It has always been said that Ibadan is the City of Brown Roofs, but seeing it for yourself will be equal to believing. From the heights of Bower Tower this popular saying takes on a life of its own and now you see it and experience the rich layout of the city. Located in the Outskirts of Ibadan, is the tallest peak in the State. An historical landmark that still stands strong till today; it is definitely a must-visit for anyone within the vicinities of Ibadan. The 60-foot tower was built in 1932 in honour of Captain Robert Lister-the first British resident in Nigeria. He was appointed by Queen Elizabeth to intervene in the wars between the warring Yoruba kingdoms. It comfortably sits on the highest of the seven hills of Ibadan- ‘Oke Are’ Hill and offers a panoramic view of the city’s landscape.
If you intend on making it a car trip, from ABH, it will only take twenty-five minutes to get there. In getting there safely without having too many detours, I will suggest depending on the locals for direction and not relying on Google map alone. On arrival you will be required to pay an entrance fee. The entrance fee prices range from #500 to #1,000 (you are more likely to have a discount going as a group than going solo). After paying, you are then free to begin your experience. Usually a caretaker should be available to aid and act as a tour guide, but this is not always the case.
The tower does not really strike as tall until you begin the climb, but before you do that, you will notice several huts around. Each hut is bounded by rounded concrete walls covered with thatched roofing; there are also several large trees sprawled across the entire landscape. Now enough looking around and back to the centre of attraction- Bower Tower- which lies right at the heart of the area.
From without, the tower has a box-like interruption- the viewing deck- and ends with a lookout. It has a square base with two doors-one for entry the other as exit. Six terracota tiled steps lead you to a yellow door that leads the way into and up the tower. At this juncture, if you wore a lengthy flowing dress as a female, then you have definitely set yourself up for difficulty as the climb up those tiny stairs has a difficulty-level ‘difficult’. Also, if you happen to be highly claustrophobic, then get ready to endure the next seven to ten minutes of the poorly lit cramped space or abort mission entirely. But, there is light at the end of tunnel- like climb.
The way up the tower is made up of concrete slabs that spiral all the way to the top painted with the same cream colour as the inner walls. The tower is fondly referred to as ‘Oke Layipo’ by the locals because of these spiral stairs. If you are not such a graceful climber you might find yourself losing ‘steeze’ and composure as you cling for dear life to each slab while keeping your body tightly pinned against the wall for extra support.
Once you successfully emerge at the viewing deck, this is can be your cue to take a break. Or choose to climb all the way to the top where the lookout is if you are up to it. From wherever you choose, you can sufficiently explore the breath-taking layout of the city-the view from the lookout is even better. Now with your own eyes you can truly appreciate the City of Brown Roofs as you see the numerous houses huddled together-with no particular order-having that signature brown roofing.
On making it to the lookout, it is right here you experience serenity as you hear the faint hustle and bustle of the city and feel gentle breezes brush past your face. It gets even more fun when you are with a friend and together you make attempts at locating different areas within the city. This is why it is best to go when the skies are clear. On such day, you can see clearly the Liberty Stadium on one side, the University of Ibadan Clock Tower on the other side; Cocoa House as well as the University College Hospital (UCH). And you can have as much pleasure as you wish locating as many landmarks as you possibly can. For pictures taking, the viewing deck is better as it is far more spacious than the lookout especially if you go as a group. Feel free to take as many pictures as possible only ensure to safeguard your device from falling off the tower.
The descent down the stairs is almost as challenging as the ascent, but more rewarding. And hopefully you have garnered more confidence to make this one more graceful than the first. Before you are quick to exit the compound, feel free to explore its perimeters. As aforementioned, there are huts that have been strategically arranged around the tower for relaxation and have platforms for sitting. So do not be in a hurry to move out of the experience as this might be the only time in your day where you choose to intentionally slow down and take in the beauty of nature around you while you breathe in the calming atmosphere and breathe out your apprehensions.
Despite the air of grace and simplicity the tower wears; it is quite disappointing to see the not-too-kept state of its surroundings as well as the deplorable state of the road leading to it. It is one amongst the many evidences that both current and past governments are yet to give our tourist sites the needed attention and funding they deserve. However, with much needed improvements and better management, the Bower Tower stands as a one-of-a-kind tourist site that would be cherished by all who go visiting.
The Bower Tower may not be as fancy as the Eiffel tower, famous as the Big Ben (London’s Great Bell) or unconventional as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, yet this iconic tower which has been in existence for more than a century embodies a rich history of the City of Ibadan. Most locals believe that having the Bower Tower experience is equivalent to experiencing Ibadan in all of its fullness. What then are you waiting for?
Whenever you find someone who is unconvinced that Ibadan is the City of Brown Roofs, save your many explanations and simply invite such person to have a taste of the Bower Tower experience; that will do the much needed talking for you. But how can you sufficiently do this if you have not been there yourself?
