Hostels in ONITSHA, NIGERIA

City of Onitsha in Nigeria: A Major Trade Hub of Nigeria

Onitsha is a commercial centre and a major river port of Anambra in East Nigeria. Situated at a crucial east-west crossing point on the Niger, it forms the northernmost point on the river which is regularly navigated by large vessels. These factors have made Onitsha a prime hub between the northern and the coastal regions. Besides Lagos, Kano and Abuja, Onitsha is one of the major Nigerian cities.

Accommodation Options
Onitsha has all types of accommodation from 5 star hotels to budget accommodation options like youth hostel. There are also motels and budget hotels in the city, mostly around the busy marketplace and along the road leading up to the bridge. It’s better to stay around the marketplace as the area is safe. Most of the hotels offer bed and breakfast. Some locals also double up their homes as a guesthouse. There are good hotels in Asaba offering both AC and non-AC rooms with single and shared occupancy.

History
Onitsha is believed to have been founded in the 1500s by the Benin immigrants. Soon it became the capital of the Igbo kingdom. In 1857, British palm oil traders set up a permanent station at the city. Christian missionaries followed soon. Onitsha became a part of the British protectorate in 1884.

Popular Places
The strategically located River Niger Bridge which connects Onitsha to Asaba is an engineering marvel. It was constructed in 1965 by the country’s former colonial masters at a cost of five million pounds. The city has the All Saints Cathedral Onitsha, which is one of the biggest Anglican Cathedrals in Nigeria, there is also the Cathedral Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity which is the seat of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha.
Onitsha is also the home of the most senior Igbo King the Obi of Onitsha, Nnayelugo Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe. The first president of Nigeria Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe popularly know as Zik of Africa and the Owelle of Onitsha also originates from Onitsha.

Onitsha also boasts of the largest marketplace in the whole of Africa called main market Onitsha.

Getting Around
Travelling within Onitsha can be troublesome sometimes as the city is congested. The trade city has attracted a huge influx of people. The city offers some taxis and car rentals for visiting the places of interest. Not forgetting the motorcycle taxi’s called Okada, named after the one time popular Nigerian Local Airline called Okada Air, Established in the eighties by Chief Gabriel Igbinedion. The Airline was popular not for comfort but for getting you to your destination on time. The use of Motorcycles taxis originated from Onitsha as a means to navigate and guide you through traffic and get you to your destination on time just like Okada Air, people began to call the motorcycle taxis Okada and over the years the name has become synonymous with motorcycle taxis across Nigeria.

Places of Entertainment
The city doesn’t have much of nightlife as it is more of a trading hub than a tourist hotspot. However, there are some bars, eateries and decent restaurants that offer local cuisines. You can also indulge in some shopping at the marketplace which remains open till late. There are some bars, pubs and nice restaurants across the Niger at Asaba.

Languages Spoken
English, the official language of Nigeria, and Igbo are the two languages spoken in the city.

Currency
Nigerian Naira is the currencies of the country. Check online for latest news and exchange rates.