| Capital: |
Umuahia |
| Area: |
7,627.20sq
kilometres |
| Population: |
2,764,738
(1997 FOS est.) |
| Language: |
Igbo |
Location
The state is
bordered to the east and south east by Cross
River and Akwa Ibom States respectively while it
shares its southern borders with Rivers State
where the Imo River demarcates the two states.
History
Abia State was
carved out of Imo State on 27th August, 1991.
The name "Abia" is an acronym from the
first letters of the four groups of people: Aba,
Bende, Isuikwuato and Afikpo, (with the
creation of Ebonyi state Afikpo ceased to be
part of Abia State) that constitute the
state. The Area known as Abia State was
part of the then East Central State created by
the Military Government of General Gowon on May
27th, 1967. On 3rd February 1976, the area
also became part of Imo State created by
the Federal Military Government of the late
General Murtala Muhammad.
Agriculture
The state
produces both food and cash crops. The
main food crops in the state are yam, rice,
cassava, plantain, banana, maize and cocoyam
while cash crops are palm produce, cocoa and
rubber.
Mineral
Resources
The state is
blessed with rich mineral resources: petroleum
which is mined in parts of Ukwa and Ukwa East
local government areas, natural gas found and
extracted from the oil rich areas of Ukwa, salt
mined in the Uburu/Okposi salt lakes of Ohaozara
local government area. Lead and zinc are
also available in some parts of the state.
Industries such as Nigeria Breweries, Aba
Textile Mills and International Glass industry (IGI)
are all in Aba, while Golden Guinea Breweries
and modern Ceramics are situated in Umuahia.
Education
Abia State
University at Uturu, and the Akanu Ibiam
Polytechnic at Uuwana-Afikpo.
Tourism
Major tourist
attractions include the National War Museum in
Umuahia, Azumini Blue River in Ukwa East and the
Long Juju of Arochukwu. The Ohafia war
dancers, textile weavers of Akwete, the pottery
works of Ishiagu all form part of the rich
cultural heritage of Abia State.
Local
Government Areas
Aba North, Aba
South, Arochukwu, Bende, Ikwuano, Isiala-Ngwa
North, Isiala-Ngwa South, Isuikwato, Obi Nwa,
Ohafia, Osisioma Ngwa, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa East,
Ukwa West, Umuahia North, Umuahia South,
Umu-Neochi
Links
Schools
on The Web:
Contact
State
Liason Office:
Plot 1221B, Bishop Oluwole Street.
Victoria Island, Lagos.
Tel: 01-617537
