Aso Rock is a large outcrop of granitic rock located on the outskirts of Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. The Aso Rock is a 400-metre (1,300 ft) prominent monolith with a peak height of 936-metre (3,071 ft) above sea level.[1][2] It is one of the city's most noticeable features. The Nigerian Presidential Complex, Nigerian National Assembly, and Nigerian Supreme Court are located around it. Much of the city extends to the south of the rock. "Aso" means victorious in the native language of the Asokoro ("the people of victory") ethnic group.

Aso Rock
Highest point
Elevation936 m (3,071 ft)
Coordinates9°5′0″N 7°32′10″E / 9.08333°N 7.53611°E / 9.08333; 7.53611
Geography
Aso Rock is located in Nigeria
Aso Rock
Aso Rock
Location of Aso Rock in Nigeria (in Abuja)
Location Nigeria

Aso Rock was the site of the 2003 Aso Rock Declaration, issued by the Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Nations during the CHOGM held in Abuja. It reaffirmed the Commonwealth's principles as detailed under the Harare Declaration but set the "promotion of democracy and development" as the organisation's priorities.[3]

History

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The then President of Nigeria Ibrahim Babaginda administration founded Aso Villa in 1991, the same year that Nigeria's capital was transferred from Lagos to Abuja, and it is situated on the outskirts of Abuja, Nigeria's capital.

Aso Rock Villa Buildings

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The Aso Rock Villa is surrounded by the Nigerian Presidential Complex, the Nigerian National Assembly, and the Nigerian Supreme Court. Most of the surrounding town is situated to the south of the iconic rocky outcropping. The villa was also the site of the Aso Rock Declaration, issued by Commonwealth Heads of Government during the 2003 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Abuja.

Within the Aso Rock Villa complex, the chapel, café, and mosque are located to cater to the religious and social needs of its occupants. The presidential mansion itself contains multiple rooms for various official functions. It houses the offices of both the Nigerian President and Vice President, as well as dedicated meeting spaces for official engagements.

See also

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Footnotes

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  1. ^ Clarke. "Everything You Need to Know About Aso Rock". Archived from the original on 2019-01-08. Retrieved 2019-01-07.
  2. ^ Chuka Udeze. "10 Rare Landmarks On The Map Of Nigeria". Retrieved 2019-01-07.
  3. ^ "Our Work". Commonwealth Secretariat. Archived from the original on 12 April 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-03.