This is a view of the Ethiope River as seen in Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria.
The Ethiope river is said to be the deepest inland waterway in Africa. With a very unlikely source for a river, this river derives it's source from the foot of a giant silk Cotton tree located in a community called Umuaja in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.
A picture they say is worth a thousand words... The bottom of this River can be seen very clearly from the bank of the River. This usually gives visitors a false impression of a shallow River.
From it's source, the river flows out of two points from underneath the giant silk Cotton tree, and another two points from around the tree. From here, it flows through Obiaruku to Abraka, and by the time it courses through Sapele, it has become Cavernous enough to harbour Ocean going vessels.
Home to a great biodiversity of plants and animals, the River is a major source of drinking water for communities along it's bank. It's also a major source of food and irrigation.
But human activities are beginning to harm the biodiversity of this river. Oil spill from the activities of oil companies around the shores of this River is the most implicated contaminant.
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A trip to hotels around the river's bank in Abraka is worth your every dime. Whether for swimming or for a boat ride, it's a once in a life time opportunity.
Unique in it's clarity and calmness, this river has deep spiritual inclinations. It is worshipped by some communities along it's bank. In return, the river never drowns the indigenes of these communities. The same cannot be said for strangers however, who for the calmness and clarity of the river cannot resist a dive in, which sometimes end in peril.
The Ethiope River is a wonder to behold, so next time you visit Nigeria, take time out to see this River.
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