Full List of South Eastern States in Nigeria
The South Eastern region of Nigeria is made up of five states – Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states respectively. Each Igbo speaking state has its own unique cultural heritage and traditions, making the region a diverse and vibrant part of the country. This article provides a full list of the South Eastern states in Nigeria, along with some basic information about each state.
The South East is the smallest geopolitical zone in Nigeria, but it is one of the most densely populated, with over 36 million people. The region is predominantly inhabited by the Igbo speaking people, who are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and strong cultural identity.
The South East is also a major economic hub in Nigeria. It is home to several key industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. The region is also a major tourist destination, with attractions such as the Ngwo Cave and Waterfall, the Enugu Museum, and the Oguta Lake.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the states located in the South Eastern geopolitical zone of Nigeria. We will discuss the region’s history, geography, economy, and culture. We will also highlight some of the key challenges and opportunities facing the region today.
Abia State is one of the major states in South Eastern Nigeria, with its capital at Umuahia. The state is known for its commercial hub, Aba, and occupies a geographical area of 6,320 square kilometres. Anambra State, on the other hand, is another economic hub in the region, with a population of over 6,358,311. Its capital is Awka, and the state was founded in 1976. Ebonyi State is the smallest state in the region, with a size of 4,844 km2, and its capital is Abakaliki. Enugu State was created in 1991 from Anambra State and has its capital at Enugu. Finally, Imo State was also created in 1991 from the old Imo State and has its capital at Owerri.
GEOGRAPHICAL OVERVIEW OF SOUTH EAST NIGERIA
South East Nigeria is one of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. It is comprised of five states, namely Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. The region is situated in the southeastern part of Nigeria, and it is bounded by the River Niger on the west, the riverine Niger Delta on the south, the flat North Central to the north, and the Cross River on the east.
The South East region covers a total land area of about 29,388 square kilometres, with a population of over 36 million people. The region is predominantly inhabited by the Igbo ethnic group, who are known for their rich cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and resilience.
The climate of the South East region is tropical, with two distinct seasons: the rainy season, which lasts from April to December, and the dry season, which lasts from December to March. The region experiences an average annual rainfall of about 2,000 millimetres, and the temperature ranges between 20°C and 35°C.
The South East region is known for its rich agricultural resources, including palm oil, cassava, yam, rice, and cocoa. The region is also home to several mineral resources, such as coal, limestone, lead, zinc, and natural gas. The region is a major commercial hub, with bustling cities such as Aba, Onitsha, and Enugu.
In terms of transportation, the South East region is well-connected to other parts of the country. The region is served by several major highways, including the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway, and the Owerri-Port Harcourt Expressway. The region also has an international airport, the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, which serves as a gateway to the region.
FULL LIST OF THE FIVE SOUTH EASTERN STATES IN NIGERIA
Here are the following Nigerian states that make up the south-eastern geopolitical zone.
ABIA STATE
Abia State is one of the five states in the South Eastern region of Nigeria. It was created in 1991 from Imo State and is named after the Aba River. The state is bordered by Anambra to the north, Imo to the west, Rivers to the south and Akwa Ibom to the east.
The capital of Abia State is Umuahia, which is also the administrative center of the state. Aba, the commercial hub of the state, is one of the largest cities in the region and is renowned for its manufacturing industry. Abia State is home to several ethnic groups, including the Igbo, Efik, and Ibibio.
Abia State has a land area of approximately 6,320 square kilometers and a population of over 2.8 million people. The state is divided into 17 local government areas (LGAs), which include Aba North, Aba South, Arochukwu, Bende, Ikwuano, Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, Isuikwuato, Obi Ngwa, Ohafia, Osisioma Ngwa, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Umuahia North, Umuahia South, and Umunneochi.
The economy of Abia State is largely driven by the manufacturing industry, with Aba being the main hub for the production of shoes, textiles, and leather goods. The state is also rich in natural resources such as oil and gas, limestone, kaolin, and zinc. Agriculture is another important sector in the state, with crops such as yam, cassava, rice, and maize being grown in large quantities.
In terms of education, Abia State is home to several tertiary institutions, including the Abia State University, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, and the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede. The state also has a number of primary and secondary schools, both public and private, providing education to its citizens.
ANAMBRA STATE
Anambra State is one of the five Igbo speaking states in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The state was created on August 27, 1991, out of the old Anambra State. It is bordered by Delta State to the west, Enugu State to the east, Kogi State to the north, and Imo and Rivers States to the south. Anambra is often regarded as the richest state in Igbo Land.
The state’s capital and largest city is Awka. Anambra State has a total of 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs), which include Aguata, Awka North, Awka South, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Ayamelum, Dunukofia, Ekwusigo, Idemili North, Idemili South, Ihiala, Njikoka, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Orumba North, Orumba South, and Oyi.
Anambra State is known for its rich cultural heritage, including the famous Igbo-Ukwu archaeological sites, which date back to the 9th century AD. The state is also home to notable tourist attractions such as the Ogbunike Caves, the Agulu Lake, and the Rojenny Tourist Village.
The state’s economy is largely driven by agriculture, with crops such as yam, cassava, maize, rice, and vegetables being majorly cultivated. The state also has a thriving commercial sector, with the city of Onitsha being a major commercial hub in the West African sub-region. The state is also home to a number of industrial companies, including Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, the first indigenous automobile manufacturing company in Nigeria.
In terms of education, Anambra State is home to a number of notable institutions, including Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Uli, and Anambra State University in Uli. The state also has a number of primary and secondary schools, both public and private, which are known for their academic excellence.
EBONYI STATE
Ebonyi State is one of the states in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It is bordered to the north and northeast by Benue State, Enugu State to the west, Cross River State to the east and southeast, and Abia State to the southwest. The state was created on 1st December 1996, making it one of the youngest states in Nigeria.
The capital of Ebonyi State is Abakaliki, and the state is divided into 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The state is predominantly inhabited by the Igbo people, and the official language is English. This Igbo speaking state is known for its rich cultural heritage, with various traditional dances, music, and festivals.
Ebonyi State is also home to several tourist attractions, including the Amanchore Cave, the Ndibe Beach, and the Abakaliki Green Lake. The state is also known for its agricultural products, including rice, yam, cassava, and maize.
In terms of education, Ebonyi State is home to several tertiary institutions, including Ebonyi State University, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, and Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu. The state also has several primary and secondary schools, both private and public.
ENUGU STATE
Enugu State is one of the Igbo states in the southeastern part of Nigeria. It is located at the foot of the Udi Plateau and shares borders with Abia State and Imo State to the south, Ebonyi State to the east, Benue State to the northeast, Kogi State to the northwest and Anambra State to the west. The state capital is Enugu.
Enugu State is known for its rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions. The state is home to the famous Nike Lake Resort, which is a popular destination for tourists. The resort offers a wide range of activities, including fishing, boating, and golfing. The state is also home to the Ani Ozalla Lake, which is believed to have healing powers.
The state is predominantly inhabited by the Igbo people, who are known for their rich culture and traditions. The Igbo language is widely spoken in the state, although English is also widely spoken and understood.
Enugu State is also known for its agricultural activities, with the production of yam, cassava, and rice being the major agricultural activities in the state. The state is also home to several mineral resources, including coal, limestone, and clay.
In terms of education, Enugu State is home to several tertiary institutions, including the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and the Enugu State University of Science and Technology. The state also has several primary and secondary schools, both public and private, that offer quality education to the residents of the state.
IMO STATE
Imo State is located in the South-Eastern region of Nigeria, bordered by Anambra State to the north, Rivers State to the west and south, and Abia State to the east. The state takes its name from the Imo River, which flows along its eastern border.
The state capital of Imo State is Owerri, and it is often referred to as the “Eastern Heartland”. The state was created in 1976 and has a total land area of 5,530 square kilometers. Imo State is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including the Igbo, Owerri, Mbaise, Orlu, and Okigwe.
Imo State is known for its rich cultural heritage, with several festivals celebrated throughout the year. The most prominent of these festivals is the New Yam Festival, which is celebrated annually in August by the Igbo people. The state is also home to several notable landmarks, including the Mbari Cultural and Art Centre, the Oguta Lake, and the Nekede Zoo.
In terms of economic activities, Imo State is largely agrarian, with agriculture being the mainstay of the state’s economy. The state is known for its production of crops such as cassava, yam, maize, and rice. Imo State is also home to several industries, including the Imo Modern Poultry Farm, the Imo Plastic Industry, and the Imo Palm Plantation.
Overall, Imo State is a vibrant and culturally rich state, with a diverse range of ethnic groups and a strong agricultural sector. Its capital, Owerri, is a bustling city with several notable landmarks and attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists and visitors alike.
CONCLUSION
This blog post has taken a closer look at the Igbo states in the South Eastern geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The region has a rich history, culture, and economy. It is home to a number of key industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. The region is also a major tourist destination.
The South East faces a number of challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure deficit. However, the region also has many opportunities for growth and development. The government is investing in infrastructure and education, and the private sector is creating jobs. The region is also well-positioned to benefit from the growing African economy.
These Igbo speaking states are a vital part of Nigeria and it plays an important role in the country’s economy and culture. The region has a bright future, and it is poised to play an even greater role in Nigeria’s development in the years to come.
