Top 20: Amazing Facts About Delta State, Nigeria
Delta state is a state located in the southern part of Nigeria, with its capital city in Asaba. It is one of the oil-producing states in Nigeria and is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse ethnic groups, and beautiful tourist attractions. The state is home to over 4 million people and covers an area of about 17,698 square kilometers.
Delta state is also known for its vibrant economy, with agriculture, fishing, and oil and gas production being major contributors to its GDP. Additionally, the state is home to several higher institutions of learning, including the Delta State University, which attracts students from all over the country. This article will highlight some interesting facts about Delta State, Nigeria.
Top 20: Amazing Facts About Delta State, Nigeria
1. Delta State Creation
In 1991, Delta State was created by the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) following the persistent demands of the people of the then Delta Province and the Anioma people. The Anioma people had initially requested a separate Niger State before Niger State was created in the North, but they later agreed to a state with a capital at Asaba or a new city called Anioma City. In contrast, the people of the old Delta Province advocated for Warri as the capital. To satisfy both groups, IBB named the state after the Delta Province and designated Asaba as the capital. This decision was a strategic move to unite the people of Delta State and promote peace and development in the region.
2. Delta State Region
Delta State is situated in the southern part of Nigeria and shares borders with four other states. To the north is Edo State, while Bayelsa State is to the south. Anambra State is located to the east of Delta State, and to the west is Ondo State. The state’s strategic location makes it a hub for economic activities and trade between these states.
3. Delta State Produces Crude Oil
As one of the six states in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Delta State is an important contributor to the region’s economic growth and development. The state is known for its high production output of crude oil, which is a major source of revenue for both the state and the country.
4. Delta State’s Slogan
Delta State’s slogan, “The Finger of God,” is a reflection of the state’s rich cultural heritage and natural resources. The slogan is also a reference to the belief that the state is divinely blessed and has been endowed with abundant resources that have contributed to its growth and development over the years.
5. Delta state religion
Delta State is a religiously diverse state, with Christianity and Islam being the major religions practiced in the state. However, there are also traditional religions that are still practiced by some communities in the state. The state is home to several churches, mosques, and shrines, which are significant places of worship for the different religious groups in the state.
6. State Landmass
With a landmass of about 17,698 square kilometers, Delta State is the third most populous state in Nigeria, with over 4 million people. The state’s population is made up of different ethnic groups, including the Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Isoko, and Delta Igbo. The state’s population density is highest in the urban areas, with cities like Warri, Asaba, and Sapele having the highest concentration of people. The state’s population growth has been attributed to its economic opportunities and the availability of social amenities.
7. Delta State Population
The National Population Commission of Nigeria has estimated that Delta State has a population of about 4,098,291 as of 2021. The state’s population is made up of different ethnic groups, including the Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Isoko, and Delta Igbo. The state’s population density is highest in the urban areas, with cities like Warri, Asaba, and Sapele having the highest concentration of people. The state’s population growth has been attributed to its economic opportunities and the availability of social amenities.
8. First Democratically Elected Governor Of Delta State
Felix Ibru was a prominent Nigerian politician and businessman who made history as the first democratically elected governor of Delta State. He served as governor from January 1992 to November 1993, during which he implemented several policies and programs aimed at promoting economic growth and development in the state.
9. Delta State’s Capital City
Delta State’s capital city is Asaba, which serves as the administrative center of the state. Asaba is a bustling city that is home to several government institutions, including the State House of Assembly and the Governor’s Office. In recent years, Asaba has also emerged as a commercial hub, attracting businesses and investors from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.
On the other hand, Warri is the commercial and oil base of Delta State. The city is a major center for oil and gas activities, with several oil companies having their headquarters and operational bases in the city. Warri is also home to several markets, businesses, and industries, making it a hub for commerce and trade in the state.
Interestingly, Warri also houses an annex of the State Government House, which makes it an “assistant capital” of Delta State. This decision was taken by the government to address the complaints of the riverine-based Deltans who felt that Asaba was too far away from them. The government decided to open a government house in Warri to bring the government closer to the people and ensure that their needs were adequately addressed. This move has helped to foster a sense of inclusiveness and unity among the people of Delta State, as they feel that their voices are being heard and their concerns addressed by the government.
10. Ethnic Groups In Delta State
Delta State is a culturally diverse state, with five major ethnic groups occupying different parts of the state. These ethnic groups are:
a. The “Delta Igbos”: This group includes the Ika (Agbor), Enuani (Asaba), Ukwuani/Ndokwa (Kwale) people. They have a population of about 1.5 million and occupy the Delta North senatorial district. Although they are linguistically Igboid, they do not perceive themselves as Igbos culturally. The Enuanis (Asaba) have some cultural affinities with Igbos, while the Ukwuanis have cultural ties with Urhobo/Isoko due to long contact. Collectively, they are known as ANIOMA people, an acronym derived from Aniocha, Ndokwa, Ika, and Oshimili, which means “good land”.
b. Urhobo: The Urhobos are the largest and dominant ethnic group in Delta State, with a numeric strength of well over 2 million. They occupy 10 Local Government Areas in Delta State, including Warri, Ughelli, Effurun, and Sapele. They are republican in nature, and their monarchies are largely rotational rather than hereditary.
c. Isoko: This group is related to Urhobo, although it is recognized as a distinct group. They occupy two Local Government Areas in Delta South and were formerly known as Eastern Urhobo.
d. Ijaw: The Ijaws are mainly riverine-based people and occupy about 6 Local Government Areas in Delta South.
e. Itsekiri: The Itsekiris occupy about 4 Local Government Areas in Delta State, and their culture is a mix of Edo, Yoruba, Urhobo, and Ijaw. They have one of the richest cultures in the entire South and are also one of the most educated people in Delta State.
f. Olukumi: This is a Yoruboid group that occupies 1 Local Government Area in Delta State. They are mostly bilinguals who can speak Igbo as well as their language. They occupy Ugbodu and its surrounding areas in Aniocha North and are the micro-minority of Delta State.
Despite the diversity of these groups, there are some things that tie all Deltans together. One of them is their connection to Old Benin, which is evident in their cultural practices and traditions. Another is the use of the Delta brand of pidgin, which is spoken everywhere in Delta State, especially in the Warri axis. This pidgin is a unique blend of different languages and is a symbol of the state’s cultural diversity and unity.
11. Delta State derives its name from the point where the River Niger empties into the ocean, forming a delta. The state was originally known as the Warri Province until 1952 when the title of the Olu of Itsekiri was changed to the Olu of Warri, causing ethnic unrest among the non-Itsekiri people of the province. To pacify these people, the name Delta Province was adopted, which eventually became Delta State.
12. Cities In Delta state
Delta State boasts several modern cities with top-notch infrastructure and leisure facilities. These cities include:
a. Warri: This city connects Delta South and Delta Central and is mainly inhabited by Itsekiri and Urhobo people. The “real Warri” is mainly in Warri South LGA, although the metropolitan area now covers other LGAs such as Uvwie, Okpe, and Udu. Warri is a bustling city with a high population density and is home to several companies and firms.
b. Asaba: Asaba is the capital city of Delta State and is located at the extreme periphery of the state towards Onitsha. It is surrounded by the River Niger and is mainly inhabited by Igbo-speaking people. Asaba is a relatively peaceful and calm city with virgin land and modern infrastructure. It is a commercial hub, with its commercial center located on Nnebisi Road.
c. Ughelli: Ughelli is a city in Delta Central and is considered the major Urhobo homeland and city. It connects the interior parts of Isoko and Urhoboland and is home to several companies and firms. The Ovie of Ughelli is a first-class monarch who commands respect in the state.
d. Agbor: Agbor is the main city of the Ika people of Delta North and is a commercial city that connects Edo State with Delta State. It is a hilly city ruled by the Dein (or Obi) of Agbor.
e. Sapele: Sapele is a city that connects Delta Central and Delta South, mainly inhabited by the Okpe-Urhobo people and ruled by the Orodje of Okpe. It also has a large population of Itsekiri people. Sapele was known for timber and rubber trading in the past, but today, it is home to several companies and firms. Its original Urhobo name was Urhiapele.
13. Airport In Delta State
Delta State is one of the few states in Nigeria with two airports. The international airport is located in Asaba, while the domestic airport is in Osubi, near Warri. The state also has a seaport in Warri, with naval bases located in Warri, Sapele, and Oghara. Transportation within the state is affordable and convenient, with the “Uduaghan bus” being a popular means of intra-city transportation.
14. Tertiary Institutions in Delta State
Delta State has a high number of tertiary institutions, with more being established regularly. Deltans place a high value on education and are known to perform excellently in their academic pursuits. Some of the notable tertiary institutions in Delta State include:
- Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun
- Delta State University (with campuses in Abraka, Oleh, and Asaba)
- Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku
- Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara
- Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro
- College of Education, Agbor
- College of Education, Warri
- Federal College of Education (Technicality ( ), Asaba
- College of Physical Education, Mosogar
- School of Health Technology, Ofuoma-Ughelli
- Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun
- Western Delta University, Oghara
- Novena University, Ogume-Amai
- National Open University of Nigeria, Asaba Study Center
- Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu
- Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Warri
- Conarina School of Maritime & Transport Technology, Oria-Abraka
- University of Information and Communication Technology, Agbor
- State School of Midwifery, Asaba
- School of Nursing, Agbor
- School of Nursing, Warri
- Baptist School of Nursing, Eku
- Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Ughelli
- Eagle Heights University, Omadino, Warri
- Nigerian Naval School, Sapele
- Nigerian Navy Maritime University, Ibusa
15. Natural Resources In Delta state
Delta State is endowed with various natural resources, including crude oil, natural gas, limestone, kaolin, and silica sand, making it a valuable asset to the Nigerian economy.
16. Delta State Tourism
Delta State boasts several iconic tourist attractions, including the source of the River Ethiope (a tree) in Umuaja, the Lander Brothers anchorage in Asaba, Nana Living Museum in Koko, Olu Cemetery in Warri, Bible Site in Araya, natural white spring water resorts in Abraka, the Olu Palace in Warri, and the Ovie Palace in Ughelli.
17. Prominent People In Delta state
Delta State is home to several prominent people, including Ayo Oritsejafor, James Manager, and Michael Ibru, among others. Deltans are known for their peaceful, hospitable, and warm nature, despite negative portrayals in the media. They are friendly, detribalized, intelligent, smart, and politically conscious, dominating the comedy business in Nigeria and featuring prominently in sports, entertainment, politics, and business.
