‘Oguide’: Adventure to wonder lake
If you are a nature lover and also on the lookout for an enthralling domestic offering, the Oguta Wonder Lake is a good deal.
‘Oguide’, as called by the locals, the wonder lake is a reason to visit Imo State.
About 45-minute-drive from Owerri, the Imo State capital, and 27 kilometers on the ever-busy Owerri-Onitsha Expressway from Mgbidi junction, takes visitors far into the heart of Oguta town to encounter pristine Mother Nature at the lake.
Spanning over 18 kilometres of shoreline, the lake is the second largest fresh water lake in the Nigeria, after Lake Chad. But with the rate at which water at Lake Chad is receding, Oguta might be the biggest fresh water lake soon.
Void of brine, smarting in the eyes and harmful creatures, the lake caresses visitors’ eyes with its pleasing view, while the evergreen environs ooze out fresh breeze that continuously purify the atmosphere within.
From swimming, cruise boat ride, fishing to many other water sport activities, visitors always find fun to indulge and enjoy at the lake.
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Moreover, there is a confluence to explore at the lake. A boat cruise to the natural confluence of Njaba River and Urashi River, offers a mini River Niger and River Benue confluence experience at the lake. The locals and commercial boat services are always on hand to offer you a ride to the confluence point. But when you get to the link point, the two rivers still maintain their distinct nature and colouration.
No doubt, the huge size, distinct nature, the serenity of the environment and the tropics within stand the lake out as the premier tourist attraction in Imo State.
However, the lake is alive with visitors during weekends when a whole lot of people from Owerri and Onitsha come around for special outdoor outing.
Beside the lake itself, history left relics that visitors also throng to behold.
In the 1900s, the town was a commercial centre and home to the Royal Niger Company, G.B. Ollivant, SCOA Group, John Holt and the Miller Brothers, among others. Then the lake was a port for the evacuation of palm products.
Though the commercial success now belongs to history, the relics of the jetties used by some of the colonial companies still exist today.
But one part of history that is alive at the lake is a bunker with a tunnel that runs under the lake, connecting both banks of the lake. It was built during the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War of 1967-1970 by the Biafran Navy that used the lake as a marine base.
Despite dividing the town into two, along the natural boundary of the water, the lake actually defines the essence of the people as many pay respect to it. It is quite peculiar in nature. It is still the source of livelihood, transportation and fun for many residents of the town.
Of course, the town, which hosts the lake, is full of history, prominence and nature. The first impression that strikes first-time visitors is the sprawling mansions along the major roads that speak volume of the wealth in the land.
But before you leave Oguta, there is still one breathtaking sight to see.
It is the very imposing iconic mansion or rather empire of Arthur Nzeribe, located atop of a hilly landscape and far away from prying eyes in the layout.
It reminds one of the heydays of the late maverick politician.
As well, Oguta is the hometown of Chukwudifu Akune Oputa (late retired justice of the Supreme Court, who also chaired the famous Human Rights Abuse Investigation Panel (Oputa Panel).
Why not keep a date with the town and its attractions. You will definitely see Oguta from a bird’s eye view, especially now that traveling abroad for vacation comes with huge costs and risks.
