Things to See and Do When Attending the ASLM2018 Conference

Boluwatife Aina,

International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE)

Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN)

Abuja, regarded as Africa’s fastest growing city, is the administrative and political hub of Nigeria. It is renowned for hosting high profile conferences like the 2003 Commonwealth Heads of Government and the 2014 World Economic Forum. This breath-taking city, according to Africa.com, which also headquarters the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other major organizations, is fast becoming a tourism hotspot. It’s no wonder then why the African Society of Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) has chosen this magnificent location to host its international 2018 conference, which will focus on innovative approaches in combatting global health threats. Recently, Abuja has seen a population boom due to mushrooming satellite towns, and with it an increase of expatriates. Nigerians are known for their welcoming nature, and there are various services that cater to visitors.

If you are here for the ASLM conference, make sure you don’t miss out on these remarkable attractions:

1) Zuma Rock

A major symbol of Abuja’s landscape is this monolith with a human face. It is 3.1 kilometres in circumference and roughly 725 metres high. It has quite a history and was named “Zumwa” by the people of Zuba town, which means “place of catching guinea-fowls”. Zuma was derived from there.

Pic Credit: Republic of Nigeria

2) National Aboretum Abuja

The arboretum was established as a crucial part of conserving genetic resources for educational, medicinal, research and other scientific purposes. It maintains a forest and other plant life in their natural environment, and visitors can relax and meditate in these surroundings

Pic credit: Connect Nigeria

3) Millennium Park

In the midst of all the buildings lies Abuja’s largest park, Millennium Park, which is divided by a river. On one side of the river is pure nature, while the other side resembles an Italian-styled garden layout, surrounded by a number of fountains.

Pic Credit: Come to Nigeria

4) Gurara falls

This stunning waterfall is located in Suleja, near Abuja. Surrounded by ponds, flowers and trees, the falls has picturesque views of unique rock formations, and is perfect for picnics or simply having alone time. You definitely need to see it

Pic Credit: Republic of Nigeria

5) Yar’Adua Library

If you are a bookworm, then this is the place for you. The Yar’Adua Library is located in the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre and was built in honour of former President Shehu Yar’Adua. The centre accommodates a museum and an extensive library, while reflecting a gorgeous atrium (plenty of natural light!).

Pic Credit: Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation

6) BMT Garden

Near the Swiss Embassy lies a narrow road leading to the BMT Africa Garden Library. You walk into a gem of a garden with lovely fountains, a mini zoo, lots of green areas, lounges and chill spots. Even more fascinating is the collection of photographs and artefacts of Nigeria’s history that it exhibits.

Pic Credit: Oroma Roxella Rukevwe

7) IBB Golf Course

If you’re someone who loves getting up at the break of dawn to tee off at the golf course, then this will be heaven for you. The course offers an 18-hole course (long front 9 and challenging back 9) with a chilled-out ambience. IBB is also renowned for their delicious meals and picture-perfect terrace. The course also provides two tennis courts, great caddies and golf pros.

Pic Credit: IBB Golf Course

8) The Dome

This is one of Abuja’s premium entertainment centres (on Airport Road). It is a state of the art recreation facility with a bowling alley, serene garden, nightclub, fitness centre, banquet hall, restaurant, VIP lounge, and cigar room.

Pic Credit: The Dome

9) Aso Rock

This is one of Abuja’s most noticeable features and has several caves. It is a 400-metre (1,300 ft) granitic monolith, roughly 936 metres above sea level. Overlooking the National Assembly, Aso Rock has become known as a symbol of power and strength.

Pic Credit: Abuja Information Centre

 

For more information on things to do and see in Abuja, kindly visit:

https://hotels.ng/guides/activities/25-interesting-things-abuja/

https://www.thebookbanque.com/literary/wheretoread/abuja-twangafrica

http://thenordicvilla.com/where-to-eat-in-abuja/

For the latest information on the ASLM2018 conference, kindly visit:

http://aslm2018.org/

 

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