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How The Five South-East States In Nigeria Got Their Names

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By Nnenna Joseph

There are five states in the southeastern region of Nigeria namely Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. These names, peripherally do not have direct language translation until there is an understanding of how the names were formed as described below.

Abia

Abia got its name as an acronym from the four main groups of people in the state as at the time it was formed in 1991: Aba Bende Isuikwuato Afikpo. Afikpo now a part of Ebonyi state was part of Abia state.

Abia is a state in the southeastern part of Nigeria. The capital is Umuahia, and the major commercial city is Aba, which was formerly a British colonial government outpost in the region, and is also one of the most populated areas in Nigeria. Abia state was created in 1991 from part of Imo State. It is one of the constituent states of the Niger Delta region. It’s also the 5th most industrialized state in the country, and has the 4th highest index of human development in the country, with numerous economic activities and fast-growing populations as recorded by the United nations early 2018. The state also houses the biggest cattle market in Nigeria.

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The state has 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) namely: Aba North, Aba South, Ukwa East and West, Ugwunagbo, Obingwa, Osisioma, Isiala Ngwa North and South, Umuahia North and South, Ikwuano, Bende, Isiukwuato, Ohafia, Nneochi, Arochukwu.

Anambra

The state got its name from the distorted version of Oma Mbala (Ànyịm Ọma Mbala), a popular river in the area. It is translated as Oma Mbala- A level wide land.

Anambra is a state in the southeastern part of Nigeria. The capital and seat of government are Awka. Onitsha, a historic port city from pre-colonial times is the largest urban area in the state. The state’s theme is “Light of the Nation”, formerly known as the ” Home for all”. Anambra has 181 towns within it and 21 local government Areas.

Anambra remains one of the few states in Nigeria with multiple urban areas which are Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia, Ihiala and Awka, the state capital.

Most of the population (97 percent) of Anambra State are members of the Igbo group who are widely known for their determination and great love for entrepreneurship. Anambarians often move to other states of Nigeria and every region of the world. Wherever they live, their hard work, humility, and entrepreneurial spirit make them stand out in all their activities. That is why Anambra State has the motto: Light of the nation.

Ebonyi

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Ebonyi is the anglicised version of ‘Aboine’, a river that cuts through Abakaliki, the state capital.

Ebonyi State is inhabited and populated primarily by the Igbo with the city of Abakaliki as its capital and largest city. Other major townships include Afikpo, Onueke, Ezzamgbo, Edda, Effium, Aba Omege, Amasiri, Unwana, Echara Ikwo, Egu-Ubia, Ụbụrụ, Onicha, etc.

Enugu

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Due to the many hills and rocky terrain in the area, the people named it in igbo, “Enu Ugwu” meaning “top of the hill”. The state is named after the anglicised version, Enugu.

created in 1991 from part of the old Anambra State. Its capital and largest city is Enugu, from which the state derives its name. It boasts of 17 local governments namely Aninri, Agwu, Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South, Ezeagu, Igbo Etiti, Igbo Eze North, Igbo Eze South, Isi Uzo, Nkanu East, Nkanu west, Nsukka, Oji River, Udenu, Udi, Uzo-uwani

Read Also: List Of Oil Well And Their Locations In South East States Of Nigeria

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Imo

Just like many of the Nigerian states, Imo took its name from the popular river, Imo Mmiri located at Okigwe Imo state. Its capital is Owerri and among the largest towns in the state. The state’s slogan is Eastern Heartland formally known as land of hope. There are 31 local governments in Imo state.

The state has natural resources such as crude oil, natural gas, lead, zinc, Iroko, mahogany, obeche, rubber trees and oil palm.

There are various points of interest in the state which include- Oguta lake, Imo wonder lake resort, Amadioha shrine, Nekede zoo, Ngwu spring, Ada palm, Amusement park among others.

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