NewStats: 3,259,500 , 8,170,343 topics. Date: Sunday, 25 May 2025 at 11:10 AM 5f5s

The Mysterious Source of River Ethiope, Delta State


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_lIDJG-6jM?si=p-maHWZsXoqZ2rOL

The source of River Ethiope is located at Umuaja, a small town in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.

What makes River Ethiope particularly fascinating is that it mysteriously springs from the root of a giant silk-cotton tree (Ceiba pentandra). From this small bubbling spring, it becomes one of the deepest inland rivers in Africa, flowing over 70 kilometers through several towns including Obiaruku, Abraka, and Sapele, before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s a culturally and spiritually significant river, considered sacred by many locals, and is also known for its clean, clear waters and lush surrounding vegetation.

As of now, River Ethiope is not designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also not listed on Nigeria’s official UNESCO Tentative List, which outlines sites under consideration for future nomination.

However, there have been ongoing efforts to protect and recognize the river's ecological and cultural significance. The River Ethiope Trust Foundation (RETFON), established in 1992, has been actively working to safeguard the river's ecosystem and promote its cultural heritage. In collaboration with the Earth Law Center, initiatives have been launched to grant the river legal rights, aiming to set a precedent for environmental protection in Africa.

Here are notable tourist sites along River Ethiope in Delta State, Nigeria, each offering unique cultural, spiritual, or recreational experiences:

1. Source of River Ethiope – Umuaja

Location: Ukwuani LGA
Highlights: Crystal-clear spring from the root of a sacred silk-cotton tree. Believed to be spiritual by locals. Beautiful, serene surroundings.

2. River Ethiope Resort – Abraka

Location: Abraka, Ethiope East LGA
Highlights: Popular for swimming, kayaking, boat rides, and picnics. The clear blue water and natural ambiance make it a perfect relaxation spot.

3. McCarthy Beach – Abraka

Location: Near River Ethiope in Abraka
Highlights: Sandy riverbank, beach-like atmosphere with water sports and social events. A favorite for students and tourists.

4. Sapele Waterfront

Location: Sapele, Ethiope West LGA
Highlights: Where River Ethiope merges with other rivers. Offers canoe rides, fishing experiences, and riverside markets.

5. Umutu/Obiaruku River Banks

Location: Ndokwa West LGA
Highlights: Peaceful riverside environment with lush vegetation, ideal for picnics, nature walks, and photography.

6. Agbon Kingdom River Banks (Okpara Waterside)

Location: Near Abraka
Highlights: Quiet cultural setting with traditional practices related to the river. Often used for festivals and local gatherings.

Would you like help writing a short travel piece or content about visiting the source of River Ethiope?

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/river-ethiope-wonders-river-sprang-cotton-tree/

It's only mysterious because nobody has taken the time & pains to study & investigate it's source.

No be this one be my problems now.
I tell a lady I'm single she said it a lie, come dey swear am, what I didn't understand is does she know me myself

Glory. I am a proud Deltan.
There is a contradiction in the video and in the write up about the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Wonderful

Nice

GanagiBitrus:

Wonders of nature

One thing about river is they always have many sources.

If you check, there must be many streams that source it along as it flows to each community. That's why the so called source is just small stream while along other communities it expands as big river.

You can't actually say that's the source of the river because it has aligned with bigger streams to form a River.

They should stop spreading fake info

Abraka River resort still dey work?

That's bullshit..Ethiope river is one of the many networks of the Niger River Delta...Which one is cotton wool tree?

Educative...


Sharpaly someone built a shrine near the tree to tap spiritual sauce...

Abraka Beach in those days was a hell lot of fun ⛱️🏖️🏖️🏖️⛱️

Who else read River Ethiopia at first glance? 🥲

By the way, this land is beautiful, it could off as Nigeria's Maldives.

My people worshiping rubbish everywhere everyday..

Nothing special about the river jare

Some Africans and st upidity.
Some people will still believe this crap!
How can any person with 5,not even the 6 common senses believe a River originated from a cotton tree!!

River Ethiope, it featured very well in our Geography classes and waec questions back then 😀

Any small thing, They have turned it into a religion.

Senseless lots. See the idiot asking if anyone not from Delta State can enter the water. Attaching spirituality to everything yet cannot develop their continent from the so-called spirituality.

This is a "potential" World Heritage Site for goodness sake. Look at the beauty of that iroko. This site should be a top tourist destination but when you have a stupid government and stupid citizens, what is left of the site is what you get.

WhizdomXX:
Glory. I am a proud Deltan.

Sabi boy.

The white sand looks beautiful

What is mysterious about an underground spring? Before you know it some will swear it can cure cancer.

The coverage is enriching

Nothing mysterious in the river they should go and sit down

GanagiBitrus:
It's only mysterious because nobody has taken the time & pains to study & investigate it's source.

U no just fit read

seborrhic:
Some Africans and st upidity.
Some people will still believe this crap!
How can any person with 5,not even the 6 common senses believe a River originated from a cotton tree!!

Probably the roots of the tree are located over an opening leading to a massive underground aquifer. Not hard to believe and not the first place globally with such a thing. Hope you know that the earth holds massive underground water aquifers on all continents filled with fresh water far exceeding that found on the surface?

Mariangeles:
Who else read River Ethiopia at first glance? 🥲

By the way, this land is beautiful, it could off as Nigerian Maldives.

That was my initial though, until I saw your comment.

God gave us so many things especially in Nigeria but we threw them off and focus on unecessary things.