Benin City: The Heartbeat of Nigeria's Cultural Heritage

• HelloEkaaro
  [eh-kah-ah-roh]
• GoodbyeOdabo
  [oh-dah-boh]
• YesBẹẹni
  [beh-eh-nee]
• NoBẹẹkọ
  [beh-eh-koh]
• Please/You're welcomeẸ dáà
  [eh dah-ah]
• Thank youOse
  [oh-seh]
• Excuse me/SorryE ma binu
  [eh mah bee-noo]
• How are you?Bawo ni?
  [bah-woh nee]
• Fine. And you?Daadaa. Ni nko?
  [dah-dah. nee en-koh]
• Do you speak English?Ṣe o mọ èdè yi?
  [sheh oh moh eh-deh yee]
• I don't understandKò náa rẹ
  [koh nah-ah reh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMaa fẹran làfurẹ, jọwọ
  [mah feh-rah la-foo-reh, joh-woh]
• I don't eat meatMaa kọ ẹran
  [mah koh eh-rahn]
• Cheers!Gbọdọ
  [gboh-doh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMaa fẹran sọ, jọwọ
  [mah feh-rah soh, joh-woh]

• Help!Ọrọ!
  [oh-roh]
• Go away!Lọ sọ
  [loh soh]
• Call the Police!Wọ ilẹẹsi
  [woh ee-leh-eh-see]
• Call a doctor!Wọ dokita
  [woh doh-kee-tah]
• I'm lostMo jẹ lọ
  [moh jeh loh]
• I'm illMo jẹ ọjọ
  [moh jeh oh-jo]

• I'd like to buy...Maa fẹran ra...
  [mah feh-rah rah]
• I'm just lookingMaa n sọ
  [mah en soh]
• How much is it?Ẹ pe lọ?
  [eh peh loh]
• That's too expensiveYẹn lọsọ
  [yehn loh-soh]
• Can you lower the price?Ṣe ọ le kọọ iwe rẹ?
  [sheh oh leh koh-koh ee-weh reh]

• What time is it?Kini ọkan?
  [kee-nee oh-kahn]
• It's one o'clockỌkan lẹhin
  [oh-kahn leh-heen]
• Half past (10)Aabọ lẹhin (10)
  [ah-boh leh-heen]
• MorningỌsan
  [oh-sahn]
• AfternoonỌjọrọ
  [oh-joh-roh]
• EveningỌsẹ
  [oh-seh]
• YesterdayAibọ
  [ah-ee-boh]
• TodayỌn
  [ohn]
• TomorrowỌla
  [oh-lah]
• 1Okan
  [oh-kahn]
• 2Meji
  [meh-jee]
• 3Mẹta
  [meh-tah]
• 4Merin
  [meh-reen]
• 5Marun
  [mah-roon]
• 6Meefa
  [meh-fah]
• 7Meje
  [meh-jeh]
• 8Mejo
  [meh-joh]
• 9Meje
  [meh-jeh]
• 10Mẹwa
  [meh-wah]

• Where's a/the...?Nibo ni ...?
  [nee-boh nee]
• What's the address?Kini adirẹsi?
  [kee-nee ah-dee-reh-see]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ṣe ọ le mu mi (ni iwe)?
  [sheh oh leh moo mee nee ee-weh]
• When's the next (bus)?Nibo lẹhin ti o n jẹkọ?
  [nee-boh leh-heen tee oh en jeh-koh]
• A ticket (to ....)Ọfẹ (si ....)
  [oh-feh see]

Benin City, the capital of Edo State in southern Nigeria, traces its origins back to the 10th century AD. It was originally known as 'Igodomigodo' and was inhabited by the Edo people. The city became the seat of the mighty Benin Empire, which was among the most advanced and developed civilizations in pre-colonial Africa.

The 15th and 16th centuries marked the golden age of the Benin Empire. Under the rule of Oba Ewuare the Great, the empire expanded its borders through military conquest and strategic alliances. During this period, Benin City became renowned for its sophisticated urban planning, impressive architecture, including the famous Benin Moats, and its thriving arts and crafts industry, particularly bronze casting.

Benin City is globally acclaimed for its extraordinary bronzes, ivories, and wood carvings. These artifacts were created using the lost-wax casting technique and depict various aspects of Benin life, including royal figures, warriors, and deities. The Benin Bronzes, in particular, are considered masterpieces of African art and are held in high regard in museums around the world.

A pivotal moment in the history of Benin City was the British Punitive Expedition of 1897. In retaliation for the ambush of a British delegation, British forces invaded and captured Benin City. They looted thousands of artifacts, including the famed Benin Bronzes, and exiled Oba Ovonramwen. This event marked the end of the Benin Empire's sovereignty and its incorporation into British colonial rule.

Following Nigeria's independence in 1960, Benin City evolved into a modern urban center while retaining its rich cultural heritage. It became the capital of the newly created Edo State in 1991. Today, Benin City is a vibrant metropolis known for its historical sites, cultural festivals such as the Igue Festival, and educational institutions like the University of Benin.

One of the most remarkable features of ancient Benin City was its extensive network of moats and walls, known as the Benin Moats. Constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries, these fortifications were designed for defense and demarcation. The walls, which once encircled the city, are considered one of the largest man-made structures in the world, rivaling the Great Wall of China in grandeur.

The Igue Festival is a significant cultural event in Benin City, celebrated annually to mark the end of the Edo year and the start of a new one. It is a time for thanksgiving, purification, and renewal. The festival features elaborate ceremonies, traditional dances, and offerings to the ancestors and deities. The Oba of Benin plays a central role in the festivities, reinforcing the cultural continuity of the Edo people.

Benin City is accessible via the Benin City Airport (BNI), which has domestic flights from major cities like Lagos and Abuja. International travelers can connect through these cities. Alternatively, you can take a bus or hire a private car from neighboring states. Roads leading to Benin City are well-maintained, making road travel a viable option.

Within Benin City, you can use taxis, buses, and motorbikes (okada) for local transportation. Taxis are relatively affordable and can be found throughout the city. Buses operate on fixed routes and are a cost-effective option, though they can be crowded. For short distances, motorbikes are convenient but make sure to negotiate the fare before the ride. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available.

The official currency is the Nigerian Naira (NGN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller establishments, markets, and transportation. ATMs are readily available in the city, but it's advisable to use those located in secure areas such as banks and shopping malls.

Benin City is generally safe for tourists, but it's crucial to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Neighborhoods like Upper Sakponba and parts of Ikpoba Hill have higher crime rates, so it's best to avoid these areas, especially after dark. Keep your valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The University of Benin Teaching Hospital offers comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are plentiful and well-stocked for minor health issues. It's also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For police assistance, you can visit the nearest police station or call their emergency number.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious or traditional sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress conservatively and be quiet and respectful. Public Transport: Do negotiate fares before boarding a taxi or motorbike. Don’t argue over fares publicly. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. It's polite to ask about someone's well-being before getting to the point. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'pounded yam' and 'egusi soup'. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings as it may be considered rude.

To experience Benin City like a local, visit local markets like Oba Market for fresh produce and handicrafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories. Don't miss the National Museum and the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin for a deep dive into the city's rich history. Try to attend a traditional festival if your visit coincides with one; they offer a unique cultural experience.