Saminaka, in RL and SL

A notecard that I received on June 1, 2008 as an introduction to the region of Saminaka stated:
“Sannu da Zuwa! Welcome to Saminaka--a little slice of West Africa with a Nigerian Middle Belt flavor! We're just getting started, but we will supplement its beauty with Nigerian architecture from various regions that will be shops. Plenty of relaxing activities will remain--well, even more than now! You are always welcome to come and bring your friends, ride the ostrich, avoid the jellyfish, enjoy Guarara Falls at midnight! There will be Nigerian music video events, too! If you're interested in joining the group to be kept apprised of progress, wander into the office (the only building so far--temporary!) and click the sign to join. We're happy you're here! best at sunset.....”

In the search (although the TP coordinates provided there leave you under water), the region is further described: “Think Middle Belt of Nigeria--Jos region! Beautiful Guarara Falls, rock formations, wildlife. Enjoy the free aeroputter and see the entire island of Saminaka from the sky! Get a haircut under the tree, find the chamaeleon!” Saminaka is the original name for a RL region of Nigeria that is today referred to as Lapai, Niger; in SL, its 51088 square meters are still sparsely trafficked. On the continent, the region is served by the Abuja International Airport named for Nnamdi Azikiwe, and in SL, the landing point for the telehub takes you to the village of Ikorodu. There you will find a lovely and welcoming town center being developed by Tamzin Barzane, who has a number of stores offering Afrocentric modern and traditional clothing, jewelry, and art, including masks, statues, woven rugs and hangings based on actual textiles from the Continent, baskets, pottery and other furnishings, housed in authentic-looking clay-walled, tin-roof buildings. After you are done shopping, or just need to take a break from it to catch your breath, you can settle yourself in the square and play a fast-moving game of Mancala, or stroll over to Tarkwa Bay, where you can dance under the palm trees and in the sand to the originator of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti, and those he inspired. The rezzable Aero-putter makes it easy to fly over from Ikorodu Market to Nupekwo Quarter, a residential compound that includes Katamba Gallery and Cultural Center (and a large ant hill—Tamzin, how do I call the anteater to come out!?). You can sit outside with the residents to cook and eat, or get your hair braided, and enjoy the music there. I can't wait to see what else Tamzin Barzane has planned for the region. It looks like it will be a wonderful opportunity to increase awareness and appreciation for Nigeria in SL and in RL, as hopefully more residents will invest some time and skills in creating and sustaining cultural spaces in SL.