Longing to know the southeast states in Nigeria? This article is the ultimate guide for you. So, let’s begin!
The South-Eastern part of Nigeria is one of the six(6) geopolitical zones in the country.
This geopolitical zone was carved out in 1967 from Eastern Nigeria. This was between 1967 and 1975, during the Gowon administration.
This region is dominated by the Igbo speaking states and Igbo is their major language. They have a smaller landmass when compared with the northwest states. These states are rich in mineral resources and the natives are said to be industrious.
The population in this region is about 16,381,729 according to the 2006 census.
This blog post is a list of the southeast states in Nigeria. Notable facts about them, such as their natural resources and tertiary institutions would also be included.
Read on!!
THE SOUTHEAST STATES
The southeastern region of Nigeria is made up of five (5) states.
The southeast states in Nigeria include:
- Abia
- Anambra
- Ebonyi
- Enugu
- Imo
Now let’s look at some facts about the individual states; starting with the first on the list; Abia State.
ABIA STATE
With its capital as Umuahia, Abia State was created in 1991. It has Aba as one of its major commercial hubs and cities. The state is bounded to Imo State by the west, and it was carved out from it.
Abia state occupies a geographical area of 6,320km² in size. When it comes to rivers, the Imo and Aba rivers are the most important in the state.
This state houses quite several businesses ranging from manufacturing companies, pharmaceutical firms, and textile industries.
Also, Abia is one of the oil and gas producing states in Nigeria and produces up to 36,000 barrels of crude oil per day. It contributes over 25% of the state’s GDP.
The Universities and polytechnics situated in this state include:
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture
- Abia State University
- Gregory University
- Rhema University
- Abia State Polytechnic
Anambra State
Awka as its capital, Anambra state shares boundaries with Delta, Enugu, Kogi, and Imo and Rivers; to the west, east, north, and south respectively. The state’s slogan is ‘Light of the nation’.
It has Onitsha as it’s a major commercial hub. Reason being that Onitsha is the most important area of the state where businesses are done daily.
The state has 21 local government areas with Nnewi town, considered to produce the richest Igbo businessmen within the state.
Natural gas, crude oil, bauxite are some of the natural resources found in Anambra State.
The universities situated in this state include:
- Nnamdi Azikwe University
- Chukwuemeka Odumegbu Ojukwu University
Ebonyi State
With Abakaliki as its capital, Ebonyi State was created in 1996. It was created during the military era. The state was carved out from Enugu and Abia state. Its slogan is ‘salt of the nation’. Ebonyi has 13 Local Government Areas.
This state is known for its large salt deposit at the Uburu and Okposi Salt Lakes.
Ebonyi produces crops such as potatoes, rice, yam, cassava, and maize.
The tertiary institutions situated in this state include:
- Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
- Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo
- Ebonyi State College of Education Ikwo
- Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana
- College of Health Sciences, Ezzamgbo
- Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu.
Enugu State
Enugu is the capital of Enugu State. Enugu state was created in 1991 from old Anambra during Babaginda’s regime. The state’s slogan is ‘coal city’. This might be because it has an abundance of natural resources. It is a major state in the southeastern region of Nigeria.
During the time of the British colonization in the country, the state’s coals were mined in great quantity and transported to England.
The major cities in the state are Enugu, Nsukka, Agbani, and Awgu.
This state houses the first indigenous university in Nigeria, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Other prominent universities in the state include:
- Enugu State University of Science & Technology
- Institute of Management and Technology
- The Federal Cooperative College, Oji River
- Enugu State College of Education Technical, Enugu…among others.
Imo State
Owerri is the capital of Imo State, and it happens to be the state’s largest city. Imo is considered to be the richest Igbo speaking states in Nigeria.
The state is also one of the oil-producing states in the country. Crude oil, natural gas, calcium carbonate, zinc, and lead are some of the natural resources found in the state.
Imo State houses major petroleum companies; in the likes of Addax petroleum, Agip, Chevron Corporation, and Royal Dutch Shell. There are 163 oil wells at 12 different locations in the state.
The state produces cash crops such as; cotton, melon, oil palm, rice, raffia palm, groundnut, cocoa, maize, and rubber. Crops like cassava, cocoyam, maize, and yam are also produced in the state in large quantities.
Some notable tertiary institutions situated in this state include:
- Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO)
- Imo State University (IMSU)
- Federal Polytechnic Nekedde
- Alvan Ikoku College of Education
Conclusion
During the Nigerian Civil War, the southeastern region was initially divided into twelve (12) states. This was later divided into these five (5) states listed above.
With the information above, you would see that there are a lot of mineral resources found in these regions of Nigeria. Some of which include; coal, natural gas, bronze, crude oil, and others.
Please, feel free to share your thoughts below, about the list of southeast states in Nigeria.