Ondo State: Interesting Facts About The Sunshine State

Ondo State is one of the 36 states in Nigeria, located in the southwestern part of the country. It was created on February 3, 1976, from the former Western State. The state has a population of over 4 million people and covers an area of 15,500 square kilometers. Ondo State is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and diverse economic activities. In this article, we will explore some interesting facts about Ondo State that you may not know.

Creation Of Ondo State

Ondo State was created alongside other states on February 3, 1976, during the military regime of General Murtala Mohammed. The state was carved out of the old Western State and was originally made up of six administrative divisions. The state was later split into 18 local government areas.

Ondo State meaning

The name “Ondo” is derived from the Yoruba word “Ondó” which means “the settlement in the upland.” This name is believed to have been given to the area due to its location on the highlands of the Yoruba region.

Ondo State Capital

The capital of Ondo State is Akure, which is located in the central part of the state. Akure is a major commercial and administrative center in the state and is home to several government institutions, businesses, and educational institutions.

Ondo State Slogan

Ondo State is often referred to as the “Sunshine State” due to its abundant sunshine and warm weather. The state is known for its beautiful beaches, natural attractions, and vibrant culture.

Ondo State Border

Ondo State shares borders with six other states in Nigeria. To the north, it shares a border with Ekiti State, while to the northeast, it shares a border with Kogi State. To the east, it shares a border with Edo State, while to the southeast, it shares a border with Delta State. To the southwest, it shares a border with Ogun State, and to the northwest, it shares a border with Osun State. These borders make Ondo State an important transportation hub in the southwestern region of Nigeria.

Ondo State Geopolitical Region

Ondo State is located in the South-West geopolitical region of Nigeria. This region is one of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria and is made up of six states, including Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo.

Ondo State Of Local Governments

Ondo State has 18 local government areas. These local government areas are Akoko North-East, Akoko North-West, Akoko South-East, Akoko South-West, Akure North, Akure South, Ese Odo, Idanre, Ifedore, Ilaje, Ile Oluji/Okeigbo, Irele, Odigbo, Okitipupa, Ondo East, Ondo West, Ose, and Owo.

Ondo State Senatorial Districts

Ondo State has three senatorial districts, which are Ondo North, Ondo Central, and Ondo South. Each senatorial district is represented by a senator in the Nigerian National Assembly.

Ondo State Main Religion

Christianity and Islam are the main religions in Ondo State, although traditional religions are also practiced. Christianity is more dominant in the southern part of the state, while Islam is more dominant in the northern part.

Ondo State Landmass

Ondo State is located in the southwestern part of Nigeria and has a total area of 15,500 square kilometers, making it the 25th largest state in Nigeria. The state is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and has a coastline of about 180 kilometers. The state is mostly covered by tropical rainforest, savannah, and coastal vegetation.

Ondo State Population

According to the 2006 census, Ondo State had a population of 3,441,024, making it the 19th most populous state in Nigeria. The state has a diverse population made up of several ethnic groups, including the Yoruba, Ikale, Ilaje, and Ondo people. The state also has a significant population of non-indigenous people who have migrated to the state for business, education, or other reasons.

Tribes/Ethnic Groups In Ondo State

The major ethnic groups in Ondo State are the Yoruba, Ikale, Ilaje, and Ondo people. The Yoruba are the largest ethnic group in the state and are predominantly found in the central and southern parts of the state. The Ikale and Ilaje people are mainly found in the coastal areas of the state, while the Ondo people are mainly found in the northern part of the state.

Ondo State Tourism

Ondo State is home to several tourist attractions that draw visitors from within and outside Nigeria. Some of the popular tourist attractions in the state include the Idanre Hills, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features beautiful natural scenery and historical landmarks. The Owo Museum of Antiquities is another popular attraction that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the state. Other tourist attractions in the state include the Ebomi Lake, Igbo Olodumare (Sacred Forest), and the Owena River.

Ondo State Natural Resource

Ondo State is rich in natural resources such as bitumen, kaolin, and timber. The state has one of the largest bitumen deposits in the world, which is found in the Agbabu area of the state. The state is also known for its large deposits of kaolin, which is used in the production of ceramics and other industrial products. The state’s timber industry is also a major contributor to its economy, with large areas of forest reserves and plantations.

First democratic/elected governor

Michael Adekunle Ajasin was the first elected governor of Ondo State, serving from 1979 to 1983. Ajasin was a prominent politician and activist who played a key role in the struggle for Nigeria’s independence and democracy. He was a member of the Unity Party of Nigeria and was known for his progressive policies and commitment to social justice.

Higher Institutions In Ondo State

Ondo State has several higher institutions that provide quality education to students from within and outside the state. Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko is a state-owned university that was established in 1999 and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo is another state-owned institution that offers vocational and technical education to students. The Federal University of Technology, Akure is a federal institution that is known for its excellence in science and technology education. The state also has several other private and public institutions of higher learning.

Ondo State: A Brief Overview

Date of creation: Ondo State was created on February 3, 1976, alongside other states during the military regime of General Murtala Mohammed.
State name meaning: The name “Ondo” is derived from the Yoruba word “Ondó” which means “the settlement in the upland.”
State capital: The capital of Ondo State is Akure.
State slogan: “Sunshine State”
State border: Ondo State shares borders with Ekiti State to the north, Kogi State to the northeast, Edo State to the east, Delta State to the southeast, Ogun State to the southwest, and Osun State to the northwest.
Geopolitical region: Ondo State is located in the South-West geopolitical region of Nigeria.
Number of local governments: Ondo State has 18 local government areas.
Number of senatorial districts: Ondo State has three senatorial districts.
Main religion: Christianity and Islam are the main religions in Ondo State, although traditional religions are also practiced.
State landmass: Ondo State is located in the southwestern part of Nigeria and has a total area of 15,500 square kilometers, making it the 25th largest state in Nigeria.
State population: According to the 2006 census, Ondo State had a population of 3,441,024, making it the 19th most populous state in Nigeria
Tribes/ethnic groups: The major ethnic groups in Ondo State are the Yoruba, Ikale, Ilaje, and Ondo people.
State tourism: Ondo State is home to several tourist attractions, including the Idanre Hills, Owo Museum of Antiquities, Ebomi Lake, and the Igbo Olodumare (Sacred Forest).
State natural resource: Ondo State is rich in natural resources such as bitumen, kaolin, and timber.
First democratic/elected governor: Michael Adekunle Ajasin was the first elected governor of Ondo State, serving from 1979 to 1983.
Higher institutions: Ondo State has several higher institutions, including Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, and Federal University of Technology, Akure.