The Ariaria international market

Ariaria market is the largest and biggest open market in West Africa seconded by Onitsha market. Ariairia market is located in the heart of Aba town, Abia state, Nigeria.
 

Ariaria market is known for its rich textiles, first grade materials of all sort, jeweleries , food stuffs, drugs, native sculptures and art, home appliances , gadget,  electronics, and most importantly Ariaria market is known all over Nigeria and West Africa for its shoe making.

I also heard its one of the highest generating internal revenue for the Government in Abia state, Nigeria.

I went to Ariaria market to see for myself, the creativity being bragged by its natives, and trust me I was so amazed by what I saw.

The shoes were mostly handmade with gums and “most times machines” which are rarely used. U should see the way the shoes were being made with ease.

 Shoes of all types, sizes, gender and for any occasion are being made in Ariaria market. And it attracts buyers within Nigeria and outside Nigeria.

I was so opportune to get one specially made for me in less than 15 minutes, Yea! I know your surprised but trust me; it was so fast and very cheap!!! , a pair of shoe in Ariaria Market cost 1500 Naira if not  less (below $10). I bought lots of shoes as souvenirs’ to give my friends back home.

But one bad thing about the Ariaria market is the road, yes!! The roads, if it rains in Ariaria market, trust me is a no go area, the grounds are muddy and most times flooded, I suggest the Abia state government should consider that in there next budget.

After a hectic day in Ariaria market i decided to help myself with the popular native Ariaria meal of Egusi-soup and Eba (garri as its popularly know), trust me it was worth the stress, I hope to visit Ariaria market next time, i had a nice experience and the hospitality of her people was very welcoming.

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STREET SKATING IN NIGERIA

My last day in the Garden city, Port-Harcourt, River State, Nigeria. I was heading home after a long conversation with some natives, when is saw two young lads skating in the street, I wasn’t surprised they were skating but how well they were skating, I was so interested in this young skaters that I asked the taxi man to stop!!!, I needed to meet this lads.

Emmanuel chinwe popularly known by his mates as “TERRY G”  skates every morning, most times skipping school, '' I want to be a professional skater” Emanuel says. I saw kids skate on the television and I want to be like them. I saved money for a year and bought my skating helmet and skating shoe, right now I skate for fun, and I hope to be a professional someday with my best friend Emmanuel jessaya (popularly known as Blaze). My best friend blaze loves skating , motivates me, and we both try out new tricks, I hope to represent my country one day and make her proud.

I was in love with this kids, their love for skating and , their determination. I left them to skate while I went back to my cab.

I really had a nice chat with these lads and hope to see them on the big screen representing their country one day.

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MY OIL MILL MARKET EXPERIENCE...

I was keen on visiting the oil mill market in port-harcourt city,  I really heard a lot about oil mill market even in history books. Knowing fully well that I am not the type of person who would just hear about something and leave it unexplored, I decided to check it out for myself! and this was my experience in oil mill market port-harcourt.

The first thing you must know about this unique market is that it is a very big and busy market... I know when I said that you must have thought "oh well all markets are busy" but I can assure you that this one is different. Its so busy because the goods that are sold are straight from the farm. The fresh and relatively affordable goods attract people in large numbers, the market opens only on Wednesdays so people rush to buy and sell supplies the traffic jam that this market causes, affects the road that connects Aba! to Rivers state. 'Eleme' road in particular stays blocked after the market closes. A certain market woman told me that the road stays blocked till mid night!                                                                        Crazy right?
Honestly the market is big! I walked and walked in the market
pricing things and generally getting into the 'higgle haggle' spirit.
The sun was burning hot but I had no choice than to bear it  because the market was very congested.

 I was fascinated by the size and beautiful red color of the freshly harvested tomatoes and peppers it was all so exciting!

Muddy Feet!!! A market trademark.

Although the ground was really murky and I wish I had worn something more rugged instead of my leather sandals, it was all part of the learning process when my feet got soiled in the mud and I resolved never to wear leather sandals to the market again! (haahahah)

After a long and exhausting day of touring the oil mill market, i decided to treat myself to one of port- harcourt's famous and well enjoyed street food.
An awesome meal of roasted plantain and yam with fish or groundnuts known as ''bolle''.I washed it down with a cold drink!
It was indeed an awesome day...


follow me on twitter @Princebob_ineh