Ogun State: Explore The Fascinating Facts About Nigeria's Gateway State

Ogun State is a state located in the southwestern part of Nigeria. The state is known as the “Gateway State” due to its strategic location as the gateway to Nigeria’s economic hub, Lagos State. Ogun State is home to several ethnic groups, including the dominant Yoruba ethnic group, and has a diverse cultural heritage.

The state has a rich history, with several landmarks and tourist attractions that draw visitors from within and outside the country. Ogun State is also known for its natural resources, which have contributed to its economic growth and development. The state has several higher institutions of learning that provide opportunities for education, research, and innovation.

This article will provide detailed information on the facts about Ogun State, including its date of creation, state name meaning, state capital, state slogan, state border, geopolitical region, number of local governments, number of senatorial districts, main religion, state landmass, state population, tribes/ethnic groups in the state, state tourism, state natural resources, first democratic/elected governor, and higher institutions in the state.

Ogun State: Fascinating Facts About Nigeria’s Gateway State

Creation Of Ogun State

Ogun State was created on February 3, 1976, during the military regime of General Murtala Mohammed. The state was carved out of the former Western State, which was one of the twelve states created by the military government in 1967. The creation of Ogun State was part of the government’s efforts to decentralize power, improve governance, and promote development in Nigeria.

Ogun State Meaning

Ogun State is named after the Ogun River, which is one of the major rivers in Nigeria. The river runs through the state and is an important source of water for agriculture, fishing, and other economic activities. The name “Ogun” is derived from the Yoruba language, which is the dominant language spoken in the state. In Yoruba mythology, Ogun is also the name of a powerful god of iron, war, and technology.

Ogun State Capital

The capital of Ogun State is Abeokuta, which means “under the rock” in the Yoruba language. The city is located on the eastern side of the Ogun River and is known for its rich history, culture, and tourism. Abeokuta was founded in the 19th century by the Egba people, who were one of the major ethnic groups in the area. The city is home to several historical landmarks, including the famous Olumo Rock, which is a major tourist attraction in the state.

Ogun State Slogan

The slogan of Ogun State is “Gateway State.” The state is called the Gateway State because of its strategic location as the gateway to Nigeria’s economic hub, Lagos State. Ogun State is also the gateway to other parts of Nigeria, as it shares borders with several states and the Republic of Benin. The state’s slogan reflects its importance as a major transportation and commercial hub in Nigeria.

Ogun State Border

Ogun State shares borders with Lagos State to the south, Oyo and Osun states to the north, Ondo State to the east, and the Republic of Benin to the west. The state’s proximity to Lagos State, which is Nigeria’s commercial capital, has made it a major transportation and logistics hub. The state’s borders with other states and countries have also made it a major center for trade and commerce. Ogun State’s strategic location has contributed to its rapid economic growth and development in recent years.

Ogun State Geopolitical Region

Ogun State is located in the Southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The Southwest zone is one of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria and is made up of six states, including Ogun State. The Southwest zone is known for its diverse cultural heritage, rich history, and strategic importance to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

Ogun State Local Government

Ogun State is divided into 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) for administrative purposes. The LGAs are further divided into wards, which are the smallest administrative units in the state. The LGAs are responsible for providing basic services to the people, such as healthcare, education, and social welfare.

Ogun State Senatorial Districts

Ogun State has three senatorial districts, which are Ogun Central, Ogun East, and Ogun West. Each senatorial district is represented by a senator in the National Assembly, which is the legislative arm of the federal government of Nigeria. The three senatorial districts ensure that the people of Ogun State are adequately represented at the federal level.

Main Religion In Ogun State

Christianity and Islam are the main religions in Ogun State. Christianity is practiced by a significant number of people in the state, especially in the urban areas, while Islam is practiced mostly by the Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani communities. Traditional African religions are also practiced by some people in the state, especially in the rural areas.

Ogun State Landmass

Ogun State is the 24th largest state in Nigeria in terms of land area, with a total land area of 16,981 square kilometers. The state is located in the southwestern part of Nigeria and has a diverse landscape that includes forests, hills, and plains. The state’s location and landmass have contributed to its strategic importance as a major transportation and logistics hub in Nigeria.

Ogun State Population

According to the National Population Commission, Ogun State had an estimated population of 7.2 million people in 2021, making it the 10th most populous state in Nigeria. The state’s population is diverse, with people from different ethnic groups and religions living in the state. The state’s population has been growing rapidly in recent years, driven by its strategic location, economic opportunities, and social amenities.

Tribes/Ethnic Groups In Ogun State

Ogun State is home to several ethnic groups, with the Yoruba being the dominant group. Other major ethnic groups in the state include the Egba, Egbado, Awori, and Ijebu. The Egba people are the largest ethnic group in the state and are known for their rich cultural heritage, including the famous Egungun festival, which is celebrated annually in Abeokuta. The other ethnic groups in the state also have unique cultural practices, languages, and traditions that contribute to the state’s diversity.

Ogun State Tourism

Ogun State is a popular tourist destination in Nigeria, with several attractions that draw visitors from within and outside the country. Olumo Rock is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. It is a massive rock formation that rises over 130 meters above sea level and offers a panoramic view of the city of Abeokuta. Other tourist attractions in the state include Oyan Dam, Ijebu Ode Museum, and the ancient city of Ile-Ife, which is known for its rich history and culture.

Ogun State Natural Resources

Ogun State is rich in natural resources such as limestone, clay, kaolin, and quartzite. These resources are used for various industrial purposes, including cement production, ceramics, and construction. The state also has significant deposits of granite, which is used for road construction and building projects. The state’s natural resources have contributed to its economic growth and development, as they provide opportunities for investment, job creation, and revenue generation.

Ogun State First Democratic/Elected Governor

Olabisi Onabanjo was the first democratically elected governor of Ogun State. He was elected in 1979, following the return of civilian rule after years of military dictatorship. Onabanjo was a prominent politician and activist who fought for the rights of the people of Ogun State. He was known for his commitment to education, healthcare, and rural development, and his legacy lives on in the state.

Ogun State Higher Institutions

Ogun State is home to several higher institutions of learning, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Olabisi Onabanjo University, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and Tai Solarin University of Education are some of the prominent higher institutions in the state. There are also several polytechnics and colleges of education in the state, making a total of 21 higher institutions. The higher institutions in the state provide opportunities for education, research, and innovation, and have contributed to the state’s human capital development.

Ogun State : A Brief Overview

Date of Creation: Ogun State was created on February 3, 1976, from the former Western State.
State Name Meaning: The state is named after the Ogun River, which runs across it.
State Capital: The capital of Ogun State is Abeokuta.
State Slogan: The slogan of Ogun State is “Gateway State.”
State Border: Ogun State shares borders with Lagos State to the south, Oyo and Osun states to the north, Ondo State to the east, and the Republic of Benin to the west.
Geopolitical Region: Ogun State is in the Southwest geopolitical region of Nigeria.
Number of Local Govt: Ogun State has 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Number of Senatorial Districts: Ogun State has three senatorial districts.
Main Religion: Christianity and Islam are the main religions in Ogun State.
State Landmass: Ogun State is the 24th largest state in Nigeria, with a land area of 16,981 square kilometers.
State Population: According to the National Population Commission, Ogun State had an estimated population of 7.2 million people in 2021, making it the 10th most populous state in Nigeria.
Tribes/Ethnic Groups: The major ethnic groups in Ogun State are the Yoruba, Egba, Egbado, Awori, and Ijebu.
State Tourism: Ogun State is home to several tourist attractions, including Olumo Rock and Oyan Dam
State Natural Resources: Ogun State is rich in natural resources such as limestone, clay, kaolin, and quartzite.
First Democratic/Elected Governor: The first elected governor of Ogun State was Olabisi Onabanjo, who served from 1979 to 1983.
Higher Institutions: Ogun State is home to several higher institutions, including Olabisi Onabanjo University, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and Tai Solarin University of Education. There are also several polytechnics and colleges of education in the state, making a total of 21 higher institutions.