Agulu Lake: A Place Where Culture, Religion And Mystery Meet Tourism
BY SYLVESTER ASOYA
AGULU, a town in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, is closely associated with two distinguished Nigerian figures: Mr. Peter Obi, Labour Party presidential candidate in the last general election, and the late Professor Dora Akunyili, renowned public servant, scholar and former Director-General of NAFDAC. However, beyond its notable personalities, Agulu is also home to an iconic lake, shrouded in mystery and rich in cultural, religious and touristic significance.
But Agulu Lake is more than just a confluence of culture, mystery and hospitality. It is also a place of quiet splendour where myths dance with nature in a timeless elegance. Without doubt, this lake is a breathtaking harmony of colours, activities, quiet sounds and serenity that offers a perfect escape from the chaos of everyday life.
The tour of the lake begins at the Chief Priest’s shrine, where tradition and mystery set the tone for the journey ahead of every visitor. Here, at the Chief Priest’s outer shrine, it is easy to notice a range of earthenware, each piece telling a silent story of the lake. There are also carved images representing past eras, a large and restless white Rottweiler dog in chains, and antique wooden works of animals and reptiles like crocodiles, surround the entrance to the temple of Agulu Lake. All of these are arranged in a deliberate traditional setting, accentuated by a serenity that confounds. This is in addition to a true calmness from the shoreline that becomes a study in mystery for any first-time visitor to Agulu Lake.
No one visits Agulu Lake without first encountering Dr. Ngozi Obi, the Chief Priest. Always resplendent in his immaculate white garments, Obi is a dignified figure who serves, not only as the guardian of the sacred waters but also as the revered spiritual head of the lake.
This Chief Priest’s young age, exposure and deep understanding of his people’s history and culture are essential ingredients for fully appreciating, understanding and enjoying one’s stay at Agulu Lake. So, when Obi speaks as the custodian of the lake, it is easy to feel the weight of his authority and the depth of his essence.
This authority is evident in Obi’s speech that resonates always with confidence, wisdom and a deep connection to the lake’s sacred heritage. “Agulu Lake is a river with blessing. People visit here for tourism, history, peace and many other things. But visitor numbers peak on Eke and Afor market days. As a matter of fact, we share ownership of this great lake with our neighbour, Agu Ukwu Nri. For your information, Agulu Lake appeared in the form of a human being, known as Ezu Agulu. It is worth nothing that before the lake settled here, it had visited and lived in different parts of Igboland but only settled here because it found peace among us. This lake, by virtue of its importance, holds a preeminent position among Idemili deities.”
Among the people of the community, especially the devotees, there are mystical beliefs that have been passed down through generations. Even though some of these legendary tales may be mythical, others are supported by evidence, like the one about commanding reptiles to come ashore. However, all supernatural stories, whether real or imagined, draw deeply from the purity, sincerity, love, and honesty of every participant, including the Chief Priest.
Obi often waxes philosophical, revealing the depth of his connection to the lake and the wisdom drawn from its sacred presence.
“I speak with the lake. I also have a strong spiritual connection with the lake as its Chief Priest. For instance, if I have an issue, all I need do is to consult our ancestors through the lake, and they will answer. Agulu Lake is a woman, and being feminine means that her compassion is limitless. We receive both financial and material support from the lake. I stand to be corrected, but there is no river that attracts visitors and worshippers in Igboland more than Agulu Lake. This lake, I must emphasize, is not only a natural wonder but also a vital part of our cultural and spiritual heritage. It is connected with nearly all the Idemili towns from Ogidi, Umuoji, Oba, Nnobi, Obosi and Ojoto to Uke, Alor, Abatete and Orukwu. They all get their source from Agulu Lake.”
This unusual Chief Priest, who succeeded his father, Dr. Raph Ndidi Obi, a devoted traditionalist known for his cultural activities, is always eager to showcase the Agulu Lake Temple. This temple is remarkable because it represents a blend of faith, where traditional beliefs and Christian symbols coexist in harmony. Here, sculptures of Abraham and Isaac, Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and several Christian saints, including animals, are displayed.
However, one of the most significant developments arising from Agulu Lake is the Agulu Lake Resort and Conference Centre, which offers a wide range of hospitality services for visitors.
Mercy Okonkwo, the Human Resource Manager provides insight into why the Agulu Lake Resort and Conference Centre is important to the lake’s overall significance. “Our facility is the top attraction to this lake by virtue of our name. The lake has been here for ages with offerings that naturally attract visitors from far and near. However, as a resort, our presence adds vibrancy to the lake, making life more interesting for visitors who come for tourism or any other reason.”
Clearly, Agulu Lake is underutilized, and this reality highlights the broader challenge of the gross underutilization of tourist sites, and how little is being done to fully harness Nigeria’s vast tourism potential. But this under exploitation is not exclusive to Agulu Lake; many promising tourism sites face similar challenges for reasons that are easy to identify.
But Chief Osita Anadi, a culture activist and traditionalist who says he is dedicated to the preservation of the cultures of Igbo people, is positive about the future of tourism in Nigeria. Anadi, an indigene of Nri, a neighbouring community, remains optimistic that Agulu Lake will one day live up to its big name through the development of proper tourism infrastructure. “Though I am not entirely pleased with the current state of Agulu Lake, I am still keeping hope alive, knowing that tourism is a lucrative sector worldwide. The sad part for me is that those in authority are not leveraging tourism and everything in-between. As we all know, government can actually generate huge revenue, create jobs, bring about opportunities for citizens, stabilize the economy and improve the well-being of many through tourism. But I believe those who should know are not looking inwards enough because they see other alternatives in the oil and gas sector. That is why there are no modern boats to ferry people from Agu Ukwu Nri, and why more hotels and resorts are also not springing up around the lake.”
Like many people across Nigeria who believe that more attention should be paid to tourism, Anadi shares the same conviction. He confesses that his optimism is anchored in the belief that, with time and the emergence of leaders who understand the real issues surrounding tourism, positive change will naturally come.
But the big question remains: when will this long-anticipated change and shift in policy come in the tourism and allied sectors in Nigeria?
