Aso Rock
{{short description|Monolith in Nigeria}}
{{About|the monolith in Abuja|the Nigerian presidential Villa|Aso Villa}}
{{Infobox mountain
| name = Aso Rock
| photo = Aso Rock as seen from the IBB golf course in Abuja, Nigeria.jpg
| photo_caption =
| elevation_m = 936
| elevation_ref =
| location = {{Flag|Nigeria}}
| map = Nigeria |relief=1
| range_coordinates =
| map_caption = Location of Aso Rock in Nigeria (in Abuja)
| map_size = 300
| label_position =top
| coordinates = {{coord|9|5|0|N|7|32|10|E|type:mountain_region:NG_scale:100000|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_ref =
| topo =
| first_ascent =
| easiest_route =
}}
Aso Rock is a large outcrop of granitic rock located on the outskirts of Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. The Aso Rock is a {{Convert|400|m|adj=on}} prominent monolith with a peak height of {{Convert|936|m|adj=on}} above sea level.{{cite web |author=Clarke |url=https://hotels.ng/guides/destinations/aso-rock-3 |title=Everything You Need to Know About Aso Rock |accessdate=2019-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108050207/https://hotels.ng/guides/destinations/aso-rock-3/ |archive-date=2019-01-08 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |author=Chuka Udeze |url=https://buzznigeria.com/nigerian-map/ |title=10 Rare Landmarks On The Map Of Nigeria |accessdate=2019-01-07 }} 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 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Internal/150952/our_work/ |title=Our Work |accessdate=2008-04-03 |publisher=Commonwealth Secretariat |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412081650/http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Internal/150952/our_work/ |archivedate=12 April 2008 |url-status=dead }}
History
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
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.