Azumini is an ancient junction community of Ndoki,
located on the south-south eastern corner of Abia state, about 15 miles south
of Aba, a major trading center. And also bounded to the North by a village
known as Akanu, on the west by the village of Umuogo which is across the
Azumini blue river and on the South and East by the Annangs. The Annangs are
positioned east of the Aba-Azumini River which empties itself into the Imo
River after a village called Akpala. The river has astonishing diversity of
historical or significant sites. These sites would certainly fascinate a
tourist to this ancient African settlement. The historical and significant of
the sites are, however, not the only items that might intrigue the tourist to
Azumini; some of Azumini’s rare wild lives are also fascinating and
entertaining. This beautiful river, which has become one of the major tourist
attractions in the country, flows from the southern part of Abia state to the
fringes of Akwa-Ibom state. It is called “The Blue River” because no other
river in Nigeria is as clear and blue as it is. Aesthetically pleasing, and
surrounded by beauty and nature, lush greens and cool water, the blue river
also shows a more wild and dangerous side, especially where it reaches the
majestic rapids. At the rapids is the breathtaking scenery that is part of its
center of attraction. Azumini Blue River offers tourists the greatest
opportunity to explore Nigeria’s natural settings in a more urbanized way.
The water is so crystal clear that one can see and try
counting all the fish clearly seen swimming around. The waters are in fact so
clear you can see the fish from the bridge. The river color appears as
sparkling blue aqua marine (like the beautiful Caribbean sea of the Bahamas).
One could see all the way to the white sandy bottom of the river several feet
deep, even under moonlight. The river is most beautiful especially when the
bright sunlight glistens on this river, it is pure immaculate. One can also see
the very bright colourful stones and of its bed from the surface. The stones
are so clear and clean that the Aba Glass industry uses them as raw materials
for their products. Along with the crystal blue waters come’s canoe rides and
comfortable sandy beaches where you can choose to lie for hours on end. There
are chairs and tables for picnickers as well as barbecue grills ready for the
preparation of tasty fish meals.
At the beach, tourists are thrilled by birds
doing acrobatic swoop into the river to get their meals. Also young locals are
seen doing amazing acrobatic dives into the river to add to the fun. Some
Archeologists who have studied the area have determined that it is 15 m above
sea level. Although flat, nature has ensured that the river is kept well
drained. The river valleys are steep with 1 in 20 gradients. It has three major
stretches: they are Mini Obuaku, Mini Ogigo and Aba to Samanga. It is held that
the blue river was one of the major reasons, or perhaps the major reason, why
Azumini ancestors settled in the present location after they left their
original home in central/eastern Ijo (Ijaw) as captured in history. 
The blue
river’s significance as a tourist attraction can hardly be overemphasized. Its
tourist value is recognized, and promoted by Nigeria’s tourism industry as one
of the 70 tourist sites in Nigeria.
Also, Abia state has listed the river
among the first two of its state tourist sites. Already it has gained serious
international recognition. World fish Center-Fish base Project located in
Philippines has used this river for its research with some noted successes.
Also an International Primates Conservation group made a very telling discovery
of a once considered extinct primate called C. Sclateria primate on the banks
of this river. The river has remained as virgin as it was when the forebears
came upon it. Azumini Blue River is surely a place you will visit and not
forget.
