Enugu: The Coal City Gem of Nigeria

• HelloKedu
  [kay-doo]
• GoodbyeKachifo
  [ka-chi-fo]
• YesEe
  [eh]
• NoMba
  [um-bah]
• Please/You're welcomeBiko
  [bee-koh]
• Thank youDaalu
  [dah-loo]
• Excuse me/SorryKedu ka imere?
  [kay-doo kah ee-meh-reh]
• How are you?Kedu ka i mere?
  [kay-doo kah ee-meh-reh]
• Fine. And you?Olee. Ka anyi n'asu?
  [oh-lee. kah ah-nee nah-soo]
• Do you speak English?O nwere ịgbasawọle n'ingiriizi?
  [oh nweh-reh eeg-bah-sah-woh-leh nihn-gee-ree-zee]
• I don't understandA dịghị mma
  [ah dee-ghee mah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseA ga-achọrọ menu, biko
  [ah gah-ah-choh-roh meh-noo, bee-koh]
• I don't eat meatA dịghị mma mmanụ
  [ah dee-ghee mah mah-noo]
• Cheers!Ndeewo!
  [n-deh-eh-woh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseA ga-eme ka m gafee, biko
  [ah gah-eh-meh kah m gah-feh, bee-koh]

• Help!Ịmara!
  [ee-mah-rah]
• Go away!Gaa wụọ!
  [gah wah-oh]
• Call the Police!Kpịtụọ kpọ Police!
  [kpee-too-oh kpo poh-leece]
• Call a doctor!Kpịtụọ kpọ dokịta!
  [kpee-too-oh kpo doh-kee-tah]
• I'm lostA dịghị mma
  [ah dee-ghee mah]
• I'm illA dịghị mma
  [ah dee-ghee mah]

• I'd like to buy...A ga-ebi...
  [ah gah-eh-bee]
• I'm just lookingA na-aga m edemede
  [ah nah-ah-gah mah eh-deh-meh-deh]
• How much is it?Ebee ka o mere?
  [eh-beh kah oh meh-reh]
• That's too expensiveO nwere ike ọbara
  [oh nweh-reh ee-keh oh-bah-rah]
• Can you lower the price?O nwere ike ịkpịta ego?
  [oh nweh-reh ee-keh ee-kpee-tah eh-goh]

• What time is it?Kedukwara nkeji bụ?
  [kay-doo-kwah-rah nkeh-jee boo]
• It's one o'clockỌbụla bụ otu
  [oh-boo-lah boo oh-too]
• Half past (10)Nkata na nọrọ (iri)
  [n-kah-tah nah noh-roh ee-ree]
• MorningUtutu
  [oo-too-too]
• AfternoonEhihie
  [eh-hee-heh]
• EveningMgbede
  [m-gbeh-deh]
• YesterdayN'ọkwa
  [nah-oh-kwah]
• TodayTaa
  [tah]
• TomorrowỤbọchị
  [oo-boh-chee]
• 1Otu
  [oh-too]
• 2Abụọ
  [ah-boo-oh]
• 3Ato
  [ah-toh]
• 4Anọ
  [ah-noh]
• 5Ise
  [ee-seh]
• 6Isii
  [ee-see-ee]
• 7Asaa
  [ah-sah-ah]
• 8Asato
  [ah-sah-toh]
• 9Ihere
  [ee-heh-reh]
• 10Iri
  [ee-ree]

• Where's a/the...?Ebee ka...
  [eh-beh kah]
• What's the address?Kedụ aha?
  [kay-doo ah-hah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?O nwere ike ịchọrọ m (na map)?
  [oh nweh-reh ee-keh ee-choh-roh m (nah map)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kedukwara ugbu a?
  [kay-doo-kwah-rah oog-boo ah]
• A ticket (to ....)Ego (kwaa ....)
  [eh-goh kwah]

Enugu, often referred to as the Coal City, was founded in 1909 after the discovery of coal by a team led by British geologist Albert Ernest Kitson. This discovery marked the beginning of the city's development as a major coal mining town and set the stage for its future economic significance in Nigeria.

During the colonial period, Enugu became an important administrative and commercial hub for the British colonial government. The construction of the Eastern Line railway in the 1920s significantly boosted the city's growth, facilitating the transportation of coal and other goods from the region to the coast for export.

The outbreak of World War II had a profound impact on Enugu. Coal from Enugu was essential for the British war effort, leading to an increase in coal production and the expansion of mining operations. The city's infrastructure and population grew rapidly during this period due to the heightened demand for coal.

After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, Enugu continued to develop as an industrial city. The Nigerian government invested heavily in infrastructure and industry, establishing factories and other businesses that contributed to the city's economic growth. Despite the decline in coal mining, Enugu remained a vital industrial center.

Enugu played a significant role during the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, which lasted from 1967 to 1970. The city served as the initial capital of the secessionist state of Biafra. It was heavily affected by the conflict, suffering damage and hardship as a result of the war.

In the years following the civil war, Enugu experienced a cultural renaissance. The city became a center for arts and culture, with numerous cultural festivals, theaters, and art galleries. This period saw the rise of notable Nigerian artists, writers, and musicians who drew inspiration from Enugu's rich cultural heritage.

Today, Enugu is a bustling urban center known for its vibrant culture, educational institutions, and economic activities. The city has a diverse population and serves as a gateway to the southeastern region of Nigeria. Its historical sites, cultural landmarks, and modern amenities make it a popular destination for both tourists and business travelers.

Enugu is well-connected by air and road. The Akanu Ibiam International Airport serves as the main gateway for air travelers, with regular flights from major Nigerian cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, as well as some international destinations. For road travel, Enugu is accessible via the A3 highway, which connects it to other major cities in Nigeria. Long-distance buses operated by companies like ABC Transport and God is Good Motors are available from cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Onitsha.

In Enugu, transportation options include taxis, motorcycle taxis (okadas), and tricycles (keke napeps). Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt. Okadas and keke napeps are commonly used for short distances and are an affordable means of getting around. Public buses operate on fixed routes and are a cost-effective option, though they may be crowded during peak hours. Car rental services are also available for those who prefer to drive themselves.

The official currency in Nigeria is the Nigerian Naira (NGN). Credit and debit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers in Enugu. However, it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting local markets and smaller establishments. ATMs are widely available across the city, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash for your needs, as not all places accept card payments.

Enugu is relatively safe for tourists, but like any city, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. Areas like Abakpa and Coal Camp have reported higher crime rates, so exercise caution when visiting these neighborhoods. Keep your personal belongings secure and be cautious when using ATMs. It is also advisable to use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps for transportation.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Enugu has several hospitals and clinics, including the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and the National Orthopaedic Hospital. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. Remove your shoes when entering a mosque or a traditional home. Public Transport: Do be courteous and respectful to fellow passengers. Avoid loud conversations and keep your belongings close. Greetings: Do greet people politely with a handshake. It is customary to greet elders with a slight bow or by addressing them respectfully. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't eat or drink in public during fasting periods, such as Ramadan, out of respect for those observing the fast.

To experience Enugu like a local, visit the Ogbete Main Market for a variety of goods including fresh produce, traditional clothing, and handicrafts. Engage with locals, who are often warm and willing to share insights about their culture and history. Don’t miss visiting the Ngwo Pine Forest and Waterfall for a serene escape. For a taste of local cuisine, try dishes like abacha (African salad) and okpa (Bambara nut pudding).