An Appraisal and Stress
Management of Tourist Attractions
in Nigeria
By
IBRAHEEM TAJUDEEN OLANREWAJU
Physical and Health Education Department,
University of Ilorin. Kwara State, Nigeria
Abstract
Nigeria offers a wide variety of tourist attractions such as extended and roomy rivers and ocean
beaches ideal for swimming and other water sports. She also has unique wild life, vast tracts of
unspoiled nature ranging from tropical forest, magnificent water falls to some new rapid growing cities
and climate conditions in some local customs, nature arts and life styles. It is however realized that
some of these natural endowments are obscure even to many Nigerians. Presentation is made through
this paper of some of these natural endowments across the country and their implications to Stress
management are also discussed . Recommendations on how to make them viable as a tourist attraction
and relaxation spot are being offered. Some of the suggestions include availability of qualified
counselors to offer counseling services in the tourist destinations, diversified activities that care for the
handicapped and implementation of Economic Liberalization policy
Introduction
Nigeria is a country with about 923-769sq.km landmass located wholly within the tropics. Our
beloved country often called the “Giant of Africa” is richly endowed with ecological and cultural
resources. Nigeria is blessed with warm sunny climate, fascinating beaches and evergreen vegetation in
the south. Savannah grassland over shadowed by alluring landforms in the north. There are other
interesting natural features in the forms of hills, waterfall and springs, pockets a range of unique and
common species of the tropical wild life visiting Nigeria and foreign tourists.
In their convergence views, Akintunde (2001) and Omoruan (1996) explained that records on
international tourism show that of all foreign exchange earners, tourism come next to crude oil in some
countries such as Saudi Arabia, Israel, United State, Spain e.t.c Ogbuewu(2003) buttressed the fact that
Nigeria would be making a lot of money “by developing the tourism sector “ rather than depending
solely on oil revenue.
For effective tourism management, Zoghbi(2004) opined that management companies need to work
with owners to ensure a more stable approach towards the long-term future of tourism destination and
maximizing return of investment for the public sector. Kalu(2003) lamented that the natural tourism
sector would continue to suffer a set back “unless the country address the issue of stability of electricity,
security of lives and property and bad roads. Nevertheless, it will generate foreign exchange, encourage
even development, promote tourism based rural enterprises, generate employment and accelerate rural
urban integration and cultural exchange
Meanwhile, stress is something that everybody experiences through-out one life. Atkinson, Atkinson &
Hilgard(1983) defined stress as a general term that refers to physiological and psychological reactions to
certain environment. While Robert (2001) buttressed that stress is a feeling, but not rely an emotion in
its own right, it seems to be a common aspect of many different emotion including frustration, anger,
worry, fear, sadness and even despair. Talabi (1997) explained that stress is linked to a host of diseases
and abnormal symptoms like Ulcers, mental illness, head-aches, certain skin rashes, chest and back
pains, sleep disturbances, muscular tension and many others.
However, various forms of diversionary techniques are used to ward-off stress. Most of these are
“spontaneous” such as long standing hobbies or interest, going for long walk, listening to music, visiting
exciting place and so on. For man to enjoy perfect harmony, he should pass through stress management
process to mould, reconstruct and rehabilitate whole body vibration as he grows. Talabi (1997)
prescribed physical exercise as one of the means of regulating and harmonizing the body’s vibration
unbalance. While he advised the physical-workers to pick up mental exercise and recreation pursuits.
Cooper & Payne (1998) buttressed that exercising will contribute to the attainment and maintenance of
physiological and psychological vitality. In the same vein, George and McCullick(1999) explained that
participation in recreation activities such as visiting attractive destinations offer healthy outlets for the
direct release of tension or aggression, as opposed to vicarious release, Ajala & Bolarinwa (2002)
recommended that recreation institutions for the use of male & female, staff and student for the release
of their mounting tension.
However, for effective presentation of the views that tourist attraction be made viable in Nigeria, a
list of such available tourist are hereby presented and discussed.
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Agbokim Waterfalls: some short distance away from the Nigeria-Cameroun border is the very
captivating sight called Agbokim Waterfalls. The falls situated in Cross River State, lies less than
30km form Ikom and his highly recommended for picnic. The falls are pleasantly and beautifully
surrounded by green vegetation
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Ancient City of Ife: The ancient town of Ife in Osun State is to the Yoruba race, as Daura is to the
Hausa people. It is referred to as the cradle of the Yoruba race. Popular legend among the Yoruba
people is that creation started in Ile-Ife town
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Ancient town of Badagry: The site of the fallen tree market street, Badagry was the spot where
Christianity was first preached under the tree in1842. Also, the first storey building built in marina
Badagry is a tourist attraction in Badagry.
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Assop Falls: It is located 61 kilometers from Jos, Akwanga road in Barkin Local Government Area of
Plateau State. It is a crowd pulling weekend picnic resort surrounded by beautiful rocks and tress
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Aso Rock: The largest rock in the immediate vicinity of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Aso
rock is about 936 meters above the sea level. The “Presidential” Rock is located to the Northern of
the city. It is believed to have been formed millions of years ago
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Azumini Blue River Rose: This river is located in Abia State towards its boundary with Akwa Ibom
State. The river has become a center for tourism because of the pleasantness of its environment.
The attractive features of the river include its crystal-clear blue water, canoe rides, and sandy
beaches.
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Bar Beach: It is also known as Victoria Beach, and is the most popular bar beach among Nigerians.
The main beach of Victoria Island is located along Ahmadu Bello Way opposite the Federal Guest
House. It is usually crowded with Nigerians on public holiday.
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Bible She,Araya: A copy of the Bible is believed to have descended miraculously in Araya in Delta
State from Heaven around August, 1914. The spot now attracts Christian pilgrims from all over the
country.
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Bida Brass Work: Brought to Bida from Babah during the reign of the late Etsu Nupe Usman Zaki,
popular Brass Works are founded at Gbongbofu, Tswatako and Tswata Mukun area of Bida town in
Niger State.
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Bilikisu Sungbon Shrine: Bilikisu Sungbon Shrine, a popular tourist center in Ogun State is located
in Oke – Eri, Ijebu Ode Local Government Area. Bilikisu Sungbon was regarded as the Biblibal
Queen of Sheba. She was an Arab. She was said to have met King Solomon with whom she fell in
love, and became one of his numerous wives. Later, she returned to Oke-Eri where she died and
was buried, Moslem faithful normally converge there every year to offer prayers and seek favour
of Allah by the virtue of the devout woman.
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Biu Plateau: It is in Yobe State; the weather condition within the Biu Plateau is comparable to that
experienced around the Jos Plateau in Plateau State. Gorges and escapements are also available on
the Plateau for sight seeing
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Calabar Beach: This superb beach, at the mouth of the new Calabar River, is about 2 miles long and
500 feet wide uninhabited save for a solitary fishermen’s nut. The beach is virtually isolated and
lends visitors the luxury of privacy in a beautiful setting of the beaten path.
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Confluence of River Niger and Benue: The two rivers meet at Lokoja forming a Y-shape structure
and draining South ward into the Ocean. While River Niger is brownish in colour. River Niger is light
green in colour. They are two largest rivers in West Africa.
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Dr Ladi Kwali Pottery Centre: Established in 1951 by late Michael Cardew, a British potter of
international repute, the center in Niger State trains native traditional potters in the art of modern
pottery making in order to preserve and protect Nigerian’s rich He built a magnificent edifice that
houses his personal effect and evidence of his contact with the Queen, administrators and traders
of the British Empire located at Koko in Warri –North Local Government of Delta State.
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Chief Ogiamen’s House, Benin City: This building is protected under the antiquities Act of 1953
principally because of the architectural eminence as a fine example of Benin traditional
architecture. It has an elaborate system of court yards and altars. It is the chief’s house and was
probably built around 1897.
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Coconut Beach: It is a beautiful beach in the coastal town of Badagry, West of Lagos. The beach is
attractive set in an area surrounded by coconut tress. About 200 miles towards the border of
Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, Coconut Beach is accessible through the Lagos-Badagry
expressway.
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Cross River National Park: It was created from two existing forest reserves of Bashi-Okwango and
Obar forest reserves. This park contains the last remaining forest in Nigeria, which is being
preserved with the help of the Nigeria conservation foundation. It has a herd of forest elephants
and a thousand of various animal species.
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Eleke Beach: Opened in 1989, Eleke is the newest of Lagos beaches, down the Lekki peninsula
about 30 miles from Lagos. There are no traders and no distractions on Eleke Beach, just peace
and tranquility, ideal for those seeking privacy.
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Esie Museum: It was established in 1945 to house over one thousand soapstone figures or images
representing human being. Now, it is the center of local region reference and worship which
climaxed by animal festival.
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Ezeagu Tourist Complex: A half-hour drive from the bursting capital city of Enugu State, the
complex exhibits one of the natural wonders of nature. Measuring about 22 hectares in size, it
comprises a lake, a cave, whose sheer size and compartment, is awe-striking.
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First of Pair of Sato Drum: In Badagry are the first pair of Sato drums brought to Akara kunmo in
1543 by Tosavi and Whensu his son, from Dahomey ( Republic of Benin)
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Foot Bridge, Kaduna: This is an interesting example of indigenous engineering before the advent of
roads and railway in Nigeria. The bridge was originally erected by Lord Lugard at Zungaru in1904
and re-erected in 1954 in the Kaduna Garden.
Gashaka / GumptiGame Reserve: This reserve parades the largest and richest reserve South of the
Sahara. It contains various Flora fauna with varying bird viewing possibilities. Gashaka / Gumppti
Game Reserve is in Taraba State. It contains Nigeria’s highest mountain, chapel Waddi (2409m).
-
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Gobirau Minaret, Katsina: This imposing minaret, or tower which originally is said to be some 120
meters tall and which was built of mud and palm timbers, is all that remains of the mosque
constructed in Habe times before the holy wars of Sheik Usman Dan Fodio. Part of the tower is
about 250 yrs old.
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Guarara River: From Niger River, the river transverses the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to the
north and empties into River Niger in Kogi State to the South. River Gurara is wide in some
sections, with clear blue water and green banks which attract seekers of good picnic spot.
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Hills of Benue: this located in the middle belt region of Nigeria, Benue State. The entire land mass
presents hills of various shades( Ikyogen hills, Ushogbo Hills, Bassa hills) and touristic appeals.
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Holy Apostles Community, Aiyetoro: Aiyetoro is a coastal town located about 160 Km south of
Akure, and 172 km East of Lagos. The inhabitants of the town consist mainly of Ilajes who practiced
communal ownership of property. Aiyetoro like other coastal towns of swampy, hence the houses
are built on pole and cannot be reached by road. Visitors are taken to the community by speed
boat which take off at Igbokoda, near Okitipupa. A reception hall and rest houses are provided by
the community for the benefit of the visitors. The community does not experience power failure or
theft and smoking is also prohibited.
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Ibeno Beach: One of the numerous fine beaches in Nigeria is the Ibeno Beach in Akwa Ibom State.
A lover of water sports find the beach which stretches to James town on the Atlantic most inviting.
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Idanre Hills: The historic Idanre hills is situated in Idanre town about 20 kilometers from Akure in
Ondo State. Idanre with seeming impregnable hills look like an ancient castle. The top of one of
these hills has six hundred steps, which must be climbed before tourists can appreciate the work
and beauty.
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Ibadan City: Ibadan, the state capital of Oyo State is the largest City south of Sahara, with the
population of over 3 million. It was founded in 1830 by Lagelu. Its Skyline is broad expanse of
corrugated iron sheet turned brown by the weather and age, broken intermittently by modern
edifices around the town.
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Ife Museum: It was established by Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, is now under the management of
National Monuments, the Ife museum is appreciated for its numerous archaeological artifacts.
Igboukwa town: It is an ancient town, which has remained an attraction to tourists because of its
bronze artifacts. The bronze which was noticed in 1938 was later excavated by Thurstan Shaw, an
English archaeologist. The bronzes which dated back to about 9th century are high value because of
their historic relevance.
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Ikogosi Warm and Cold Spring: Ikogosi warm spring is about fifty-five kilometers from akure, the
state capital of Ondo. It is located in Ekiti State. The warm spring roll down over a hill landscape.
From another hill rises a cold spring, which joins the warm spring at a confluence. Together they
form a continues stream. The whole landscape with its green vegetation is fascinating. The most
scientific plausible explanation, however, is that the deeper a body of water goes underground, the
hotter it becomes and if by chance it is forced back to the surface through some earth faults, the
temperature remains relatively high.
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Iron of Liberty: The location of Lokoja near the bank of River Niger made it an important center for
slave trade during the era off slave trade in Nigeria. When the British Government started to wage
war against slave trade. Lokoja became a collected center for slaves seized from slave merchants
to be consequently set free. The place where such saves were free was marked with a piece of iron
pole now referred to as the “iron of liberty”
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Jabi Dam: Jabi is situated at federal capital Territory Abuja, a man made providing drinking water
for the city. It houses private club with a beautiful garden, bush hut and barbecue.
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Jos Wildlife Park: This is the most developed man made Wildlife park in Nigeria. It covers 8 square
kilometers of land enclosing, hills, streams, and varied vegetation with picnic sites. Its collection
include lions, buffalos, pigmy hippos, horses, birds crocodiles, pythons e.t.c.
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Kanji National park: This park, in Niger State, was established in 1979 and incorporates the Borgu
Game Reserve and Zuguruma Game Reserve to the southeast in Niger State. The Borgu sector of
the park covers an area of about 3,929sq.km of savanna woodland, and zuguruma covers an area
of about 1,370sq.km. It conatains the Kainji Dam and Lake where Mungo Park comes to grief in
1805. The lake is 136km long and tours of the dam are available on request from Nigeria Electric
Power Authority. Fishing is allowed in the lake.
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Lake Chad: Lake chad occupies a strategic location serving not only Borno State of Nigeria where it
is located but also serving the neighboring countries of Niger, Cameroun, and Chad. It attracts a
great number of tourists. Boating opportunity and visit to numerous fishing villages in the area are
available.
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Long Juju Shrine of Arochuwu: Arochuwu is a famous tourist destination with cave of the famous
long juju oracle as a particular attraction, The cave is believes to hold the long metal pipe through
which the gods speak to people.
Mambilla Plateau: It is located in Taraba State. A high grassland plateau averaging about 1800
meters high. The park providing attractive setting, well worth a visit, it contains cattle ranches, tea
plantations and rolling, grass, hills, animals, and birds.
-
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Mbari Cultural Center: It is the home of Mbari scriptural houses in Imo State. It houses objects
such as terracing beast, symbols of deities-monkeys, rams, and tortoise. The Mbar cultural center
is an open air museum and found in Ikenegbu lay-out Owerri and at Eke-Nguru in Abo Mbaise.
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National Theatre: A high brow architectural masterpiece of modern bearing is popularly acclaimed
the cultural headquarters of Nigeria located in Lagos State.
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Maiyegun Beach: The beach is within the Maiyegun tourism zone of Eti Osa Local Government
Area in Lagos State. The beach is popular for relaxation and hosts the popular Lekki sun splash
musical concert.
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Nok Village: Nok village in kaduna state presents the culture of the Nok people, which has existed
for over 2,500 years. Terre cotta, heads of animal and man, weapons of war are abundantly on
display.
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Obudu Cattle Ranch: It is located in Cross River State. It is over 1,524km, long and has a
temperature weather condition to ensure green vegetation and grazing of cattle round the year.
Other attraction includes swimming pool, horse riding, waterfall, gorilla camp.
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Ogbunike Cave: The cave segmented into sections is found in Anambra State. Some few kilometers
away from Onitsha market town.
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Oguta Lake Holiday Complex: located in Imo State in Oguta Local Government Area. The lake is
second largest natural lake in the country after lake Chad. It has a recreational park and motel.
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Okomu Wild Life Sanctuary: it is in Benin City, Edo State. It contains species like the whitethroated monkey, the mona monkey , the putty nosed quenon, the red-cangaby, chimpanzees,
elephants, bush-baby e.t.c.
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Olumo Rock: It is a massive outcrop of granite rocks of primitive origin from Abeokuta (meaning
“under the rock”) the capital of Ogun State where it derived its name. The rock is sacred to Egba of
Abeokute because it was the place where they found refuge from their attackers during ancient
wars.
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Ooni’s Palace: The Ooni is the traditional ruler of the Ife town. His palace, considering her relics,
has been designated by the State as a historical monument.
-
Opa Oranmiyan: in ife, one object of attraction is Opa Oranmiyan(Oranmiyan’s Staff). Oranmiyan,
the 3rd Ooni of Ife is said to have owned the staff, which is 5 meters high and about 11/2 meters at
its base. It is believed that the staff was used by Oranmiyan as a weapon against enemies.
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Osun Shrine: The Osun shrine represents eloquent statement on the traditional religion of the
people of Osogbo situated on the bank of Osun River in Osun State.
-
Ososo Tourist Center: Ososo town, on the boundary between Edo and Kogi State. There is an noncatering Rest House on to top of the hill, which grants a wide view of part of Kogi State to as far as
the Niger State.
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Othman Dan Fodio Tomb: It is a significant place in the history of Nigeria as a famous Jihadist
credited with the spread of Islam in the North and beyond his Tomb in Sokoto has remained an
attraction.
-
Owu Water Falls: the Owu waterfall is at Owa Kajola, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara
State. It is about 120m above water level. The surrounding is evergreen while the water is ice cold.
-
Pategi Beach: Pategi Beach in Kwara State has potentials for great holiday resort and enjoys a
bounteous stretch of sandy beach currently used by fisherrmen.
-
Port Harcourt Tourist Beach: located on an artificial sand beach along Kolabi creek, is one of the
water front tourist resorts in Port Harcourt of River State.
-
Rojenny tourist villages: Rojenny village is in anambra state with tourist attraction such as
amusement park, joy rides and sporting/ relaxation facilities.
-
Silicon Hill: It is in Enugu, about 300m above sea level and almost half kilometers long. The
surrounding s captivating and interesting for tourist attraction.
-
Slave Trade Relics: Relic of the slave trade comprising shackles, locks are in the custody of the
Mobee family at marina Badagry Lagos State.
-
Sultan of Sokoto Palace: The significant of the place goes beyond cultural artistic excellence. It is
the symbol of Nigeria Muslim World.
-
Tarwa Bay: It is a sheltered beah along the Lagos harbor. It id accessible by a “trazon” boat from
maroko or “fiki” boat under falomo Bridge on Victoria Island.
-
Ushafa Pottery center: It is situated in Ushafa town in Bwari Area council, the modern pottery and
ceramic complex enhance the local is located artists of the area, the center is located about 40
kilometers from Abuja city center
-
University Museum: The Obafemi Awolowo University Museum is yet another museum in Ile Ife
and a sight to behold.
Wase Rock: It is located in Wuse town Jos Plateau State, 350 meter tall with beautiful massive
dome.
-
Verekete Shrine: A shrine in Badagry where Richard Lander was tried before a priest for alleged
espionage charges. He survived after concoction as a proof of his innocence.
-
Yankari National Park: It is a wild life park that houses wikki warm springs.
-
Zuma Rock: Driving in from Kaduna, Zuma Rock, which is located in Suleja Niger State, ushers one
into Abuja, it is bigger and more recognizable, about one kilometer long.
Conclusion
-
It is however obvious that Nigeria is endowed with many natural tourist attractions spread
across the country. This can go a long way providing stress management services in form of
educational meanwhile, government, individuals and corporate organizations should show interest
in developing these natural assets for socio-economic development. So that Nigerian Government
can compete favorably with other developed counties in terms of foreign exchange earnings
derivable from tourism.
Recommendations
-
1. There should be qualified counselors to offer counseling services to tourists in these
tourist destinations.
2. There should be co-recreational activities which also care for people with disabilities.
3. These natural assets should be harnessed through economic liberalization policy.
4. These natural assets should be harnessed through economic liberalization policy to
provide counseling service and investment opportunities in area such as:
Heritage/cultural tourism resources development of slave trade relics
Establishment of museums and preservation monument.
Development of picnic and camping sites.
Building of tourist lodges.
Building of reception centers at natural/physical attractions.
Provision of shuttle bus or and water transport to take tourists round the sites.
Establishment of hotels and resorts near the tourist destination
Establishment of holiday resorts along the coast.
Contributions of the paper to knowledge
1. It will inform all tourists of the available tourist attractions in Nigeria and their usefulness
in term of stress management.
2. It will make it known to the Government, cooperate organization & individuals that tourism is an
economic booster that serves as a means of generating more revenue
3. It will provide information for policy makers and recreation planners for effective management of
recreation and good provision for leisure education.
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