Top 25: Interesting Facts About Edo State, Nigeria
Edo State is a state located in the southern part of Nigeria. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and history, as it was once the capital of the ancient Benin Kingdom. The state has several diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, savannas, and wetlands, and is home to several tourist attractions such as the Benin City National Museum and Okomu National Park.
Edo State has produced several prominent people, including former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and footballer Victor Moses. The state is divided into three senatorial districts and has 18 local government areas. Get ready to discover the wonders of this unique and vibrant state in Nigeria.
Interesting Facts About Edo State, Nigeria
1. Edo State Creation
Edo State was created on August 27, 1991, during the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. Prior to its creation, the area now known as Edo State was part of the old Bendel State, which was created in 1963. The creation of Edo State was part of the Nigerian government’s efforts to decentralize power and promote regional development.
2. Edo State Border
Edo State shares borders with four other states in Nigeria: Delta State to the west, Ondo State to the east, Kogi State to the northeast, and Anambra State to the north. These borders are marked by rivers such as the Niger River and the Benue River, which flow through the state.
3. Edo State Geopolitical Region
Edo State is part of the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. This region is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural resources, and diverse population. The South-South region is made up of six states, including Edo State, and is located in the southern part of Nigeria.
4. Edo State Capital
The capital city of Edo State is Benin City. Benin City is one of the oldest cities in Nigeria and is known for its rich history and culture. The city was the capital of the ancient Benin Kingdom, which was one of the most powerful kingdoms in West Africa.
5. Edo State Slogan
The slogan of Edo State is “Heartbeat of the Nation”. This slogan was adopted by the state government in the early 2000s to promote the state’s tourism potential and economic development. The slogan reflects the state’s central location in Nigeria and its importance to the country’s economic and political life.
6. Religion In Edo State
The majority of the people in Edo State practice Christianity and traditional African religions. Christianity was introduced to the area by European missionaries in the 19th century and has since become the dominant religion. Traditional African religions are also widely practiced, especially in rural areas. These religions are based on the worship of ancestral spirits and the forces of nature.
7. Edo State Landmass
Edo State has a landmass of approximately 19,187 square kilometers. The state is located in the southern part of Nigeria and is home to several diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, savannas, and wetlands. The state’s geography is characterized by rolling hills, valleys, and rivers, which provide fertile land for agriculture.
8. Tourism In Edo State
Edo State is home to several tourist attractions that draw visitors from all over Nigeria and the world. The Benin City National Museum is one of the most popular attractions in the state. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and artworks that tell the story of the ancient Benin Kingdom, which was one of the most powerful kingdoms in West Africa. Other popular tourist attractions in Edo State include the Okomu National Park, which is a protected rainforest that is home to several species of wildlife, and the Ososo Hills, which are a popular destination for tourists who want to explore the natural beauty of the state.
9. Higher Institutions In Edo state
Edo State is home to several higher institutions of learning, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The University of Benin is one of the most prestigious universities in Nigeria and attracts students from all over the country. Ambrose Alli University is another popular university in the state, located in Ekpoma. Igbinedion University is a private university located in Okada, which was founded by Sir Gabriel Igbinedion, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, others includes Federal Polytechnic, Auchi and Edo Polytechnic, Usen.
10. Tribes / Ethnic In Edo state
The major ethnic groups in Edo State are the Edo( Benin), Esan, and Afemai people. The Edo people are the largest ethnic group in the state and are known for their rich cultural heritage and history. The Esan people are located in the central part of the state and are known for their agricultural practices and traditional festivals. The Afemai people are located in the northern part of the state and are known for their traditional dances and music. There are also some Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Yoruba and Igbo (Igbanke) in the state.
11. Population Of The State
According to the 2006 National Census, the population of Edo State was approximately 3.2 million people. Edo State is the 7th most populous state in Nigeria, after Lagos, Kano, Oyo, Rivers, Katsina, and Kaduna. The population of the state has continued to grow in recent years, due to the state’s economic growth and development.
12. First Democratic/ Elected Governor In Edo State
The first democratically elected governor of Edo State was Chief John Odigie Oyegun, who served from 1992 to 1993. Chief Oyegun was a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and was elected in the first general elections held after the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida stepped down. Chief Oyegun was succeeded by Chief Lucky Igbinedion in 1999.
13. Local Governments In Edo State
Edo State is divided into 18 local government areas. These local government areas are further divided into wards, which are headed by elected councilors. The local government areas are responsible for providing basic services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation to the people in their areas.
14. Senatorial Districts In Edo State
Edo State is divided into three senatorial districts: Edo South, Edo Central, and Edo North. Each senatorial district is represented in the Nigerian Senate by a senator who is elected by the people in the district. The senatorial districts are also used for administrative purposes, such as the allocation of resources and the planning of development projects.
15. Natural Resources In Edo State
Edo State is blessed with several natural resources that contribute to its economy. The state is rich in crude oil, which is extracted by several oil and gas companies, including the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC). The state also has large deposits of limestone, which is used in the production of cement. Timber is another natural resource found in Edo State, and the state government has established several forest reserves to protect the state’s forests.
16. Prominent People In Edo State
Edo State has produced several prominent people who have excelled in various fields. Musician Osayomore Joseph is another prominent person from Edo State, known for his unique style of music that blends traditional African rhythms with modern beats. Footballer Victor Moses is also from Edo State and has played for several top clubs in Europe, including Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC. Other prominent people from Edo State include Augustus Aikhomu former vice president under Ibrahim Babangida military administration, Mike Akhigbe, Chief of General Staff under Abdulsalami Abubakar military regime, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, and Professor Grace Alele-Williams, the first female Vice-Chancellor of a Nigerian university.
Other Fascinating Facts includes;
17. Edo State was part of the defunct Bendel State until 1991
Edo State was created on August 27, 1991, when the old Bendel State was divided into two states: Edo State and Delta State. Prior to its creation, the area now known as Edo State was part of the old Bendel State, which was created in 1963.
18. Edo State came into existence after Delta State was created out of the then Bendel State on August 27, 1991.
Edo State was created as a result of the Nigerian government’s efforts to decentralize power and promote regional development. The creation of Edo State was part of a larger process of state creation that took place in Nigeria in the 1990s.
19. Its capital, Benin City, was also the capital of the defunct Mid-Western Region, which was excised from the defunct Western Region in 1963, renamed Midwestern State in 1967 and further renamed Bendel State in 1976.
Benin City has a rich history and was once the capital of the ancient Benin Kingdom, which was one of the most powerful kingdoms in West Africa. The city served as the capital of the defunct Mid-Western Region, which was created in 1963 and later renamed Bendel State in 1976. Today, Benin City is the capital of Edo State.
20. Bendel was derived from the old Benin and Delta provinces
The name “Bendel” was derived from the old Benin and Delta provinces, which were merged to form the old Bendel State in 1963. The name was later changed to Edo and Delta States in 1991 when the state was divided into two.
21. The name of the Government House in Benin is Dennis Osadebay House
The Government House in Benin City is named after Dennis Osadebay, the first and only premier of the defunct Midwest Region. Mr. Osadebay was a prominent politician and nationalist who played a key role in Nigeria’s struggle for independence.
22. Mr Osadebay was the first and only premier of the defunct Midwest Region hence the Government House was named after him
Mr Osadebay hailed from Asaba, the present capital of Delta State.
Dennis Osadebay was a prominent politician and nationalist who was instrumental in the creation of the Midwest Region. He served as the premier of the region from 1963 to 1966. The Government House in Benin City was named after him in recognition of his contributions to the development of the region.
23. Edo has nine federal constituencies
Edo State is divided into nine federal constituencies, each of which is represented in the Nigerian House of Representatives by a member elected by the people in the constituency. The federal constituencies are used for administrative purposes, such as the allocation of resources and the planning of development projects.
24. Upon the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999, Edo State was governed by Lucky Igbinedion of the PDP. He was governor for two terms between 1999 and 2007.
Lucky Igbinedion was the first democratically elected governor of Edo State after the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999. He was a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and served as governor for two terms between 1999 and 2007. During his tenure, he implemented several policies and programs aimed at promoting economic development and improving the lives of the people in the state.
25. Edo State was ruled previously by five military governors (and administrators) between 1991 and 1999.
Before the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999, Edo State was ruled by five military governors and administrators between 1991 and 1999. These military rulers were appointed by the Nigerian government and had the power to make and enforce laws in the state. The return of democracy in 1999 marked a new era of governance in Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.