Abia is located in the heart of southern Nigeria, sharing boundaries with seven other states: Rivers State to the south, Akwa Ibom State to the southeast, Cross River to the east, Ebonyi and Imo to the west, and Enugu and Anambra States to the northeast.
Creation
The state was created on the 27th of August, 1991, by General Ibrahim Babangida. The name “Abia” derives from four major regions: Aba (A), Bende (B), Isuikwuato (I), and Afikpo (A). The state capital is Umuahia, where the governor oversees the affairs of the people of Abia.
Population
Abia covers a total land area of 6,320 km² (2,440 sq mi) and is ranked as the 32nd largest state by land area in Nigeria.
As of 2006, Abia was ranked as the 27th most populous state in Nigeria, with a total population of 2,833,999.
An estimate in 2022 indicated that Abia’s population grew to 4,143,100, making it the 27th largest state in Nigeria, with a population density of 660/km² (1,700/sq mi).
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Date of Creation: | 27 August 1991 |
Location | South East |
Executive Governor: | Alex Otti |
Deputy Governor: | Ikechukwu Emetu |
Population: | 2.8million as at 2006 Census |
Language: | gbo English Ibibio |
LGA: | 14 |
Postal Code | 440001 |
Topography
Geographically, the state lies between the Niger Delta forest and the Cross Niger transition forest. The Imo and Aba rivers flow through the western and southern regions, which are significant features of Abia State.
The People
Abia is an Igbo land where Igbo is the most spoken language among the indigenes. There are areas that speak the Ibibio dialect in the southern part, particularly in regions bordering Akwa Ibom, but English is the official means of communication for non-Igbos.
Religiously, the people of Abia are predominantly Christians of diverse denominations. A large number of them are Catholics, Anglicans, and members of new-generation Pentecostal churches. There are also Muslims in the state, making Abia a place of diverse religions. Additionally, traditionalists are free to practice their beliefs.
How Many Local Governments
Abia State consists of fourteen local government areas, with the possibility of more being created in the future. Here is the list of local government areas and the languages spoken by the people in each area:
S/N | LGA | Language |
1 | Arochukwu | Igbo, Ibibio |
2 | Umuahia South | Igbo |
3 | Umuahia North | Igbo |
4 | Ikwuano | Igbo |
5 | Isuikwuato | Igbo |
6 | Ukwa West | Igbo |
7 | Aba South | Igbo |
8 | Aba North | Igbo |
9 | Isiala Ngwa North | Igbo |
10 | Isiala Ngwa South | Igbo |
11 | Obingwa | Igbo |
12 | Umunneochi | Igbo |
13 | Ugwunagbo | Igbo |
14 | Ukwa East | Igbo |
Economically
Abia State is renowned for crude oil and natural gas production. The region is also engaged in agriculture, with the cultivation of cassava, maize, and oil palm. Aba serves as the hub for medium to large-scale industries, contributing to a rapidly growing population due to commercial activities.
History of Abia State
While the Igbo-speaking dialect is predominantly spoken in the state, modern-day Abia is home to other ethnic groups as well. Historically, during the pre-colonial era, the current Abia State was part of the Arochukwu Aro Confederacy until it was conquered by British troops in the early 1900s during the Aro War. At the end of the war, the British incorporated the region into the Southern Nigeria Protectorate, which was later merged into British Nigeria. After the establishment of the Southern Protectorate, the Women’s War that began in Oloko made Abia a center for anti-colonial resistance.
In 1960, when Nigeria gained independence, Abia was part of the post-independence Eastern Region until 1976, when the region was split, making Abia part of the Eastern Region we know today. Within two months of this split, the old Eastern Region attempted to secede during the three-year Nigerian Civil War, with Abia State as part of the secessionist Biafra. To promote national unity at the end of the war, the Eastern Middle State was created, which eventually led to the formation of Imo State by Murtala Mohammed in 1976. Approximately fifteen years later, Abia State was carved out of Imo East, and in 1996, the current Ebonyi State was formed from Abia’s northeastern region.
Governors of Abia State
Frank Ajobena was the first person to rule Abia State after its creation. He was appointed as a military administrator by General Ibrahim Babangida in 1991. That same year, Ogbonnaya Onu, representing the Third Nigerian Republic Party, was elected as governor and ruled for almost two years before the Abacha regime dissolved the Third Nigerian Republic, leading to a full military era. Under this regime, three other military administrators—Chinyere Ike Nwosu, Temi Ejoor, and Moses Fasanya—were appointed to oversee the affairs of Abia State until Abacha’s death. The Abdulsalami Abubakar regime then appointed Anthony Obi as another military administrator, marking the end of military governors when Nigeria embraced a democratic system of government in 1998.
With the return of full democracy to Nigeria in 1999, Orji Uzor Kalu became the first governor elected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and was sworn into office on May 29 of that year. After serving four years, he contested again under the same political party and secured another term as governor, in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution, which limits governors to two terms. However, when Kalu’s tenure ended in 2007, Theodore Orji won the governorship election under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), defeating PDP representative Onyema Ugochukwu. In 2011, after defecting back to the PDP from the PPA, T. Orji was reelected as governor for another four-year term.
In 2015, the PDP retained the governorship position when Okezie Ikpeazu was elected as the next governor of Abia State. He subsequently ran for reelection and won against APC and APGA candidates Uche Ogah and Alex Otti, being sworn into office on May 29, 2019.
Finally, in 2023, Alex Otti, who was previously with the APGA, contested for the governorship under the banner of the Labour Party, emerging as the 11th governor of Abia State to date.
Inatitutions In Abia State
If you live in Abia or outside the state and are planning to study there, there are universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education available as options. The institutions listed below include both government and privately owned establishments.
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike: This is a federally owned university.
- Abia State University, Uturu: This institution is owned by the state government.
- Gregory University
- Rhema University, Aba
- Spiritan University, Umu
- Clifford University, Owerrinta
- Nigeria British University, Asa
- There are two polytechnics in Abia: Abia State Polytechnic and Temple Gate Polytechnic.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Airport in Abia State?
- The answer to this question is no; however, the nearest airport to Abia is Owerri International Airport, which is about a one-hour drive to Umuahia. Port Harcourt Airport is approximately a two-hour drive away. People can also use the Akwa Ibom Airport.
What About Trains?
- Rail transport is available, connecting Aba to Port Harcourt, Owerri to Umuahia, and Enugu. The riverine areas are accessible via canoes and boats.
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