains and rocks in the FCT. It has thus become a twin advantage; tourism and opportunity to keep fit. Whichever way, the society is better for it.
Though, there is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria is a country blessed with amazing terrains and tourism attractions but what makes Abuja a lovable landscape lies in these rocks and mountains that abound everywhere.
On the first visit to Abuja, the first thing that attracts a visitor is obviously the beautiful mountain sites and rocks that serve as shields for the capital city. They elicit curiosity and prompt adventurers to ask for more and whether there opportunities for sightseeing, visitation, and exploration.
On the Mountain top…
When our correspondent visited Mandalla Mountain on this particular Saturday morning, she got more than she bargained for from enthusiastic tourists and a serene environment. Beyond the hilly features, the scenic surroundings and the curiosity make rock climbing at the Madalla Mountain alluring. With expert instructors on ground, visiting and climbing Mountains in Madalla is ideal for both amateurs as well as experienced climbers.
Add to the fun is the opportunity to experience the watercourses around the valley in the nearby settlements. Some of the residents around the mountains who spoke to AbujaCityJournal confirmed that they fetch their drinking water, nicknamed ‘God Pure Water’ from the mountain valley.
A geo-physicist at the University of Abuja, Linus Daniel, in an interview said the small lake was formed as a result of the fracturing of an aquifer.
Madalla is a town in Nigeria near the capital Abuja. It is in Between Suleja and Abuja with some areas of attention like the surrounding rocky hills and mountains all over the city. It is a rural-urban Settlement with a population of about 50,000 individuals.
The Madalla Mountains are located just about 50 kilometres away from Madalla Community. In a way, Madalla has become a major happening place for explorers and sports enthusiasts who are keen about rock climbing. This explains why some people’s weekends are not fulfilled if they haven’t visited the various mountains and rocks for regular exercise, networking and visiting.
According to one of the rock climbers, Dr Olaoye Akintunde, besides rock climbing, adventurous sports enthusiasts can enjoy rope bridge crossing and a few other sporting activities.
"It is becoming more acknowledged that a healthy lifestyle produces a happy body, mind and soul. From beautiful landscapes to nature's very own abundance of serenity, mountain climbing is another form of keeping fit,” he said.
Another visitor to the mountain, Umar Ahmed said; “trekking is a cheap and easy way to stay fit, but climbing mountains with my family is a form of exercise and timeout of the busy activities of the city. I come here every month to have a timeout with families and friends"
The best part about mountain climbing in Madalla is the various rock formations. The place offers rock climbers the chance to climb different types of rocks.
From amateurs to professionals, you can see all types of rock climbers visiting Madalla.
A resident, Mrs Deborah Okon who has lived in the Madalla community for about 15 years stated that while most tourists come there for sporting activities, there are some who come here to pray from their various religious centres.
"I also climb the mountain to have quiet time with God too" she stated.
Madalla Mountain also has farmland to cultivate crops by farmers. A farmer, Mr Benson Udoh explained that farming is easy around the mountain because of the nearness to water that comes from the rock. "We build houses here and farm on our land too, crops like cassava, maize, Onions, plantain are common in this area"
Meanwhile, further findings revealed that Madalla Mountain has also become a training site and place for keeping fit for Nigeria’s military personnel.
It features thrilling places for adventure seekers and others who want to enjoy rock or mountain climbing in Abuja.
Abuja in History…
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), also known as Abuja Federal Capital Territory, was created in 1976. The territory is located north of the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers. It is bordered by the states of Niger to the west and northwest, Kaduna to the northeast, Nassarawa to the east and south, and Kogi to the southwest. Abuja, the federal capital and a planned modern city, is located near the Centre of the territory.
Some of the rocks and mountains that attracted adventure enthusiasts and tourists are Zuma, Aso, Madalla Mountains, among others.
Zuma Rock is a large natural monolith, an igneous intrusion composed of gabbro and granodiorite, in Niger State, Nigeria. It is located immediately west of Nigeria's capital Abuja, along the main road from Abuja to Kaduna off Madalla, and is sometimes referred to as the "Gateway to Abuja from Suleja".Zuma Rock rises approx. 300 metres (980 ft) above its surroundings.
Zuma Rock is depicted on the 100 naira note. It was used for a defensive retreat by the Gbagyi people against invading neighbouring tribes during intertribal warring.
Madalla Mountains are scattered around the Madala Communities. The Gwari natives claim the owner of these communities. It is located at the West part of the FCT Abuja, along Abuja Kaduna road, and it’s referred to as the 'Relaxation Centre" after a long trip to Abuja. The neigbours are the Zuba, Gwagwalada settlements.
Aso Rock is a large outcrop of granite rock located on the outskirts of Abuja, the FCT of Nigeria. The Aso Rock is a 400 meter prominent monolith with a peak height of 936-metre above sea level. It is one of the city's most noticeable features.
