36 states in Nigeria: Capitals, slogans and their creation

This article is for those of you who didn’t pay attention in primary school during social studies. Those of you who can’t recite the 36 states in Nigeria and their capitals to save your lives, whose knowledge of the rhyme starts at Abia and ends at Umuahia, not that you could even spell it. This article is for those of you who think that Niger Delta is an actual state, a combination of Niger and Delta, or that Niger and Delta are beside each other because of the name. I mean, seriously?

And finally, this article is for those of you who think that FCT is one of the thirty-six states, and Abuja is its capital. So, without further ado, let’s begin the class.

Table of Content hide 1States in Nigeria: The Evolution 1.1States in the North-West Zone 1.1.1Jigawa State (The New World) 1.1.2Kaduna State (Centre of Learning) 1.1.3Kano State (Centre of Commerce) 1.1.4Katsina State (Home of Hospitality) 1.1.5Kebbi (Land of Equity) 1.1.6Sokoto (The Seat of the Caliphate) 1.1.7Zamfara (Farming is our Pride) 1.2States in the North-Central Zone 1.2.1Abuja 1.2.2Benue State (Food Basket of the Nation) 1.2.3Kogi State (The Confluence State) 1.2.4Kwara State (State of Harmony) 1.2.5Nasarawa State (Home of Solid Minerals) 1.2.6Niger State (The Power State) 1.2.7Plateau State (Home of Peace and Tourism) 1.3States in the North-East Zone 1.3.1Adamawa State (Land of Beauty) 1.3.2Bauchi State (Pearl of Tourism) 1.3.3Borno State (Home of Peace) 1.3.4Gombe State (Jewel of the Savannah) 1.3.5Yobe State (Pride of the Sahel) 1.3.6Taraba State (Nature’s Gift to the Nation) 1.4States in the South-West Zone 1.4.1Ekiti State (Land of Honor and Integrity) 1.4.2Ogun State (The Gateway State) 1.4.3Ondo State (The Sunshine State) 1.4.4Osun State (Land of Virtue) 1.4.5Oyo State (The Pacesetter State) 1.4.6Lagos State (Center of Excellence) 1.5States in the South-South Zone 1.5.1Akwa Ibom (Land of Promise) 1.5.2Bayelsa (Glory of All Lands) 1.5.3Cross River (The People’s Paradise) 1.5.4Delta (The Big Heart) 1.5.5Edo State (The Heartbeat of the Nation) 1.5.6Rivers State (Treasure Base of the Nation) 1.6States in the South-East Zone 1.6.1Abia State (God’s Own State) 1.6.2Anambra (Light of the Nation) 1.6.3Ebonyi (Salt of the Nation) 1.6.4Enugu State (The Coal City State) 1.6.5Imo State (The Eastern Heartland)

States in Nigeria: The Evolution

Nigeria is a federation consisting of 36 states and 1 Federal Capital Territory. Do you hear that? And One! The FCT is not a state; FCT is Abuja, and Abuja is FCT. Each of these 36 states acts as a semi-autonomous political unit that shares power with the federal government, as stated under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Per this constitution, these states are equal, as sovereignty resides with the federal government. A ruling from the National Assembly can amend the constitution, but such an amendment must be endorsed by at least two-thirds of all the 36 states.

As of independence in 1960, Nigeria was a federal state consisting of three regions: Northern, Eastern, and Western; additionally, provinces, which were a legacy of the colonial and protectorate eras, remained extant until their abolishment in 1976. Then came 1963, and a new region was created from the Western Region; the Mid-Western region.

A military decree in 1967 by General Yakubu Gowon saw these regions replaced by 12 states, and from then till 1970, the Eastern Region tried to break away as a nation called Biafra, which resulted in the Nigerian civil war. Seven new states were created in 1976, bringing the number to 19.

In 1987, two new states were created under Babangida’s rule, bringing the number to 21. This number increased to 30 in 1991 as Babangida, still in creator mode, thought it fit to add an additional nine states and the FCT. The latest change, which occurred in 1996 under the great Sanni Abacha, resulted in the present number of 36 states and 1 FCT.

So let’s check them out, and for fun purposes, we’ll be going about this according to geopolitical zones. If you want to learn the rhyme, dig out your social studies textbook.

States in the North-West Zone

Jigawa State (The New World)

With its capital as Dutse, Jigawa is a spawn of Ibrahim Babangida’s second creative fit in 1991 out of Kano’s northeastern-most region. The state is located on Nigeria’s shared border with the Republic of Niger, and is the eighth largest state population-wise, with 27 local governments.

The vast majority of Jigawa’s residents are Muslim, with most of them predominantly of Hausa or Fulani background, and it is one of the twelve states in the country that is still governed by Sharia law. The name of its governor is Badaru Abubakar.

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Kaduna State (Centre of Learning)

Kaduna’s capital is also its namesake, and the state was created in 1975 by General Murtala Mohammed and received its current borders in 1987. The third most populous and fourth-largest state in the country, Kaduna is renowned for its numerous educational institutions, such as the Ahmadu Bello University, hence the slogan Centre of Learning.

The present Kaduna State is home to the sites of some of the oldest African civilizations, such as the Nok civilization, which prospered from c. 1500 BC to c. 500 AD. It is populated by about 59 to 63 different ethnic groups, and the main religions include Christianity and Islam, with a minor percentage practicing traditional worship. Kaduna’s governor is Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.

Kano State (Centre of Commerce)

Since the country’s independence, Kano state has developed a multifaceted economy and established itself as a center for agriculture, industry, and commerce, hence its nickname. It is also Nigeria’s most populous state, according to official estimates taken by the National Bureau of Statistics in 2016.

Created in 1967 from defunct Northern Nigeria by the Federal military government under Yakubu Gowon, its capital is also named Kano, which is the second-most populous state in Nigeria. Present-day Kano State was the home of numerous empires and kingdoms, such as the Kingdom of Kano, which existed from 1000 AD to 1349 and was centered on Dala Hill. The Fulani and Hausa people make up a majority of the state’s population, with the Hausa language being the dominant language. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, sworn in on May 29, 2015, is the state’s incumbent governor.

Katsina State (Home of Hospitality)

Katsina state was created in 1987 by Ibrahim Babangida when he split it from Kaduna, and both its namesake capital and the town of Daura have been described as ancient seats of Islamic learning and culture in Nigeria. And despite ranking 17th out of all 36 states in terms of area, it is the fifth-largest by population.

Demographically, the Hausa-Fulani people are the state’s largest ethnic group, with Islam the most practiced religion; in 2005, Katsina became the fifth Nigerian state to adopt Sharia law. The current governor is Aminu Bello Masari.

Kebbi (Land of Equity)

Still, in the spirit of Ks but gladly out of namesake states and their capitals, Kebbi’s is Birnin-Kebbi. Okay, maybe we’re not quite out of it yet. The state is a victim… sorry, it was created out of a part of Sokoto state by Ibrahim Babangida during his second creative fit in 1991, and is actually named for its capital. Now that’s a narrative I didn’t see coming.

Kebbi State is the 22nd most populous state and is the tenth-largest in terms of area, with its important geographic features, including the Sokoto River. Ethnically, the state is inhabited by several ethnic groups, including the Fulani, Hausa and Zarma people. About 80% are Muslim, with smaller Christian and traditional minorities at about 10% each. The governor of the state is Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

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Sokoto (The Seat of the Caliphate)

Aaaaand we’re back, though I guess when you’re the last remaining bastion of power from a powerful regime, you can call your capital whatever you like. Sokoto state’s capital is also called Sokoto, and the state is located in the country’s extreme northwest on the border with the Republic of Niger.

Created in 1976 from the bifurcation of the former North-Western State by General Murtala Mohammed, Sokoto is the seat of the former Sokoto Caliphate and is an important seat of Islamic learning in Nigeria, hence it is predominantly Muslim. The Sultan, who is the head of the caliphate, is essentially the spiritual leader of all Nigerian Muslims.

Zamfara (Farming is our Pride)

Finally! Welcome to the only state in North-Western Nigeria whose only alphabetical connection to its capital, Gusau, is the letter A. Created by General Sanni Abacha in 1996, it used to be a part of Sokoto State and contains 14 local government areas.

Zamfara is densely populated with Fulani and Hausa people, with Hausa as its official language and Islam the major religion. Its current governor is Bello Matawalle.

States in the North-Central Zone

Abuja

Bearing the mantle of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is Abuja, which is the nation’s capital city and the seat of power. If Nigeria was Westeros, Abuja would be King’s Landing. It was created in 1976 due to over congestion in Lagos, the former FCT, and was formed from parts of Old Kwara, Kaduna, Kaduna, and Niger states, with the majority of its land mass carved out of the latter.

Abuja has high concentrations of Christians and Muslims and a high degree of neutrality from dominant ethnic groups, and is the least populated state in Nigeria. And unlike the formal states with elected governors, it is administered by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, which is headed by a minister, Muhammed Musa Bello, which the President appoints.

Benue State (Food Basket of the Nation)

Named for the Benue River (the second largest in Nigeria), Benue state was created in 1976 by General Murtala Mohammed, who seems to have been Babangida’s mentor in the creator shtick. The state has an international border with Cameroon, and its capital is Makurdi.

Renowned as the Entertainment Capital of the Middle Belt and the Heartbeat of the Middle Belt north of the Niger River, Benue is predominantly populated by the Etulo, Idoma, Igede, and Tiv people, with Igbo people found in the boundary areas like the Oju, Obi, etc. Its governor is Samuel Ortom.

Kogi State (The Confluence State)

Nicknamed The Confluence State due to the convergence of the Rivers Niger and Benue next to its capital Lokoja, Kogi State is another victim… sorry spawn of General Ibrahim Babangida’s carving streak in 1991. It is the twentieth most populous state with the thirteenth largest land area.

Ethnically, Kogi State is inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Gbagyi, Ebira and Nupe (majorly the Kakanda, Kupa and Bassa Nge subgroups) in the state’s center; the Yoruba (Magongo, Okun, Ogori and Oworo subgroups) in the west; and the Igbo, Agatu, Idoma, Igala, and Basa-Komo in the east. Kogi is also religiously diverse, with about 45% of its population being Muslim, about 40% Christian, and the remaining following traditional religions. Yahaya Bello is the state’s governor.

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Kwara State (State of Harmony)

Kwara State is the only Northern state that associates mainly with Yoruba people, who comprise most of the state’s population. With its capital in Ilorin, it is the sixth least populous state, even though it is the ninth-largest in terms of area. It was created in 1967 when General Yakubu Gowon divided the four regions that constituted the Federation of Nigeria into 12 states, so you should probably call its name with respect since it is one of the OGs.

During the pre-colonial era, a large part of the area now Kwara State used to be a part of the Oyo Empire, with small regions in the Nupe Kingdom and Borgu Emirate. Along with the Yoruba people who live throughout the state, there are sizable minorities of Busa peoples in the west, Nupe people in the northeast, and Fulani people in Ilorin; the latter also move through the state as nomadic herders. Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman is the state governor.

Nasarawa State (Home of Solid Minerals)

I won’t lie, I had to double-check the spelling, and I still got it wrong the second time around, so I was a little surprised when I saw the slogan wasn’t We Make You Think Twice In A Spelling Bee. But then, what do I know?

Anyways, Nasarawa State was created in 1996 by General Sanni Abachi, and with 13 local government areas, its capital is Lafia. It is the second least populous state with the fifteenth largest land area. It is inhabited by various ethnic groups including Fulani, Hausa, Tiv, Koro, and Idoma. About 60% of the state’s population are Muslim, 30% are Christian, and the remaining follow the traditional ways. Abdullahi Sule is the state’s governor.

Niger State (The Power State)

If I were the country’s largest state, I’d also call myself the Power State. I’d even have more than the three political zones (Zones A, B, and C) that Niger has. The state was formed in 1976 during Yakubu Gowon’s maiden experimental carving of the North-Western State into Niger and Sokoto. It was named after the River Niger, but it is nowhere near Delta. Do you hear?

You must have heard of the Kainji Dam, one of Nigeria’s major hydroelectric power stations, right? Well, it is in Niger State, along with Shiroro Dam, the new Zungeru Dam, and part of the Jebba Dam, which does make you wonder how the country is still experiencing power failure. I mean, four dams are used mainly for swimming competitions alone?

The Hausa, Nupe, Kambari, and Nupe peoples, among others, form the majority of Niger state’s numerous indigenous tribes. Abubakar Sanni Bello is the state governor.

Plateau State (Home of Peace and Tourism)

Plateau State sits roughly in the center of the country, with unique geography due to its boundaries of elevated hills that surround the Jos plateau, which is its capital, and the entire plateau itself. Hence, its name. Guess General Yakubu Gowon must have felt especially pleased with his ingenuity after naming it in 1976. Hey, here’s a plateau. Let’s make it a state and call it Plateau. And his assistant must have muttered to himself, Oga dey play too much.

The state has over 40 ethnolinguistic groups, including the Aten, Berom, Ngas, Pyem, Mushere, Mupun, and Gashish. Each group has its own distinct language, but Hausa is a common medium of communication and commerce. Simon Bako Lalong is the state governor.

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States in the North-East Zone

Adamawa State (Land of Beauty)

Adamawa derives its state from the historic Adamawa Emirate, whose old capital, Yola, serves as the state’s capital city. The state is one of the most heterogeneous in Nigeria, with over 100 ethnic groups, and was formed by Babangida in 1991 when he broke Gongola State into Adamawa and Taraba. I’m sure Gongola thanked him for that.

The state, while having the eighth largest land area, is the thirteenth least populous and is also religiously diverse, with about 55% of the population Sunni Muslim, 30% Christian, and 15% traditional. Umaru Fintiri is the state’s governor.

Bauchi State (Pearl of Tourism)

Bauchi was created by General Murtala Mohammed in 1976 when he broke up the former North-Eastern State, Bauchi takes its name from the historic town of Bauchi, which is also its capital. It is the seventh most populous state and fifth-largest in land area.

What is now Bauchi State has been inhabited by various ethnic groups for years, including the Fulani, Kanuri, Bolewa, and Jarawa, among others. About 85% of the state’s population are Muslim, 6% Christian, and 9% traditionalists. The state governor’s name is Bala Mohammed.

Borno State (Home of Peace)

Oh, the irony of that slogan. Borno State is the only Nigerian state to border three foreign countries; Niger to the north, Chad to the northeast, and Cameroon to the east, with Maiduguri as its capital. It was also formed by Yakubu Gowon in 1976, during his state-breaking exploits.

Borno State has the second largest area in terms of land and is the eleventh most populous despite the… activities going on around there. It is inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Mafa, Mandara, Laamang, Waja, and Kilba. A vast majority of its population (about 85%) are Muslim, with smaller Christian and traditionalist minorities, especially in the south. Babagana Umara Zulum is the state governor.

Gombe State (Jewel of the Savannah)

Gombe State was carved out of Bauchi State in 1996 by General Sanni Abacha, and was also named for Gombe city, its largest city, and capital. It is the 32nd most populous and 21st largest in land area.

Ethnically, the state is inhabited by various ethnic groups, most especially the Fulani in north and center of the state, along with the Kanuri, Hausa, and Bolewa peoples. Gombe’s population is predominantly Muslim (about 75%), with Christian and traditional minorities, and its governor is Muhammad Yahaya.

Yobe State (Pride of the Sahel)

Another legacy of Ibrahim Babangida’s carving and creation, Yobe was pulled out of Borno State in 1991 and borders the Republic of Niger to the North. Its most populated city is Potiskum, while Damaturu is its capital.

The Fulani and Kanuri are the major ethnic groups living in Yobe State, while other communities include Hausa, Manga, Bura, Shuwa, and Bolewa. Mai Mala Muni is the state governor.

Taraba State (Nature’s Gift to the Nation)

Named after the Taraba River, which cuts across the southern part of the state, Taraba was created by Ibrahim Babangida in 1991 and shares a border to the south with Cameroon’s Nord-Ouest Province. Jalingo is its capital.

Taraba’s inhabitants are mainly the Fulani, Tiv, Ichen, Jukun, and Chamba, who are found majorly in the southern part of the state, while the Wurkum, Kona, and Mumuye tribes occupy the northern part. The central region is mainly populated by the Mambila people, Jibawa, Chamba, and Fulani. The state governor is Darius Ishaku.

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States in the South-West Zone

Ekiti State (Land of Honor and Integrity)

I used to think this was Fountain of Knowledge… when did they change it? And why didn’t they send a memo to inform us natives? I already get a lot of flak for being an abroad indigene because I don’t visit home, and now they want to worsen my situation by making me look like an ignorant one? This is a conspiracy, I tell you.

Anyways, Ekiti kete, my dear state, was formed from a part of Ondo State by General Sanni Abacha in 1996, with the city of Ado-Ekiti as its capital. It was named for the Ekiti people, the Yoruba subgroup that is the majority of its population; modern-day Ekiti has been, for centuries, inhabited by the Ekiti people who were, at various points, ruled by the Oyo Empire, Benin Empire, and finally, the Ekiti States which formed the Ekiti Confederacy in the late 1800s.

Ekiti is one of Nigeria’s smallest states, the 30th most populous and 31st largest in area, and about 85% of its population are Christians, with smaller Muslim and traditionalist minorities. Its economy is partly based on Agriculture, mainly yam, cocoa, cassava, and rice crops, while its key industries are tourism and logging. Kayode Fayemi is the governor.

Ogun State (The Gateway State)

Noted for having a high concentration of industrial estates (Dangote Cement Factory, Nestle, Lafarge Cement, and others), Ogun State was created in 1976 by Yakubu Gowon from the former Western State and borders the Republic of Benin to the West. Abeokuta is its capital, the sixteenth most populous state and twenty-fourth largest in terms of land area.

Ogun State is predominantly Yoruba, and the dominant religions in the state are Christianity and Islam, although a certain amount of traditionalism is still observed. Dapo Abiodun is the state governor.

Also, Ogun State is noted for being the almost exclusive site of Ofada rice production in all of Nigeria. I think it’s overrated, though. I’m in my house… comman beat me.

Ondo State (The Sunshine State)

I think the nickname is apt because when I traveled there, the sun was out before 7 am, almost like it didn’t sleep in anticipation for another day’s job. By 9, it was scorching. 12 pm, and it felt like someone had died nearby, gone to hell, and forgotten to close the door on their way in.

Ondo State was created in 1976 by Yakubu Gowon and would later spawn Ekiti State, and its capital is Akure, the former capital of the ancient kingdom of Akure. It is the 19th most populous state in the country, the 25th largest in terms of landmass, and is home to the Idanre Hills, which, at above 1,000 meters in elevation, is the highest geographical point in the western half of Nigeria. The petroleum industry dominates the state’s economy.

The state is predominantly Yoruba, and consists mainly of Yoruba subgroups like the Akure, Idanre, Akoko, Ikale, and Owo people, among others. Most of them are Christians, while minorities practice Islam and traditional worship, and Rotimi Akeredolu is the state governor.

Osun State (Land of Virtue)

Why would you change State of the Living Spring to Land of Virtue? Why? Why? Why??? Which one sounds cooler? And why wasn’t anybody informed? Who are the people that are in charge of this thing sef? They should better not let me catch them.

Named for the River Osun, which bisects the state’s interior, Osun State was carved out of southeast Oyo by Ibrahim Babangida in 1991, with the city of Osogbo as its capital. It is the nineteenth most populous state and the ninth smallest in terms of land area and is primarily inhabited by the Yoruba people, mainly the Ife, Ijesha, Igbomina, Ibolo, and Oyo subgroups. About 55% of the state’s population are Christians, while Muslims (mainly Sunni) and traditionalists (mostly Ìṣẹ̀ṣe) make up about 40% and 5%, respectively.

Osun State is also home to a good number of Nigeria’s most famous landmarks, including the Obafemi Awolowo University, one of the country’s pre-eminent institutions of higher learning. The university sits in the ancient city of Ile-Ifẹ, which is an important early center of religious and political development for Yoruba culture. Osun State is also recorded as having the country’s second-highest literacy rate, and its governor is Adegboyega Oyetola.

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Oyo State (The Pacesetter State)

And rightly so, since it sits on territory that used to be ruled by several kingdoms and empires, most notably the Oyo Empire, a powerful regime that ruled from c. 1300 to 1896. The modern city of Oyo is considered to be a remnant of this imperial era and is referred to as New Ọyọ (Ọ̀yọ́ Àtìbà) to distinguish itself from Old Oyo (Ọ̀yọ́-Ilé), the former capital to the north. The Alaafin of Oyo continues to serve a ceremonial role in the city.

Oyo State was formed in 1976 by Yakubu Gowon and is the fifth most populous state in Nigeria, with its capital in Ibadan, the country’s third most populous city. The state is noted for being the site of Nigeria’s first university, the University of Ibadan. Most of its residents are Yoruba, and its governor is Oluseyi Makinde.

Lagos State (Center of Excellence)

The Daddy GO itself, Lagos, is ironically the smallest state in land mass but is the most populous due to its status as a major financial center in the country. Named for the city of Lagos, Africa’s most populous city, it was created in 1967 from the Western Region by Yakubu Gowon and used to serve as the Federal Capital Territory until 1991. Ikeja is its capital.

For years, Lagos has been inhabited by several indigenous ethnic groups, the majority of who are Yoruba and live throughout the state but also includes the Ogu and Ewe peoples to the far west. However, due to migration since the 19th century, it now has large populations of non-native Nigerian ethnic groups like Hausa, Edo, Igbo, and Ijaw, among others. It is also diverse religiously, with about 55% of its population being Christians, 45% Muslims and the remainder following traditional religions and others. The state governor is Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

States in the South-South Zone

Akwa Ibom (Land of Promise)

The state of Akwa Ibom takes its name from the Qua Iboe River, which cuts through the state before emptying into the Bight of Bonny. It was created in 1987 during Ibrahim Babangida’s first wave of creation when he split it from Cross River State, and has 31 local government areas with Uyo as its capital.

Akwa Ibom is the fifteenth-most populous state in the federation with the thirtieth largest land area and has been home to various ethnic groups for hundreds of years, especially the closely related Anaang, Ibibio, and Oron peoples in the North-West, North-East, and Southern zones of the state respectively. Most of them are Christians, and Udom Gabriel Emmanuel is the governor.

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Bayelsa (Glory of All Lands)

Bayelsa was carved out of Rivers State in 1996 by General Sanni Abacha, and comprises eight local government areas with Yenagoa as its capital. It is located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of the country, and the petroleum industry dominates its economy; it is also the site of Oloibiri Oilfield, where crude oil was first discovered in the country. It also has the largest gas reservoir (18 trillion cubic feet) in Nigeria.

It is the smallest in Nigeria and has one of the smallest land area masses, and its riverine and estuarine setting with bodies of water within the state prevents the development of significant road infrastructure. Ethnic groups include the Ijaw, Isoko, and Urhobo, and Duoye Diri is the governor.

Cross River (The People’s Paradise)

Cross River State is named for the Cross River, which runs through it before forming much of the state’s western border and emptying into the Cross River Estuary; and was formed from the Eastern part of the Eastern Region by General Yakubu Gowon in 1967. Its eastern border forms part of the national border with Cameroon, and Calabar is its capital.

It is the 27th most populous state and the 19th largest in terms of area and has been inhabited for hundreds of years by several ethnic groups, primarily the Ekoi of the inland south, The Efik of the riverside south and Calabar, the Akunakuna, Bahumono, Yakö and Boki of the central region and Igede, Ukelle, Bette and Bekwarra of the northern region. Benedict Ayade is the state governor.

Delta (The Big Heart)

Delta State used to be a part of the former Bendel State until Babangida took a sword to it in 1991, and was named after the Niger Delta, a large part of which is in the state. The Bight of Benin covers about 160km of the state’s coastline to the west, and Asaba sits as its capital, while Warri on the southwestern coastline is the state’s economic center.

Delta is the twelfth most populous state and twenty-third largest in area, and is inhabited by the Isoko and Eruwa in the center; Ika, Olukumi, and Ozanogogo in the northeast; Ukwuani in the east; Ijaw, Urhobo, Uvwie, and Itsekiri in the southwest; and Anioma in the northwest. It is one of the main oil-producing states in the country, and Arthur Okowa Ifeanyi is the governor.

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Edo State (The Heartbeat of the Nation)

The center of Nigeria’s rubber industry, Edo State, was created by Ibrahim Babangida in 1991 from the former Bendel State. Its capital, Benin City, is the fourth largest city in Nigeria. It is the 24th most populated state and 22nd largest in terms of land mass.

Edo State encompasses regions that were previously the location of various kingdoms and empires formed in the 11th century AD, namely the Benin Empire. The ancient Edo city, the site of present-day Benin City, was home to some of the largest earthworks in the world. The state is diverse but is inhabited mostly by the Edoid peoples, including the Edo (or Bini), Afemai, Owan, and Esan peoples. Edo language, commonly spoken in Benin City, is the most common language, and Christianity is the dominant religion. Godwin Obaseki is the governor.

Rivers State (Treasure Base of the Nation)

Rivers State was formed in 1967 by Yakubu Gowon’s splitting it from the former Eastern Region, and its capital Port Harcourt is considered the commercial center of the Nigerian oil industry. It is the sixth most populous state in the country and the twenty-sixth largest, and its geography is dominated by its numerous rivers, including the Bonny River.

Rivers is home to many ethnic groups, with the majority being Igbo, but also the Ijaw and Ogoni. It is also noted for its linguistic diversity, as about 28 indigenous languages are said to be spoken in the state. In 2019, its governor, Nyesom Wike, declared it a Christian state due to its population of 90% Christians.

States in the South-East Zone

Abia State (God’s Own State)

Abia State takes its name from the acronym of the state’s four most populated regions: Afikpo, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Aba, with the latter being its largest city and commercial center. It was created out of Imo state by Ibrahim Babangida in 1991, and important geographical features include the Aba and Imo rivers, which flow along the state’s southern and western borders, respectively. Its capital is Umuahia.

Abia is the country’s 27th most populous state and the 32nd largest in terms of land area, and it used to be a part of the medieval Kingdom of Nri and the Arochukwu-based Aro Confederacy. It is inhabited primarily by the Igbo people, and its economy is based on the production of natural gas, crude oil, and agriculture. The governor of Abia state is Okezie Ikpeazu.

Anambra (Light of the Nation)

Anambra was originally created in 1976 by Yakubu Gowon out of the former East Central State with Enugu as its capital, and was named for the Omambala River that runs through the state. Then in 1991, Ibrahim Babangida, in his infinite wisdom, reorganized it by dividing the region into two: Anambra and Enugu. Its capital is Awka, and Onitsha, a historic port city from the pre-colonial era, remains an important commercial center in the state.

Anambra is said to be the eighth-most populous state in the nation, although this has been debated against since Onitsha was found to have a population of over 5 million in 2019 by Africapolis; this makes it the second-largest urban area in Nigeria by population, and the third in Africa. But despite being very populous, the state is the second smallest in land mass. Residents are primarily Igbo, and Charles Chukwuma Soludo is the governor.

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Ebonyi (Salt of the Nation)

Named for the Abonyi (Aboine) River, which occupies much of the state’s south, Ebonyi State was formed from part of Abia and Enugu in 1996 by General Sanni Abacha, and has Abakaliki as its capital.

Ebonyi is the 29th most populous state and 33rd largest in terms of land mass and is inhabited by various ethnic groups, primarily the Igbos, with the Agbo people along the Cross River and the Orrings of the northwest making up the minorities. Dave Umahi is the governor.

Enugu State (The Coal City State)

Considered the heart of Igboland and the cultural region of ethnically Igbo areas, Enugu State was created out of Anambra in 1991 by Ibrahim Babangida and takes its name from its largest city, Enugu, which is also its capital.

It is the 22nd most populous state and the 29th largest in terms of land mass and is primarily inhabited by the Igbo people, with the Idoma and Igala peoples of Etteh Uno making up minorities. Its economy is based on trading, services, and agriculture, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is the governor.

Imo State (The Eastern Heartland)

Imo State takes its name from the Imo River, which winds along the state’s eastern border and was formed in 1976 by the Murtala Muhammed regime. Now here was a man who took things easy. Just seven new states. Shikena! Unlike some other people.

Imo state’s capital is Owerri, the fourteenth most populous state while being the third smallest in terms of area. It is inhabited mainly by the Igbo people, and the state’s economy depends highly on agriculture, most especially the production of palm oil which the majority of Nigerian citizens rely on for cooking. Hope Uzodinma is the state’s governor.

Okay, this has not been fun to write, so y’all need to pay attention in school. And I also need to have a long talk with my editor; if I’m going to take on the mantle of the teacher along with my current role, then I should get paid more. Have a nice day.

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