Delta State is one of the states in the Niger Delta. It is known as one of the states with the highest number of ethnic nationalities. Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ijaw, and Igbo are some of them. The state shares boundaries with Edo, Bayelsa, and Anambra. It has the city of Warri as its commercial nerve center while Asaba is its capital.
Aside from being rich in oil and other natural resources, the state boasts of attractive tourist sites for leisure and pleasure. One of such beautiful sites is the Nelson Mandela Garden of 95 Trees, owned by a private company.
It is a brainchild of the legendary desert warrior, Dr. Newton Jibunoh (OON), and was established in the year 2013. It is nestled within the confines of the Asaba International airport.
The Garden is a conservation center that espouses the virtues of nature, relaxation, and comfort to the delight of guests. It is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Nigeria with its lush greenery and meticulous curated landscape that creates an ambiance, both serene and invigorating.
The garden is named after the freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela, to recognize his global impact as a symbol of freedom, justice, and reconciliation. According to the operators of the Garden, naming the place after him serves as a tribute to his legacy and a reminder of the values he stood for. Mandela's leadership in ending apartheid in South Africa and his role in promoting peace and human rights worldwide has made him an inspirational figure.
In the heart of the garden lies a tribute to Nelson Mandela himself with a sculpture of him. This garden also has a barn of yam tubers, symbolizing the root of Dr. Jibunoh. Derived from the translation of his name, “Yam is Home,” it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of staying connected to one’s origins, much like the yam crop that grows from the roots.
One can not talk about Nelson Mandela Gardens without acknowledging its impressive recreational facilities. A well-equipped gym and the Olympic sized swimming pool that beckon those seeking a balance of relaxation and fitness, the zoo with various birds and monkeys, a children park, a hotel and a restaurant.
Mandela Garden would make Asaba International Airport the first in Nigeria to have an international hotel and convention center within it. People who fly into the airport could lodge in the garden's hotel that has been made affordable for all.
The garden attracts visitors, both local and international, who come to see the garden, thereby boosting tourism-related businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. It has also created job opportunities for locals in maintenance, security, and event management, indirectly contributing to the state's economy.
One notable event held at the Nelson Mandela Gardens and Resort was the Asaba International Carnival in 2019 which featured a variety of cultural performances, entertainment, and activities aimed at promoting tourism and showcasing the cultural heritage of Delta State. The carnival attracted numerous visitors, contributing to the local economy and increasing the garden's prominence as a cultural and recreational venue.
In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, Nelson Mandela Gardens is a gentle reminder for us to pause, appreciate the beauty around us, and connect with our roots. It’s a place where time seems to stand still, allowing guests to savor each moment, much like fine wine.
