Asaba: The Tranquil Jewel of Nigeria's Delta State

• HelloNdewo
  [N-deh-wo]
• GoodbyeKachifo
  [Ka-chee-fo]
• YesEe
  [Eh]
• NoMba
  [M-ba]
• Please/You're welcomeBiko
  [Bee-ko]
• Thank youDaalu
  [Da-ah-lu]
• Excuse me/SorryKedu
  [Ke-doo]
• How are you?Kedu ka i mere?
  [Ke-doo ka ee meh-reh]
• Fine. And you?Olee. Otu ka i mere?
  [Oh-lay. Oh-too ka ee meh-reh]
• Do you speak English?O nwere ihe na-eme i bekee?
  [Oh n-weh-reh ee-heh nah-eh-meh ee beh-keh]
• I don't understandAghotara m
  [Ah-go-ta-rah-m]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseA ga adi menu, biko
  [Ah-gah ah-dee meh-noo, bee-ko]
• I don't eat meatA ghotara agu
  [Ah-go-ta-rah ah-goo]
• Cheers!Nwafor!
  [N-wah-for]
• I would like to pay, pleaseA ga adi ego, biko
  [Ah-gah ah-dee eh-go, bee-ko]

• Help!Mkpuru mmadu!
  [M-kpoo-roo mmah-doo]
• Go away!Kpuchie!
  [K-poo-chee-eh]
• Call the Police!Kpem osisi!
  [K-pem oh-see-see]
• Call a doctor!Kpem doctor!
  [K-pem doctor]
• I'm lostA cholu m
  [Ah choh-loo-m]
• I'm illA na-ere
  [Ah nah-eh-reh]

• I'd like to buy...A ga ejide...
  [Ah-gah eh-jee-deh]
• I'm just lookingA nyele
  [Ah nyeh-leh]
• How much is it?Ozi gini a?
  [Oh-zee gee-nee ah]
• That's too expensiveOzi di mma mma
  [Oh-zee dee mah mah]
• Can you lower the price?O nwere ihe na-agbanyeghi ozi?
  [Oh n-weh-reh ee-heh nah-ah-bahn-yeh-gee oh-zee]

• What time is it?Keduzi oge di?
  [Ke-doo-zee oh-geh dee]
• It's one o'clockOge o di otu
  [Oh-geh oh dee oh-too]
• Half past (10)Oge na otu
  [Oh-geh nah oh-too]
• MorningUtutu
  [Oo-too-too]
• AfternoonEhihie
  [Eh-hee-heh]
• EveningMgbede
  [Mm-gbeh-deh]
• YesterdayEte
  [Eh-teh]
• TodayTaa
  [Tah]
• TomorrowEke
  [Eh-keh]
• 1Otu
  [Oh-too]
• 2Abuo
  [Ah-boo-oh]
• 3Atolu
  [Ah-toh-loo]
• 4Anwa
  [Ah-nwah]
• 5Ise
  [Ee-seh]
• 6Isii
  [Ee-see-ee]
• 7Asaa
  [Ah-sah-ah]
• 8Asato
  [Ah-sah-toh]
• 9Itoolu
  [Ee-toh-loo]
• 10Iri
  [Ee-ree]

• Where's a/the...?Ebee ka...
  [Eh-beh-kah]
• What's the address?Kedu ka adreesi?
  [Ke-doo ka ah-dree-see]
• Can you show me (on the map)?O nwere ihe na-enye m (na map)?
  [Oh n-weh-reh ee-heh nah-eh-nyeh-m (nah map)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kedu ya nke (bus) ife?
  [Ke-doo yah nk-eh (bus) ee-feh]
• A ticket (to ....)Ego (si ....)
  [Eh-go (see)]

Asaba, the capital city of Delta State, Nigeria, traces its origins back to the 15th century when it was founded by Nnebisi, a prince from Nteje in Anambra State. Nnebisi, whose mother was an Igala princess, settled in the area and named it 'Ahaba', meaning 'I have chosen well', which later evolved into Asaba. The city initially served as a strategic trading post and meeting ground for various ethnic groups, including the Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa.

In the late 19th century, Asaba became a significant location for British colonial administration. The city gained prominence when the Royal Niger Company established its headquarters there in 1886. This period saw the construction of European-style buildings and the introduction of Western education and Christianity. Asaba’s strategic position along the Niger River made it a crucial gateway for trade and transportation.

One of the most tragic events in Asaba's history is the Asaba Massacre, which occurred on October 7, 1967, during the Nigerian Civil War. Federal troops entered Asaba and in a tragic turn of events, rounded up and executed hundreds of men and boys, accusing them of being Biafran sympathizers. This massacre had a profound impact on the community, and memorials and annual commemorations continue to honor the victims.

Post-independence Nigeria saw Asaba evolve into a burgeoning urban center. The construction of the Asaba-Onitsha Bridge in 1965 further facilitated commerce and connectivity between the eastern and western parts of Nigeria. Asaba was designated the capital of the newly created Delta State in 1991, which spurred infrastructural development, including government buildings, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.

Asaba is rich in cultural heritage, with traditions deeply rooted in Igbo customs. The city is known for its vibrant festivals, such as the Ine Festival, which celebrates the new yam harvest and the Igbu Uzo, a rite of passage for young men. These festivals are characterized by traditional dances, music, and elaborate masquerades, reflecting the city's rich cultural tapestry. The Anioma Festival, celebrated annually, showcases the cultural diversity of the Anioma people of which Asaba is a part.

In recent years, Asaba has experienced significant economic growth, attracting investments in various sectors such as real estate, hospitality, and entertainment. The presence of the Asaba International Airport has enhanced the city's connectivity, making it a hub for business and tourism. Social amenities have improved, with numerous shopping malls, recreational centers, and educational institutions contributing to the city's modern landscape.

Asaba is well-connected by air, road, and waterways. The Asaba International Airport serves as the main gateway, with flights from major Nigerian cities like Lagos and Abuja. By road, Asaba is accessible via the Niger Bridge, connecting it to Onitsha and other eastern cities. If you prefer to travel by water, you can take a boat from Onitsha across the River Niger.

Within Asaba, transportation options include taxis, motorbikes (okadas), and tricycles (keke napeps). Public buses are also available for longer routes. Car rentals are another option for those who prefer to drive themselves. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so plan your trips accordingly.

The official currency is the Nigerian Naira (NGN). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is often preferred for smaller transactions. ATMs are widely available in the city, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas.

Asaba is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. Areas like Umuagu and Cable Point have reported higher crime rates, so exercise caution when visiting these neighborhoods. Always use reputable transportation services.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Asaba has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical services. The Federal Medical Centre Asaba is the largest healthcare facility in the city. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local religious practices. Remove your shoes before entering a mosque and dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake; a warm smile is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food graciously when offered. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered rude.

To experience Asaba like a local, visit the Ogbogonogo Market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the Asaba Beach, which offers a relaxing escape and beautiful views of the River Niger. For a unique experience, attend local festivals such as the Asaba Ofala Festival, which showcases vibrant cultural performances.