Happy TravellerWelcome to Okene, a town located in the Nigerian state of Kogi. This hidden gem is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors but boasts a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people. Join us as we explore the many treasures of Okene and discover why this charming destination should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Okene runs along the A2 highway and covers an area of 328 km². The local government area shares the same name with the town, and it had a population of 320,260 at the 2006 census. The predominant people are the Ebira of central Nigeria, and the local language is Ebira. The postal code of the area is 264.
Okene has produced several prominent Nigerians, including Engineer Joseph Makoju, the former managing director of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, and Governor Yahaya Bello.
For those interested in education, the Federal College of Education and a satellite campus of the Kogi State Polythecnic are situated in Okene. There are also several notable schools in the area, including Abdulaziz Atta Memorial College Okene (AAMCO), Local Government Secondary School Ohiana (LGSS), and College of Arabic and Islamic Studies Okene (CAISO).
The history of Okene dates back to its creation as a Local Government Area in 1976. The people of Okene Local Government Area are part of Ebira Tao people of the Central Senatorial District of Kogi State. They are believed to have migrated from Jukun in the present-day Taraba State and had a brief stopover in Idah before moving to its present location. There are 11 wards in the Local Government, and the people are predominantly Muslims with a large Christian population too.
Okene is known as one of the most beautiful places in the whole of West Africa. Visitors can explore attractions like the Azad Palace, which belongs to the Ohinoyi (King) of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim Atta. The palace is a cultural and historical masterpiece, reflecting the unique architecture and rich cultural heritage of the Ebira people. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful landscapes and scenery of Okene and experience the warm hospitality of the locals.
In terms of climate, Okene has a tropical savanna climate with a wet season from April to October and a dry season from November to March. The best time to visit Okene is between November and February when the weather is cooler and drier.
Come and experience the beauty and culture of Okene, Nigeria. Book your stay today at Hotel.ng/places and start your adventure in this hidden gem of West Africa.
