Abia State, Nigeria is a state in southeastern Nigeria created in 1991 from part of Imo State. The citizens are predominantly Igbo. The capital is Umuahia, although the major commercial city is Aba, formerly a British colonial government outpost. Arochukwu is the third largest city. Abia is sometimes referred to as "the Japan of Africa" due to its numerous factories.

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.
Abia State University is one of the eleven state universities which complement the Federal University System in Nigeria. These state academic institutions were created to expand admissions and bring professional skills, expertise and modern research facilities close to the city and rural dwellers; and have helped talented students to obtain Higher education.

The Abia State Polytechnic is also in the city of Aba.

UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE Umudike, Umuahia

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.

People

The people of Abia State are predominantly traders and Aba is regarded as one of the largest commercial towns in the country. Its people are travellers and they are found in nearly all the commercial cities of the world in pursuit of business contacts and transaction.

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:
T.Y. Danjuma Street, Asokoro, Abuja

Plot 1221B, Bishop Oluwole Street.
Victoria Island, Lagos.
Tel: 01-617537.