Top 15: Interesting Facts About Ebonyi State

Ebonyi State is a captivating state located in the southeastern region of Nigeria, with a rich history and diverse cultural heritage. This article will delve into various aspects of Ebonyi State, including its creation, geographical features, state capital city, religion, landmass, tourism, universities, tribes/ethnic groups, population, first democratic/elected governor, number of local governments, senatorial districts, natural resources, and prominent people. Additionally, we will highlight some intriguing facts about the state. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of Ebonyi State.

1. Creation And Region Of Ebonyi State

Ebonyi State is one of the 36 states in Nigeria and is located in the southeastern region of the country. It was created on October 1, 1996, during the military regime of General Sani Abacha. The state was carved out of the old Abia and Enugu States and was named after the famous river, Ebonyi.

2. Geographical Features

Ebonyi State shares borders with Benue State to the north, Enugu State to the west, Imo and Abia States to the south, and Cross River State to the east. The state covers an area of approximately 5,935 square kilometers and is situated in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

3. State Capital City

The capital of Ebonyi State is Abakaliki, which is also the largest city in the state. Abakaliki is a bustling city with a population of over 500,000 people. The city is known for its vibrant markets, cultural festivals, and tourist attractions.

4. State Slogan

The slogan of Ebonyi State is “Salt of the Nation”. This slogan was adopted to reflect the state’s commitment to providing solutions to the challenges facing Nigeria. Ebonyi State is known for its rich mineral resources, including lead, salt, limestone, and crude oil. The state is also a major producer of agricultural products such as rice, yam, cassava, maize, and beans.

5. Religion

Christianity and traditional religion are the predominant religions in Ebonyi State. The state is home to several churches and religious organizations, including the Catholic Church, Anglican Church, and Pentecostal churches. Traditional religion is also practiced by some people in the state, especially in rural areas.

6. Landmass

Ebonyi State has a land area of about 5,935 square kilometers. The state is relatively small compared to other states in Nigeria, but it is densely populated, with over 2.4 million people.

7. Tourism

Ebonyi State is home to several tourist attractions that attract visitors from within and outside Nigeria. The Amanchore Cave is a popular destination for tourists who want to explore the natural beauty of the state. Ndibe Beach is another popular tourist attraction that offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the scenic views of the state. The Salt Lake is also a unique tourist attraction that is known for its therapeutic properties.

8. Universities

Ebonyi State is home to two universities, namely Ebonyi State University and Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike. Ebonyi State University is a state-owned university that was established in 1999, while Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, was established in 2011. These universities offer a wide range of courses and programs in various fields of study.

9. Tribes / Ethnic

The main ethnic groups in Ebonyi State are the Igbo, Ezza, Izzi, and Ikwo. The Igbo people are the largest ethnic group in the state and are found in all the local government areas of the state. The Ezza, Izzi, and Ikwo people are also major ethnic groups in the state, and they are primarily found in the central and southern parts of the state. These ethnic groups have their unique cultures and traditions, which are reflected in their language, food, and way of life.

10. Population

According to the National Population Commission, Ebonyi State has a population of about 2.2 million people. This makes it one of the smaller states in Nigeria in terms of population. The majority of the population is made up of the Igbo ethnic group, with other ethnic groups such as the Yoruba, Hausa, and Fulani also present.

11. First Democratic/Elected Governor

Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu was the first elected governor of Ebonyi State, serving from 1999 to 2007. Prior to his election, Ebonyi State was part of the old Abia State. Dr. Egwu is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and has held several political positions in the country.

12. Number of Local Governments

Ebonyi State has 13 local government areas. These include Abakaliki, Afikpo North, Afikpo South, Ebonyi, Ezza North, Ezza South, Ikwo, Ishielu, Ivo, Izzi, Ohaozara, Ohaukwu, and Onicha.

13. Senatorial Districts

Ebonyi State has three senatorial districts, namely Ebonyi North, Ebonyi Central, and Ebonyi South. Each district is represented by a senator in the National Assembly.

14. Natural Resources

Ebonyi State is blessed with several natural resources, including lead, salt, limestone, zinc, and crude oil. These resources have the potential to drive the state’s economy, but their exploitation has been limited due to a lack of investment and infrastructure.

15. Prominent People

Some prominent people from Ebonyi State include former Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu, and former Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu. Other notable individuals from the state include Destiny Etinko, Cha Cha Eke, Angela Okorie, Patoranking, Tekno etc