CHECKING IN: Nike Guest house, Osogbo

For many that venture into states other than Lagos and Abuja, we can be skeptical of the availability of good facilities such as hotels. I recently visited Osogbo, a town in Osun state and whilst I was there, I stayed at Nike Guest House. Nike Guest House is a product from Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Nigeria’s internationally known and renowned female designer and artist. Below are visuals from my stay. Read to the end to see my honest thoughts on my stay.

THE BUILDING

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A view of Nike Guest House located on Nike Art Gallery Avenue

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Dancers from Nike’s Art & Culture performing in front of the main building at the guest house

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Sitting pretty in front of the house

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A view of the 2nd building at Nike Guest House

THE INTERIOR

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Communal living room in the centre of the main building (similar to moroccan riad style homes)

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Another communal living room at the guest house

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My room at the guest house. There were many other room options (none alike)

THE FOOD

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Dinner couldn’t be faulted. It was a buffet with so many delicious options (The chef did well :))

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Breakfast with my tour group was equally great (both continental and african options). We all were stuffed! (my plate is not a true reflection of the options available.

THE GARDEN
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Part of the beautiful garden at the guesthouse

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A stunning view of the garden from the main building during breakfast, wouldn’t you agree?

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The resident tortoise in the garden.

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What I loved: The food, the evening entertainment and the beautiful garden (not to mention the amazing staff that were very helpful).

What I didn’t like: Well the room I took didn’t have a solid partition between the room and the bathroom. I didn’t mind but I guess its non-conventional.

Would I go back: If I visit Osogbo again, I will certainly visit. I would also recommend it to family and friends

Hope you enjoyed the write-up on Nike Guest House. 

A GUIDE TO VISITING OSOGBO, OSUN STATE || STAYCATION

I went on a weekend trip to Osogbo. Osogbo is a city in Osun state located about 225km NE of Lagos state. Osogbo also turns out to be my birth town. I have never stepped in Osogbo since birth and as such this trip had more significance to me than others. I was stunned by how much heritage Osogbo had and wanted to share that with you all with the hope that one day, you will visit too.

DAY 1: DRIVE TO OSOGBO (WITH A SHORT BREAK AT IBADAN) – VISIT LOCAL BLACK SOAP/PALM OIL/CASSAVA PROCESSING FACTORY – VISIT AN OBA’S (A KINGS) PALACE

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After receiving a black making soap process tour from this amazing woman, we bantered together in my local dialect “Yoruba”.

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Watching the palm oil processing process

 

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At the cassava-processing (a.k.a garri making) plant.

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We had the pleasure to attend the 10th anniversary of the Oba of Ido Osun  at his palace and his appointing of a Chieftaincy.

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Post the chieftaincy ceremony

DAY 2: VISIT UNESCO HERITAGE SITE “OSUN GROOVES” – VISIT SUSANNE WENGER’S HOUSE – NIKE’S ART GALLERY

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The visitor centre at the UNESCO Heritage site “Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove”

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A meeting place at Osun Grove

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Standing by one of the amazing sculptures by Susanne Wenger and other artists mentored by her. Stay tuned for my full write up on this beautiful heritage site (VLOG of my trip also coming up soon)


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At the home of Susan Wenger, An austrian artist and a priestess.

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Some of the art collection by Susanne Wenger and artists she mentored at her home.

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Nike Art Gallery, Osogbo

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A visit to Nike’s Art Gallery in Osogbo. Chief Nike is one of Nigerias internationally known and renowned female designers and artist.

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More art at Nike’s Art Gallery

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Fashion at Nike’s art gallery

WHERE I STAYED: NIKE’S GUEST HOUSE

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See here for my full review of my stay at Nike’s guest house

What did I like: Unearthing gems in Osogbo. The tour of the UNESCO site by a very knowledgeable tour guide was enlightening. My stay at Nike’s guest house was also memorable. The guest house’s garden (home to a tortoise) was nothing short of stunning. The visit to the Oba’s house was memorable as we were serenading with musicians and dancers.

What didn’t I like: I wish the local processing plants (i.e. for soap, palm oil) were more formally organised in a co-op for the benefit of those these.

What would I change: Nothing, absolutely nothing

What did you think about my write-up? Hope you enjoyed it. And if you have suggestions of what you would like for me to write on, let me know x