Ebonyi State: From Creation to Present Day – Historical Perspective

What is the Location of Ebonyi?

Ebonyi is located in the southeastern zone of Nigeria and is part of the Niger Delta region. It shares borders with four states:

• Benue to the north and northeast (where the boundary ends immediately after the Ichelle and Igbe Rivers),
• Abia to the southwest,
• Cross River to the east (after a short drive past the Aloma River).

The state’s coordinates are latitude 6°15′N and longitude 8°05′E.

What is the Land Area and Population?

Ebonyi is a relatively small region with a land area of 2,500 square miles and a modest population. According to the 2006 National Population Census, the state had a population of 2,176,947, ranking it as the 33rd least populous state out of 36 in Nigeria. However, by 2022, Ebonyi’s estimated population had grown to 3,242,500, with a population density of 340 people per square kilometer (km²). This growth moved the state to the 29th position in population ranking among the 36 states. Over 16 years, the state’s population has experienced significant growth.

What Languages Are Spoken in Ebonyi?

Several languages are spoken in Ebonyi State, with Igbo being the primary language. The Igbo language in Ebonyi has various dialects, with up to eleven distinct variations spoken across the state. Below is a list of these dialects:

Afikpo	Edda	Ezaa
Ikwo	Izzi	Kukele
Legbo	Mbembe	Mgbo
Ohofia-Agba	Okposi	Uburu

Topography of the Area

Ebonyi is characterized by varied topography, including hills, valleys, and plateaus. The region features uplands, especially in Abakaliki, the state capital, and in the Izzi settlement.

The state’s rich and fertile agricultural soil supports farming activities. Additionally, the numerous rivers in the region facilitate year-round farming by providing easy access to water for irrigation.

Important Geographical Features

Ebonyi State lies between the Cross Niger Transition Forest in the south and the dry Guinea Savanna mosaic forest in the north. A notable geographical feature is the Aloma River, which flows into the Cross River; both rivers run along the southeastern and eastern boundaries of the state.

The Abonyi River, from which the state derived its name, along with the Eze Aku and Asu Rivers, are significant rivers flowing through the interior of the state, connecting to various tributaries. Additionally, the Ichelle and Igbe rivers in the west are smaller watercourses that mark the boundary between Ebonyi and Benue State.

Vegetation in Ebonyi

The southern part of Ebonyi State is characterized by tropical rainforest, featuring a variety of plants, shrubs, and hardwood trees used for woodworking and other purposes. Oppositely, the northern region is dominated by savanna grassland, with scattered trees amidst grasslands. These areas typically serve as grazing sites for livestock keepers. The diverse vegetation across Ebonyi supports a wide range of agricultural activities.

Climate: Dry and Wet Seasons

Ebonyi State experiences a humid tropical climate with distinct rainy and dry seasons:

• Rainy Season: This begins in June and lasts through September, with July being the peak month. The rainy season is favorable for farming, as the state receives an average annual rainfall of 2,500 mm.
• Dry Season: This occurs from November to March and is characterized by lower humidity and reduced rainfall. Harmattan winds occur between December and January, bringing colder and drier air.

During the hot months, temperatures range between 26°C and 38°C, creating a warm environment for most of the year.

Occupation of the People                                    

The primary occupation of the people of Ebonyi is agriculture. The main crops grown include cassava, yam, maize, potatoes, beans, and rice. Ezzamgo and Effium are notable areas for large-scale cassava production, while rice is also produced in significant quantities.

In addition to agriculture, the state has mineral resources that contribute to local employment. Many residents engage in trade and small-scale businesses, while others participate in the showbiz and entertainment industry.

How Many Local Government Areas Are in Ebonyi State?

Ebonyi State is divided into thirteen Local Government Areas (LGA’s). These are:

Abakaliki	Afikpo North	Afikpo South
Ebonyi	Ezza North	Ezza South
Ikwo	Ishielu	Ivo
Izzi	Ohaozara	Ohaukwu
Onicha

Who Was the First Governor of Ebonyi State?

The first person to govern Ebonyi State was Walter Feghabo, who served as the Military Administrator of the state during General Sani Abacha’s regime. Walter Feghabo took office as Ebonyi State governor on 7th October 1996 and left the government house in August 1998.

After his tenure in Ebonyi, he was appointed the administrator of Delta State, where he served until 29th May 1999, when he handed over to James Onanefe Ibori as part of Nigeria’s transition from military to civilian government under President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Walter Feghabo was born on 15th August 1956 in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. He spent his early life in Warri, where he completed his primary and secondary education before joining the Nigerian Navy. He rose to the rank of Navy Commander before retiring from the military.

Feghabo served Nigeria diligently, completing his assignments without any significant setbacks or controversies.

Who Is the Current Governor of Ebonyi State?

On May 29, 2023, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru assumed office as the 6th Governor of Ebonyi State.

Early Life and Education: Francis Nwifuru was born on February 25, 1975. He began his primary education in 1991 at Oferekpe Community School in Ebonyi State and attended the same community secondary school for his secondary education.

He holds a first degree in Building Technology and Woodwork from Ebonyi State University. Additionally, he earned a Master’s degree from Salford University, UK, where he specialized in Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management.

Political Career: Francis Nwifuru’s first foray into politics was in 2007, when he contested for a seat in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, representing the Izzi West Constituency. Unfortunately, he did not win that election. However, his loss did not deter him.

In 2011, he contested again and was elected as a member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, where he represented Izzi West Constituency. His political journey gained significant momentum, and he was elected Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly in both 2015 and 2019.

His political influence continued to grow. After his tenure in the state assembly, Nwifuru was elected as the Southeast National Vice Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian State Legislatures.

Governorship: In 2023, Francis Nwifuru took a bold step by running for the governorship of Ebonyi State. His efforts paid off as he won the election and assumed office as Governor.

Who Is the Current Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State?

Patricia Obila is the current Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State. She is a Nigerian politician from the Afikpo North Local Government Area (LGA), where she was born on November 23, 1968. Obila hails from the Igbo ethnic group and she is known for her dedication to public service.

Patricia Obila rose to the position of Deputy Governor due to her selfless service and commitment during her tenure as the Vice Chairman of Afikpo North LGA. In this role, she prioritized community development and the well-being of the local people, serving for two terms.

Her contributions earned her widespread recognition and respect, inspiring the people of Ebonyi to support Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in the gubernatorial election, which subsequently secured her position as Deputy Governor.

Patricia Obila is a strong advocate for women’s inclusion in active leadership and development. Her commitment to gender equality in governance likely played a role in her success in attaining her current position. She serves as a reminder to political officeholders that the primary purpose of leadership is to represent and serve the people.

All List of Ebonyi State Governors – Till Present

This table contains the names of individuals who have served as governors of Ebonyi State, including both military administrators and civilian governors.

Name	Enter Office	Leave Office	Party
Walter Feghabo	7 Oct 1996	Aug 1998	Military
Simeon Oduoye	Aug 1998	May 1999	Military
Sam Egwu	29 May 1999	29 May 2007	PDP
Martin Elechi	29 May 2007	29 May 2015	PDP
Dave Umahi	29 May 2015	29 May 2023	PDP
Francis Nwifuru	29 May 2023	Incumbent	APC

Higher Institutions in Ebonyi State

In addition to the Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI) and Ebonyi State University (EBSU), there are several other higher institutions in Ebonyi State for aspiring students seeking to expand their educational horizons. Below is a list of these institutions:

Name of Institution	Location	Type	Remarks
Ebonyi State University	Abakaliki	University	Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo	Ikwo	University	Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic	Unwana, Afikpo	Polytechnic	National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND)
Federal College of Agriculture	Ishiagu	Polytechnic	National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND)
Federal College of Education (Technical)	Isu	Polytechnic	National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND)
Ebonyi State College of Health and Midwifery	Uburu	College	Diploma in Health and Midwifery
King David College of Medicine	Uburu	Private College	Bachelor’s in Medicine and related fields
College of Nursing and Midwifery, Mater Misericordiae Hospital	Afikpo	Private College	Nursing Diploma
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital	Abakaliki	Federal College	Nursing Diploma
Ebonyi State College of Education	Ikwo	State College	National Certificate in Education (NCE)

Notable People from Ebonyi State

Notable among them is Ayim Pius Ayim, a prominent political figure who has held several offices in Nigeria. He served as the President of the Nigerian Senate from 2000 to 2003. Pius Ayim was born on February 17, 1961. He attended Imo State University and is a lawyer by profession.

Another notable individual is Uche Ewah Azikiwe, the wife of the late Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria. Apart from being a First Lady, she is an academic scholar with a professorial qualification. Uche Ewah Azikiwe also served as a member of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Board of Directors in 1991. She was born on February 4, 1947, and hails from the Afikpo area of Ebonyi State.

Additionally, there is the award-winning Nigerian gospel minister, Sinach, whose full name is Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu. If you have heard the song “Way Maker,” she is the anointed artist behind this internationally acclaimed gospel worship song. She was born on March 30, 1972, to a father of Afikpo South origin and fellowships at the Christ Embassy denomination.

Also noteworthy are the Nigerian Afrobeat singers Patoranking, whose real name is Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, and Tekno, whose full name is Augustine Miles Kelechi Okechukwu; both are from Ebonyi State. Tekno was born on December 17, 1990, while Patoranking was born on May 27, 1990.