Hello, how are you? How are you holding up in these times of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic? I’ve been in isolation for over three weeks and in lockdown for about eleven days. It was really tough in the beginning but I’m slowly coming around and finding better ways to go through each day. I really do hope that you’ve been doing well.
Before the pandemic, my last trip was to Abeokuta, Ogun State. I was really excited about finally being out there and sharing those amazing moments with new friends. I already shared one part of the story in my previous post. If you missed it, you can read it here.
My visit to Oyan River Dam and Lake was the highlight of my trip. It was such a calm and beautiful place to be. Prior to my visit, I had never heard about it. I saw the name for the first time when my travel buddies and I merged our lists of places to visit in Abeokuta. For some reason, I decided not to do a personal research about it and boy! I was glad I didn’t.
The Oyan River Dam was commissioned on March 29th 1983 by the then President of Nigeria Alhaji Shehu Shagari, with the primary aim of supplying raw water to Abeokuta and Lagos. I couldn’t really get more details about it as I visited on a Sunday morning and all the offices were locked and there was no one in sight to ask questions.
The Oyan Lake is an artificial lake that was filled following the construction of the Oyan River Dam. There was a warning sign which was quite disturbing but I ventured past the sign to take pictures, while maintaining extreme caution.
How to get to Oyan River Dam and Lake: The Oyan River Dam and Lake is located in Luhani Village, Abeokuta North Local Government Area. According to Wikipedia, it is about 20km North-West of Abeokuta. Via public transportation, board a cab at Kuto Junction heading to Lafenwa. At Lafenwa, board a cab or keke going to Rounder. Now this is where it gets tricky. At Rounder, you have the option of getting a motorcycle to take you there and waiting to bring you back but it is quite a distance for a motorcycle ride. But if you don’t mind, go ahead. My friends and I opted to hire a cab. We paid about N2500 for a roundtrip.
If you’re driving, you can use Google Maps, but I’ll suggest you ask for directions at Rounder to be certain you’re heading in the right direction. It was pretty much a straight drive, but ask questions still.
Travel Tips.
1. As always, don’t leave your bargaining skills at home. You’ll need them to negotiate a good deal at Rounder.
2. Exercise caution. There’s a reason why the warning sign was at the lake. I may not know why, but please be careful out there.
3. Visit on a week day (if possible). That way you’ll most likely meet the offices open with someone who knows the area to show you around.
4. Take a drink or water with you. It was an extremely hot day and there was no place in sight to buy anything.
5. Wash your hands, sanitise, don’t touch surfaces and your face unnecessarily. Yes, I know that by the time you make a trip there the pandemic would be over, but still, the end of a pandemic does not mean we should put an end to the good practises we imbibed.
There’s a short video up on my Instagram. You should watch it. And of course, follow me while you’re there.
Please Stay safe and Stay home.
Love,
Thamarah.
The THAMARAH 