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Anambra State is a
Nigerian Nigerians or the Nigerian people are citizens of Nigeria or people with ancestry from Nigeria. The name Nigeria was taken from the Niger River running through the country. This name was allegedly coined in the late 19th century by British jour ...
state, located in the southeastern region of the country. The state was created on August 27, 1991. Anambra state is bounded by Delta State to the west,
Imo State Imo State ( ig, Ȯra Imo) is a States of Nigeria, state in the South East (Nigeria), South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, bordered to the north by Anambra State, Rivers State to the west and south, and Abia State to the east. It takes its n ...
to the south,
Enugu State Enugu State ( ig, Ȯra Enugu) is a state in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, bordered to the north by the states of Benue and Kogi, Ebonyi State to the east and southeast, Abia State to the south, and Anambra State to the west. T ...
to the east and
Kogi State Kogi State is a state in the North Central region of Nigeria, bordered to the west by the states of Ekiti and Kwara, to the north by the Federal Capital Territory, to the northeast by Nasarawa State, to the northwest by Niger State, to the s ...
to the north. According to the 2022
census A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring, recording and calculating information about the members of a given population. This term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common censuses incl ...
report, there are over 9 million residents in the state. The state name was formed in 1976 from the former
East Central State East Central State is a former administrative division of Nigeria. It was created on 27 May 1967 from parts of the Eastern Region and existed until 3 February 1976, when it was divided into two states - Anambra and Imo. The area now comprises fi ...
. The state is named after Omambala River, a river that runs through the state. Anambra is the Anglicized name of the Omambala. The State capital is
Awka Awka () is the capital city of Anambra State, Nigeria. The city was declared capital on 21 August 1991, after the creation of Anambra and Enugu state, which moved the capital from Enugu to Awka (an administrative center since pre.-colonial times). ...
, a rapidly growing city that increased in population from approximately 700,000 to more than 6 million between 2006 and 2020. The city of
Onitsha Onitsha ( or just ''Ọ̀nị̀chà'') is a city located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, in Anambra State, Nigeria. A metropolitan city, Onitsha is known for its river port and as an economic hub for commerce, industry, and education. ...
, a historic port city from the pre-colonial era, remains an important centre of commerce within the state. Nicknamed the "Light of the Nation", Anambra State is the eighth most populous state in the nation, although that has seriously been argued against as
Onitsha Onitsha ( or just ''Ọ̀nị̀chà'') is a city located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, in Anambra State, Nigeria. A metropolitan city, Onitsha is known for its river port and as an economic hub for commerce, industry, and education. ...
, the state's biggest and most populous urban area was discovered to be over 8.5 million in population in 2020 by Africapolis which makes
Onitsha Onitsha ( or just ''Ọ̀nị̀chà'') is a city located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, in Anambra State, Nigeria. A metropolitan city, Onitsha is known for its river port and as an economic hub for commerce, industry, and education. ...
the second largest urban area in
Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...
by population and third in Africa. And also According to the 2019 Demographia world urban areas Onitsha is the 47th largest built-up urban areas in the world with more than 8 million populationsAnambra is a very populous state, despite being the second smallest in area. The area currently known as Anambra State has been the site of numerous civilizations since at least the 9th century AD, including the ancient
Kingdom of Nri The Kingdom of Nri () was a medieval polity located in what is now Nigeria. The kingdom existed as a sphere of religious and political influence over a third of Igboland, and was administered by a priest-king called an ''Eze Nri''. The ''Eze Nri ...
, whose capital was the historic town of
Igbo-Ukwu Igbo-Ukwu (English: ''Great Igbo'') is a town in the Nigerian state of Anambra in the south-central part of the country. The town comprises three quarters namely Obiuno, Ngo, and Ihite (an agglomeration of 4 quarters) with several villages within ...
within the state. Residents of Anambra State are primarily
Igbo Igbo may refer to: * Igbo people, an ethnic group of Nigeria * Igbo language, their language * anything related to Igboland, a cultural region in Nigeria See also * Ibo (disambiguation) * Igbo mythology * Igbo music * Igbo art * * Igbo-Ukwu, a ...
, with the
Igbo language Igbo ( , ; Igbo: ''Ásụ̀sụ́ Ìgbò'' ) is the principal native language cluster of the Igbo people, a meta-ethnicity from Southeastern Nigeria. The number of Igboid languages depends on how one classifies a language versus a dialect, so ...
serving as a
lingua franca A lingua franca (; ; for plurals see ), also known as a bridge language, common language, trade language, auxiliary language, vehicular language, or link language, is a language systematically used to make communication possible between groups ...
throughout the state. During the
Nigerian Civil War The Nigerian Civil War (6 July 1967 – 15 January 1970), also known as the Nigerian–Biafran War or the Biafran War, was a civil war fought between Nigeria and the Republic of Biafra, a secessionist state which had declared its independence f ...
(1967–1970), Anambra State was part of the secessionist
Republic of Biafra Biafra, officially the Republic of Biafra, was a partially recognised secessionist state in West Africa that declared independence from Nigeria and existed from 1967 until 1970. Its territory consisted of the predominantly Igbo-populated form ...
formed by Igbo nationalists. During the war, Anambra State was afflicted by a severe famine, which devastated much of the population. Today, Anambra State is a highly
urbanized ''Urbanized'' is a documentary film directed by Gary Hustwit and released on 26 October 2011. It is considered the third of a three-part series on design known as the Design Trilogy; the first being ''Helvetica'', about the typeface, and the seco ...
state, and has made major strides in reducing its
poverty rate Poverty is the state of having few material possessions or little
income
.


Etymology

The name Anambra is the merging of Anam and branch. Anam is a clan in the Omambala region and the last Igbo speaking community the British colonialists encountered while heading up to Northern Nigeria from across the riverine areas. They usually described present day Anambra as 'Anam branch' to their colleagues up North. Reason Anam together with some neighboring clans was Anambra LGA when the state was created. It is now Anambra-West LGA with Olumbanasa.


History

Anambra's history stretches to the 9th century AD, as revealed by archaeological excavations at
Igbo-Ukwu Igbo-Ukwu (English: ''Great Igbo'') is a town in the Nigerian state of Anambra in the south-central part of the country. The town comprises three quarters namely Obiuno, Ngo, and Ihite (an agglomeration of 4 quarters) with several villages within ...
and
Ezira Ezira is an Igbo speaking town in south eastern Nigeria in the Orumba South local government area, Anambra state, Ezira is also known as Eziha (Ozi Mba Ihe) which means "''showing others the light"'' in the indigenous language. It has four sate ...
. It has great works of art in iron, bronze, copper, and pottery. These have revealed a sophisticated divine Kingship administrative system, which held sway in the area of Anambra from c. 948 AD to 1911. In some towns, such as Ogidi and others, local families had hereditary rights to kingship for centuries. Great Britain recognised some of these traditional kings and leaders in their system of indirect rule of the Protectorate of South
Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...
. Beginning in the 19th century, they appointed some noble leaders as Warrant Chiefs, authorizing them to collect taxes, among other duties. Anambra is in the Igbo-dominated area that seceded as part of an independent Biafra in 1967, following rising tensions with Northern Nigeria. During the Nigerian/Biafran war (1967–1970),
Biafra Biafra, officially the Republic of Biafra, was a partially recognised secessionist state in West Africa that declared independence from Nigeria and existed from 1967 until 1970. Its territory consisted of the predominantly Igbo-populated form ...
n engineers constructed a relief airstrip in the town of Uli/Amorka (code named "Annabelle"). Extremely dangerous relief flights took off from
Sao Tome SAO or Sao may refer to: Places * Sao civilisation, in Middle Africa from 6th century BC to 16th century AD * Sao, a town in Boussé Department, Burkina Faso * Saco Transportation Center (station code SAO), a train station in Saco, Maine, U. ...
and other sites loaded with tons of food and medicine for the distressed Biafran population. Uli/Amorka airstrip was the site where American pilots such as Alex Nicoll, and scores of others, delivered tons of relief supplies to the Biafran population. Disgusted by the suffering and mounting death toll in
Biafra Biafra, officially the Republic of Biafra, was a partially recognised secessionist state in West Africa that declared independence from Nigeria and existed from 1967 until 1970. Its territory consisted of the predominantly Igbo-populated form ...
from starvation, as well as the continuous harassment of the relief planes by the
Nigerian Airforce The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is the air branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is the youngest branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is one of the largest in Africa, consisting of about 15,000 personnel and aircraft including eight Chinese ...
,
Carl Gustaf von Rosen Count Carl Gustaf Ericsson von Rosen (19 August 1909 – 13 July 1977) was a Swedish pioneer aviator, humanitarian, and mercenary pilot. He flew relief missions in a number of conflicts as well as combat missions for Finland (whose first mili ...
resigned as a
Red Cross The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a Humanitarianism, humanitarian movement with approximately 97 million Volunteering, volunteers, members and staff worldwide. It was founded to protect human life and health, to ensure re ...
relief pilot. He helped Biafra to form an airforce of five Minicoin planes
Malmö MFI-9 The Malmö Flygindustri MFI-9 Junior was a light aircraft produced in Sweden in the 1960s. The aircraft was also produced under licence in West Germany as the Bölkow Bo 208. Development The BA-7 was designed by and flown by him in prototype ...
stationed at the Uga airstrip. He named his tiny but effective air force " Babies of Biafra" in honour of the babies who died from starvation inside Biafra. Old Anambra State was created in 1976 from part of
East Central State East Central State is a former administrative division of Nigeria. It was created on 27 May 1967 from parts of the Eastern Region and existed until 3 February 1976, when it was divided into two states - Anambra and Imo. The area now comprises fi ...
, and its capital was
Enugu Enugu ( ; ) is the capital city of Enugu State in Nigeria. It is located in southeastern part of Nigeria. The city had a population of 820,000 according to the 2022 Nigerian census. The name ''Enugu'' is derived from the two Igbo words ''Énú ...
. In 1991 a re-organisation divided Anambra into two states, Anambra and
Enugu Enugu ( ; ) is the capital city of Enugu State in Nigeria. It is located in southeastern part of Nigeria. The city had a population of 820,000 according to the 2022 Nigerian census. The name ''Enugu'' is derived from the two Igbo words ''Énú ...
. The capital of Anambra is
Awka Awka () is the capital city of Anambra State, Nigeria. The city was declared capital on 21 August 1991, after the creation of Anambra and Enugu state, which moved the capital from Enugu to Awka (an administrative center since pre.-colonial times). ...
.


Geography


Cities and administrative divisions

With an annual population growth rate of 2.21 percent per annum, Anambra State has over 60% of its people living in urban areas. It is one of the most urbanized states in Nigeria. The major urban centres of Anambra State are
Onitsha Onitsha ( or just ''Ọ̀nị̀chà'') is a city located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, in Anambra State, Nigeria. A metropolitan city, Onitsha is known for its river port and as an economic hub for commerce, industry, and education. ...
, including Okpoko town, Ogbaru;
Nnewi Nnewi is a commercial and industrial city in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. It is the second largest and second most populous city in the southern part of the country. Nnewi as a metropolis has one local government area, which is Nnewi North ...
, and
Awka Awka () is the capital city of Anambra State, Nigeria. The city was declared capital on 21 August 1991, after the creation of Anambra and Enugu state, which moved the capital from Enugu to Awka (an administrative center since pre.-colonial times). ...
, the state capital. Awka and Onitsha had developed as pre-colonial urban centres: Awka was the craft industrial centre of the Nri hegemony. Onitsha is a city state on the Niger, having developed as a river port and commercial centre.
Onitsha Onitsha ( or just ''Ọ̀nị̀chà'') is a city located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, in Anambra State, Nigeria. A metropolitan city, Onitsha is known for its river port and as an economic hub for commerce, industry, and education. ...
is a fast-growing commercial city, and has developed to become a huge conurbation extending to Idemili, Oyi and Anambra East LGAs, with one of the largest markets in West Africa. In 2012 the tri-city area was dubbed the Onitsha-Nnewi-Awka (ONA) Industrial Axis, in recognition of the expanding industrial capacity.
Nnewi Nnewi is a commercial and industrial city in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. It is the second largest and second most populous city in the southern part of the country. Nnewi as a metropolis has one local government area, which is Nnewi North ...
(sometimes called the
Taiwan Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia, at the junction of the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest, Japan to the nort ...
of Nigeria) is a rapidly developing industrial and commercial centre. Designated as the state capital, Awka has regained its precolonial administrative eminence. Other main towns of Anambra state are:
Abagana Abagana is a town in Nigeria. It is the headquarters of Njikoka Local Government Area Anambra State and lies approximately 20 kilometers from Onitsha along the old Enugu- Onitsha Trunk A Road that divides the town into two halves. Abagana town ...
, Abba, Abacha,
Umueri Umueri, also known and pronounced as Umuleri, is an ancient town in the Anambra State of Southeastern Nigeria. The people of Umueri belong to the Igbo ethnic group, and the town has an estimated population of 1,500,000. It is located within the ...
,
Abatete Abatete is a Town in Anambra State in Nigeria. Abatete is bordered by Uke, Ogidi, Abacha, OraukwuAlor Ideani, Nimo, Eziowelle, Umuoji. It is located in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. It is made up of four villages namely : ...
, Achalla, Achina, Adazi Ani, Adazi-Enu,
Adazi-Nnukwu Adazi-Nnukwu is a town in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a countr ...
, Agukwu,
Aguleri Aguleri meaning Agulu nwa Eri (Agulu-Eri). This is because according to their traditional lores, Agulu is the son of Eri , son of Jacob. Lawrence Ozeh is an internet entrepreneur, in his essay, he opined that Aguleri is the cradle of Igbo peopl ...
,
Agulu Agulu is a large town in Anambra State, Nigeria. It is located in Anaocha Local Government Area. Agulu is under the Anambra Central Senatorial District. It is home to the Agulu Lake. Agulu community has prominent men and women in politics, indus ...
, Aguluezechukwu,
Aguluzigbo {{no footnotes, date=January 2013 Aguluzigbo is a Town in Anaocha Local Government of Anambra State, Nigeria. It comprises six villages: Iruowelle, Etuleze, Ihulu, Ufa, Ifite and Nduana. It is bordered by seven towns and they are Agulu, Ora-e ...
,
Ajalli Ajalli (pronounced as ''Ụjalị'' by the natives), is an Igbo speaking town in south eastern Nigeria. It is the headquarters of Orumba North local government area of Anambra State Anambra State is a Nigerian state, located in the southea ...
, Akpo,
Akpu Fufu (or fufuo, foofoo, foufou ) is a dough-like food found in West African cuisine. In addition to Ghana, it is also found in Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, Cote D'Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, th ...
, Akwaeze, Akwukwu, Alor, Amaetiti, Amansea, Amanuke, Amaokpala,
Amawbia Amawbia is a town in Awka South Local Government of Anambra State, Nigeria. The town has six surviving villages: Umueze, Ngene, Adabebe, Umukabia, Ezimezi and Enu-oji. From time immemorial, Amawbia had been an autonomous community, managing its ow ...
, Amesi, Amichi, Amorka, Anam, Anaku,
Atani Atani is a city on the eastern bank of the Niger River in Anambra State, Nigeria.Atani is the headquarter of Ogbaru Local Government Area, a Local Government in the Northern Senatorial District of Anambra State. It is one of the communities in O ...
, Awa,
Umueri Umueri, also known and pronounced as Umuleri, is an ancient town in the Anambra State of Southeastern Nigeria. The people of Umueri belong to the Igbo ethnic group, and the town has an estimated population of 1,500,000. It is located within the ...
, Awba-Ofemili,
Awgbu Awgbu is a town in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, South East of Nigeria. The town of Awgbu had an estimated population of 120,000 as at 2006. Awgbu town shares boundaries in the west with Agulu and Mbaukwu; in the east ...
,
Awka-Etiti Awka-Etiti, historically known as ''Awka-Diedo'' (); later mentioned as ''Awka-Nkakwu'' (''Okankaku'') by colonial authors, is an affluent town comprising seven villages in Idemili South local government area of Anambra state, Nigeria. The seven ...
,
Awkuzu Awkuzu is a town in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra state of Nigeria. Origin The story of Origin of Awkụzụ, Awkụzụ was one of the progenies of the fifth child of Eri his only daughter called Iguedo, who is also said to have borne ...
,
Azia Azia is a town in the Ihiala district of Nigeria. It is named after Azia Alamatugiugele who founded the settlement around 500 AD. References Citations Sources

* * Populated places in Anambra State {{coord, 5.879, 6.886, display=title ...
, Azigbo,
Ebenator Ozulogu Ebenator (popularly known as Ebenator Ozulogu) is a town in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria, predominantly occupied by Igbo speaking people. Ebenator is blessed with good weather and fertile lands, as it is ...
,
Ebenebe Ebenebe (English: Places and Places) is a town in the Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. The town has an estimated population of 45,897 according to the 2006 Nigerian Census. Ebenebe is made up of eight villages, each of ...
,
Ekwulobia Ekwulobia is an Igbo-speaking town in southeastern Nigeria. It is the one of the largest cities in Anambra State after Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi and their respective conurbations. It is the headquarters of the present Aguata local government a ...
,
Ekwulumili Ekwulumili is a town in the Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It shares boundaries in the north with the town of Igbo-Ukwu, in the south with the towns of Osumenyi Osumenyi is a town in Nnewi South Local government Are ...
, Enugwu-Adazi, Enugwu-Agidi,
Enugwu Aguleri Enugwu Aguleri is a community in Anambra state (Nigeria) with one of the oldest dynasty in South eastern Nigeria in which the kingdom has produced over thirty four kings of Aguleri, up to the 18th century, and has continued, in recent times, up ...
,
Enugwu Ukwu Enugwu Ukwu (English: ''on top of a high hill'') is a large town in Anambra State, Nigeria. Enugwu-Ukwu town is geographically situated on hilly terrain; thus it is named after its geographical topography. It is predominantly occupied by the Igb ...
, Ezinifite, Ezinihite,
Eziowelle Eziowelle is a town in Idemili North local government area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Eziowelle translates into English as 'a good place'. It is an agrarian community lying about twenty-three kilometers east of Onitsha. The Vatican Cardinal Fr ...
,
Ezira Ezira is an Igbo speaking town in south eastern Nigeria in the Orumba South local government area, Anambra state, Ezira is also known as Eziha (Ozi Mba Ihe) which means "''showing others the light"'' in the indigenous language. It has four sate ...
, Ichi, Ichida,
Ideani Ideani, sometimes spelled Ide Ani, is a town in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It is bordered by Uke in the West, Alor in the South and Abatete in the North and East."Ideani Quarterly" by Chief Stanley N. Mezue, Ike ...
, I fitedunu, Ifite-Ogwari, Igbakwu, Igbariam, Igbedor,
Igbo-Ukwu Igbo-Ukwu (English: ''Great Igbo'') is a town in the Nigerian state of Anambra in the south-central part of the country. The town comprises three quarters namely Obiuno, Ngo, and Ihite (an agglomeration of 4 quarters) with several villages within ...
,
Ihembosi Ihembosi is a town in Anambra State Nigeria, Located 20 miles south-east of the city of Onitsha and 7 miles south of Nnewi. It is under Ekwusigo local government Area of Anambra State. Ihembosi shares boundaries with Okija, Ukpor and Ozubulu. The ...
,
Ihiala Ihiala is a city in Nigeria, located in the southern part of Anambra State and within the region known as Igboland. It has long served as the local administrative capital of Ihiala Local Government Area. The Local Government Area has a population ...
, Ikenga, Inoma, Iseke, Isuaniocha, Isulo, Isuofia, Lilu, Mbosi, Mgbakwu, Mmiata Anam,
Nando Nando (from "News and Observer") was an American internet news service and Internet service provider (ISP), founded in 1993 by the publishers of ''The News & Observer'' newspaper in Raleigh, North Carolina. Initially it relied on access via bullet ...
, Nanka,
Nawfia Nawfia is a town in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Nawfia is surrounded by neighbouring towns namely Enugwu Ukwu, Awka (Umuokpu), Nise, Amawbia and Enugwu Agidi. It is predominantly occupied by the Igbo ethnic group and ...
, Nawfija, Nawgu, Ndikelionwu, Ndi-okpaleke, Ndiukwuenu,
Nibo Nibo is a town in Awka South, Anambra State, Nigeria. There are four major villages that make up the town, they are in order of seniority; Ezeawulu, Umuanum, Ifite and Ezeoye. Nibo is a community of cooperative men and women that work jointly for ...
, Nimo, Nise, Nkpologwu,
Nkpor Nkpor is a town in Idemili North local government area of Anambra state. The town of Nkpor had an estimated population of 109,377 in 2007. It is attached to the much larger city of Onitsha to the west, Nkwelle-Ezunaka to the north, Ogidi to the ...
,
Nkwelle-Ezunaka Nkwelle-Ezunaka is one of the five towns in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State Anambra State is a Nigerian state, located in the southeastern region of the country. The state was created on August 27, 1991. Anambra state is bound ...
, Neni, Nnobi, Nnokwa, Nsugbe,
Nteje Nteje is the headquarters of Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It is situated about 25 kilometres north-east of Onitsha by land route. It is located on the map along the longitude 6.45°E and the latitude 6.14°N. The land is f ...
,
Nzam Nzam is a town in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. The town has boundaries in the North with Inoma Akator; in the east with Mmiata Anam; in the west with the River Niger; and in the south with Umuenwelum Anam. Start ...
, Oba, Obeledu,
Obosi Obosi is a city in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. It is a city hosting one of the most famous market in Nigeria, Mgbuka Obosi, among others. it also hosts the metropolitan areas of Enekwasumpu, Ozalla, Army Barracks, Umuota and Awada which ...
, Ochuche-Umuodu,
Ogbunike Ogbunike is a town in the Oyi local government area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Location It is located about 15 kilometers east of Onitsha. The Onitsha-Enugu expressway cuts through its northern border. The town is bordered on the east by Umud ...
, Ogbunka, Ogidi, Ojoto,
Okija Okija is the largest town in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State in Southeast Nigeria. The town is the oldest of all the towns in Ihiala local government area, and one of the biggest towns in Igboland. The people of Okija are predominantly Christians. Ok ...
,
Oko OKO ( rus, ОКО, r=, literally means eye, also an abbreviation for Ob'yedinonnyye Kristallom Osnovaniya ( rus, Oбъединённые Кристаллом Oснования, r=, literally means Foundations Bound by a Crystal)) is a complex o ...
, Okpeze, Omasi, Omogho,
Omor Omor in Ayamelum local government area of Anambra state in Nigeria, is on the shores of the Omambala River. It is made up of the villages of Akanator, Aturia, Amikwe and Orenja. There have been communal clashes between Omor and Igbakwu locals o ...
, Onneh, Ora-Eri,e Oraifite, Oraukwu, Orsumoghu, Ossomala,
Osumenyi Osumenyi is a town in Nnewi South Local government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a countr ...
, Owerre-ezukala, Owelle-Olumbanasa,
Ozubulu Ozubulu is a larger town in Anambra State, Nigeria. It is the headquarters of the Ekwusigo Local Government Area. The town has an official Post Office. Its neighbouring towns are Nnewi, Ukpor, Ihembosi, Okija and Oraifite. Native religion is Om ...
, Ubuluisiuzor,
Ufuma Ufumaland (''Ana Uvume'') is one of the 16 major towns that make up the geo-political area called Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajee ...
, Uga, Ugbenne, Ugbenu,
Uke Uke may refer to: People * Uke Clanton (1898–1960), Major League Baseball first baseman who played for one season. Nicknamed "Cat", he played for the Cleveland Indians for one game on September 21, 1922 * Uke Rugova * Sıtkı Üke (1876 ...
,
Ukpo ''Mucuna'' is a genus of around 100 accepted species of climbing lianas (vines) and shrubs of the family Fabaceae: tribe Phaseoleae, typically found in tropical forests. The leaves are trifoliolate, alternate, or spiraled, and the flowers are pe ...
,
Ukpor Ukpor is the headquarters of Nnewi South Local Government Area in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria. Ukpor has a collection of villages, each coming from different quarters. Ukpor is noted for its hilly topography, with one of the most notable o ...
, Ukwalla-Olumbanasa, Ukwulu,
Uli Uli may refer to: *Uli, Iran, a village *Uli, Anambra, a town in Nigeria * Uli I of Mali * Uli (design), by the Igbo people of Nigeria * Uli figure, from New Ireland, Papua New Guinea *Uli (food), a rice-based food * ISO 639 code for the Ulithian ...
, Umuanaga,
Umuawulu Umuawulu is a town in Awka South Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State, Nigeria located at {{coord, 6, 09, 0, N, 7, 06, 0, E, source:enwiki-plaintext-parser, display=inline,title. The estimated population of Umuawulu by 2005 is 20,150. Acco ...
,
Umuchu Umuchu is one of the largest towns in Aguata local government area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Umuchu lies near the state border between Anambra and Imo States. It is connected by road to Umunze in the east and Igbo-Ukwu in the northwest. It is ho ...
,
Umudioka Umudioka is a town in Dunukofia Local Government Area in Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria. It is made up of 10 villages, and shares boundaries with neighbouring towns as follows: Ogidi, Ogbunike, Umunya, Umunnachi and Ifite Dunu. List of Vil ...
, Umueje, Umuerum, Umueze Anam,
Umuoba Anam Umuoba Anam is one of the villages of Anam (town) located in Anambra East Local Government Area, Anambra State in southeast Nigeria. Location Umuoba Anam is one of the three communities that make up Otuocha in Anambra East Local Government Ar ...
, Umudora Anam, Umumbo,
Umunnachi Umunnachi is a town in Dunukofia, Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria which is made up of five villages: Ozzuh, Mgbuke, Umueze, Nkwelle and Nagbana. It shares boundaries with neighboring towns as follows: Ogidi, Umudioka, Eziowelle and Ifite-D ...
, Umunankwo,
Umunya Umunya is an Olu Town and one of the five communities that make up Oyi Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State Nigeria. It is bordered by six neighbors: Ifite-Dunu, Awkuzu, Nteje, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Ogbunike, and Umudioka. In the south lies Umu ...
,
Umunze Umunze is the headquarters of Orumba south local government area in Anambra state of Nigeria. Its geographic coordinates are 5° 58′ 0″ north, 7° 13′ 0″ east. History The name Umunze was derived from the name of the originator "Nze" ...
,
Umuoji The Umuoji people are those whose roots can be traced to the town of Umuoji, in Idemili North - a local government area in Anambra State, Nigeria. These people are an Igbo speaking ethnic group, whose early history is adversely affected by a lack ...
, Umuomaku, Umuona Unubi, Odekpe-Oluumbanasa, Utuh, Odeh-Olumbanasa, Igbokenyi Olumbanasa, Odomagwu-Olumbanasa, and Allah/Onugwa-Olumbanasa.


Local government areas

Anambra State consists of 21
local government areas A local government area (LGA) is an administrative division of a country that a local government is responsible for. The size of an LGA varies by country but it is generally a subdivision of a state, province, division, or territory. The phrase i ...
. They are: *
Aguata Aguata is a Local Government Area in Anambra State in Nigeria, with its headquarters in Aguata (location of the headquarters office buildings), a major part of which falls into Aguluezechukwu, while the smallest part falls within the commercial ...
*
Awka North Awka North is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, south-central Nigeria. Towns that make up the local government are Awba Ofemili, Ugbene, Ebenebe Ebenebe (English: Places and Places) is a town in the Awka North Local Government Area of ...
*
Awka South Awka South'' Local Government Areas of Nigeria, Local Government Area (LGA) is made up of nine towns, namely, Amawbia, Awka, Ezinato, Isiagu, Mbaukwu, Nibo, Nise, Nigeria, Nise, Okpuno and Umuawulu. There are three major streets that span this area ...
*
Anambra East Anambra East is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, south-central Nigeria. Towns that make up the local government are Aguleri, Enugwu Aguleri, Eziagulu Otu Aguleri, Enugwu Otu Aguleri, Mkpunando-otu Aguleri, Ikem Ivite, Igbariam, Umuoba ...
*
Anambra West Anambra West is a Local Government Area in the northwestern part of Anambra State, Nigeria. Towns that make up the local government are Mmiata Anam, Umuoba-Abegbu Anam, Umuenwelum Anam, Owelle, Oroma-Etiti, Umueze Anam, Umudora Anam, Umuikwu A ...
*
Anaocha Anaocha is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in ...
*
Ayamelum Ayamelum is a local government area (LGA) in Anambra state, in the southeastern part of Nigeria with headquarters in Anaku. The towns that make up the local government are Omor, Umueje, Omasi, Igbakwu, Umumbo, Anaku, Umuerum and Ifite Ogwari. ...
*
Dunukofia Dunukofia is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria. Towns that make up the local government are Ukpo, the headquarters; Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Umunnachi, Umudioka, Ukwulu and Nawgu. It shares boundaries with Awka North, Idem ...
*
Ekwusigo Ekwusigo is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, south-central Nigeria. Towns that make up the local government are Ozubulu, Oraifite, Ichi and Ihembosi. Schools Here is the list of secondary schools in Ekwusigo Local Government Area: * Comm ...
*
Idemili North Idemili North is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, south-central Nigeria. Towns that make up the local government are Abacha, Abatete, Eziowelle, Ideani, Nkpor, Obosi, Ogidi, Oraukwu, Uke, Umuoji The Umuoji people are those whose roo ...
*
Idemili South Idemili South is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria. The headquarter is Ojoto secretariate and the estimated number of people is 159,631. The towns that make up the local government are Akwu-Ukwu, Alor, Awka-Etiti, Ojoto, ...
*
Ihiala Ihiala is a city in Nigeria, located in the southern part of Anambra State and within the region known as Igboland. It has long served as the local administrative capital of Ihiala Local Government Area. The Local Government Area has a population ...
*
Njikoka Njikoka is a Local Government Areas in Nigeria, Local Government Area in Anambra State, south-east Nigeria. Towns that make up the local government include Abagana, Enugwu-Agidi, Enugwu-ukwu, Nawfia, Nimo, Abba town, and Umuriam-Nawfia. Schools He ...
*
Nnewi North Nnewi North is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, south-central Nigeria. Nnewi is the only town in Nnewi North LGA. It has four villages (sub-towns) that make up the one-town local government, which includes; Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim and Nnewi- ...
*
Nnewi South Nnewi South is a Local Government Area in Anambra South Senatorial Zone of Anambra State, Nigeria. Its population is approximately 1 million. Ukpor is the headquarters of Nnewi South. Communities in Nnewi South Other towns that make up the local ...
*
Ogbaru Ogbaru is a local government area in Anambra State, south-central Nigeria. The area's local government headquarters is in the port city of Atani. History Ogbaru people are farmers as well as known warriors from its history; the Ogbaru people sh ...
*
Onitsha North Onitsha North is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, south-east Nigeria. Onitsha is the only town in Onitsha North and Onitsha South LGA. Climate Onitsha North LGA has an average temperature of 26°C. The dry and rainy season are the Two ...
*
Onitsha South Onitsha South is a Local Government Area in South Central Senatorial zone of Anambra State, Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of N ...
*
Orumba North Orumba North is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, East-central Nigeria. Towns The 16 major towns that make up the local government are as follows; *Awa, * Awgbu, *Omogho, *Ndiokpalaeze, *Ndiokolo, *Amaetiti, *Ndiokpalaeke, * Oko ...
* Orumba South *
Oyi Oyi is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. It is home to the Oyi people. The towns that make up the local government are Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Awkuzu, Ogbunike, Umuneba, Umunya and Nteje. Oyi/Ayamelum is a Federal Constituency ...


Location

Boundaries are formed by Delta State to the west,
Imo State Imo State ( ig, Ȯra Imo) is a States of Nigeria, state in the South East (Nigeria), South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, bordered to the north by Anambra State, Rivers State to the west and south, and Abia State to the east. It takes its n ...
and
Rivers State Rivers State, also known as Rivers, is a state in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria (Old Eastern Region). Formed in 1967, when it was split from the former Eastern Region, Rivers State borders include: Imo to the north, Abia and Akwa Ib ...
to the south,
Enugu State Enugu State ( ig, Ȯra Enugu) is a state in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, bordered to the north by the states of Benue and Kogi, Ebonyi State to the east and southeast, Abia State to the south, and Anambra State to the west. T ...
to the east, and
Kogi State Kogi State is a state in the North Central region of Nigeria, bordered to the west by the states of Ekiti and Kwara, to the north by the Federal Capital Territory, to the northeast by Nasarawa State, to the northwest by Niger State, to the s ...
to the north. The name was derived from the Anambra River (Omambala) which flows through the area and is a tributary of the
River Niger The Niger River ( ; ) is the main river of West Africa, extending about . Its drainage basin is in area. Its source is in the Guinea Highlands in south-eastern Guinea near the Sierra Leone border. It runs in a crescent shape through Mali, ...
. The indigenous ethnic groups in Anambra state are the
Igbo Igbo may refer to: * Igbo people, an ethnic group of Nigeria * Igbo language, their language * anything related to Igboland, a cultural region in Nigeria See also * Ibo (disambiguation) * Igbo mythology * Igbo music * Igbo art * * Igbo-Ukwu, a ...
(99% of population) and small population of people who are bilingual, they live mainly in the north-western part of the state. Anambra is the eighth-most populated state in the
Federal Republic of Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of G ...
and the second-most densely populated state in
Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...
after
Lagos State Lagos State ( yo, Ìpínlẹ̀ Èkó) is a States of Nigeria, state in South West (Nigeria), southwestern Nigeria. Of the 36 States of Nigeria, states, it is both the List of Nigerian states by population, most populous and List of Nigerian state ...
. The stretch of more than 45 km between the towns of Oba and Amorka contains a cluster of numerous thickly populated villages and small towns, giving the area an estimated average density of 1,500–2,000 persons per square kilometre.


Natural resources

Anambra is rich in
natural gas Natural gas (also called fossil gas or simply gas) is a naturally occurring mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons consisting primarily of methane in addition to various smaller amounts of other higher alkanes. Low levels of trace gases like carbo ...
,
crude oil Petroleum, also known as crude oil, or simply oil, is a naturally occurring yellowish-black liquid mixture of mainly hydrocarbons, and is found in geological formations. The name ''petroleum'' covers both naturally occurring unprocessed crude ...
,
bauxite Bauxite is a sedimentary rock with a relatively high aluminium content. It is the world's main source of aluminium and gallium. Bauxite consists mostly of the aluminium minerals gibbsite (Al(OH)3), boehmite (γ-AlO(OH)) and diaspore (α-AlO(O ...
, and
ceramic A ceramic is any of the various hard, brittle, heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials made by shaping and then firing an inorganic, nonmetallic material, such as clay, at a high temperature. Common examples are earthenware, porcelain ...
. It has an almost 100 percent arable soil. Anambra state has many other resources in terms of agro-based activities such as fisheries and farming, as well as land cultivated for pasturing and animal husbandry.


Oil and gas

In the year 2006, a foundation-laying ceremony for the first Nigerian private refinery, Orient Petroleum Refinery (OPR), was made at
Aguleri Aguleri meaning Agulu nwa Eri (Agulu-Eri). This is because according to their traditional lores, Agulu is the son of Eri , son of Jacob. Lawrence Ozeh is an internet entrepreneur, in his essay, he opined that Aguleri is the cradle of Igbo peopl ...
area. The Orient Petroleum Resource Ltd (OPRL), owner of OPR, was licensed in June 2002, by the Federal Government to construct a private refinery with a capacity of . In 2012, following the efforts of Governor
Peter Obi Peter Gregory Obi (born 19 July 1961) is a Nigerian businessman and politician who served as governor of Anambra from March to November 2006, February to May 2007, and from June 2007 to March 2014. In May 2022, he became the Labour Party can ...
and other stakeholders of Orient Petroleum, Anambra State became an oil-producing state. The indigenous company struck oil in the Anambra River basin. On 2 August 2015, the management of Orient Petroleum Resources Plc said the company planned to increase its crude oil production to 3,000 barrels per day by September 2015, as it stepped up production activities in two new oil wells in its
Aguleri Aguleri meaning Agulu nwa Eri (Agulu-Eri). This is because according to their traditional lores, Agulu is the son of Eri , son of Jacob. Lawrence Ozeh is an internet entrepreneur, in his essay, he opined that Aguleri is the cradle of Igbo peopl ...
oil fields. An indigenous company, Nails and Stanley Ltd, was to establish a gas plant at Umueje in
Ayamelum Ayamelum is a local government area (LGA) in Anambra state, in the southeastern part of Nigeria with headquarters in Anaku. The towns that make up the local government are Omor, Umueje, Omasi, Igbakwu, Umumbo, Anaku, Umuerum and Ifite Ogwari. ...
Local Government Area to support economic activities in the oil and gas industry in the state.


IDP camps for flood victims

Many internally displaced persons (IDP) have been set up in different locations in Anambra State to accommodate the flood victims who fled their homes for safety. About 27 Internally Displaced Persons camps have been provided by Anambra State government while flood victims provided emergency camps for themselves when the official camps cannot accommodate them.


Economy

Agriculture is an important economic sector in Anambra.
Oil palms ''Elaeis'' () is a genus of palms containing two species, called oil palms. They are used in commercial agriculture in the production of palm oil. The African oil palm ''Elaeis guineensis'' (the species name ''guineensis'' referring to its cou ...
,
maize Maize ( ; ''Zea mays'' subsp. ''mays'', from es, maíz after tnq, mahiz), also known as corn (North American and Australian English), is a cereal grain first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago. Th ...
,
rice Rice is the seed of the grass species ''Oryza sativa'' (Asian rice) or less commonly ''Oryza glaberrima ''Oryza glaberrima'', commonly known as African rice, is one of the two domesticated rice species. It was first domesticated and grown i ...
, yams and
cassava ''Manihot esculenta'', common name, commonly called cassava (), manioc, or yuca (among numerous regional names), is a woody shrub of the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae, native to South America. Although a perennial plant, cassava is extensively ...
are among the crops grown.
Fishing Fishing is the activity of trying to catch fish. Fish are often caught as wildlife from the natural environment, but may also be caught from stocked bodies of water such as ponds, canals, park wetlands and reservoirs. Fishing techniques inclu ...
is also part of the economic mainstay of Anambra State more especially for communities along the riverine areas. Anambra houses the first Nigerian vehicle manufacturer, Innoson, an automobile manufacturer, located in
Nnewi Nnewi is a commercial and industrial city in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. It is the second largest and second most populous city in the southern part of the country. Nnewi as a metropolis has one local government area, which is Nnewi North ...
. People all over
West Africa West Africa or Western Africa is the westernmost region of Africa. The United Nations defines Western Africa as the 16 countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Maurit ...
travel to
Onitsha Onitsha ( or just ''Ọ̀nị̀chà'') is a city located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, in Anambra State, Nigeria. A metropolitan city, Onitsha is known for its river port and as an economic hub for commerce, industry, and education. ...
to trade, which boost the internal revenue of the state, making it one of the top commercial towns in Africa. Anambra is a home of innovation, inventions and creativity. There has been several innovations in Anambra, due to its appreciation of education, which has added to the state's GDP. One of those was in 2018, when two brothers, Atikpo Chukwuebuka and Ubaka Chukwuebuka, were the first to invent a machine, that could wash off the bitterness from bitter leaf (a highly nutritious vegetable). This machine will greatly improve the productivity of vegetable farming in the state. The export of agricultural items is a continual boost to Anambra Internal Generated Revenue, as in 2017, $5 million was generated from the export of washed bitter leaf. There is a huge deposit of oil and gas in Nigeria, with the
Anambra Basin Anambra State is a Nigerian state, located in the southeastern region of the country. The state was created on August 27, 1991. Anambra state is bounded by Delta State to the west, Imo State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi Sta ...
having a great potential of 1000 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves untapped. Having more than 13 oil wells situated in Anambra, Anambra state has the capacity to produce more than 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day, with indigenous companies like Orient Petroleum, and Sterling Oil Exploration and Production Co. LTD (SEEPCO), already leading the way.


Transport

Anambra has good transport links to other states in the country. The
Niger River The Niger River ( ; ) is the main river of West Africa, extending about . Its drainage basin is in area. Its source is in the Guinea Highlands in south-eastern Guinea near the Sierra Leone border. It runs in a crescent shape through ...
connects
Onitsha Onitsha ( or just ''Ọ̀nị̀chà'') is a city located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, in Anambra State, Nigeria. A metropolitan city, Onitsha is known for its river port and as an economic hub for commerce, industry, and education. ...
with the ports of Port Harcourt in
Rivers State Rivers State, also known as Rivers, is a state in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria (Old Eastern Region). Formed in 1967, when it was split from the former Eastern Region, Rivers State borders include: Imo to the north, Abia and Akwa Ib ...
, and Bururu and
Warri The city of Warri is an oil hub within South-South Nigeria and houses an annex of the Delta State Government House. Warri City is one of the major hubs of the petroleum industry in Nigeria. Warri and her twin city, Uvwie are the commercial c ...
in Delta State. Nearing completion is the Second Niger Bridge at Onitsha.


Urbanization and structural planning

Since the late 1990s, there has been a migration from rural to urban areas in the state, resulting in Anambra becoming a highly urbanized state: 62% of its population lives in urban areas. In October 2015, the APGA-led state government of
Willie Obiano Willie Obiano (born August 8, 1955) is a Nigerian politician, banker and technocrat. He served as the fourth democratically elected Governor of Anambra State from 17 March 2014 to 17 March 2022. Early life Governor Obiano was born at Aguleri, a ...
, signed a memorandum of understanding with
Galway Galway ( ; ga, Gaillimh, ) is a City status in Ireland, city in the West Region, Ireland, West of Ireland, in the Provinces of Ireland, province of Connacht, which is the county town of County Galway. It lies on the River Corrib between Lo ...
modular housing company, Affordable Building Concepts International, for 10,000 housing units to be built in the state. Given decades of neglect of infrastructure and bad governance, the shift in human migration has posed problems for the state. Infrastructure improvements, both physical and social, have lagged behind the growth in population. There are problems in environmental sanitation, erosion control, and provision of social services. Major cities have become characterized by inadequate and deteriorated road networks and walkways, unregulated building patterns, poor sanitation, uncontrolled street trading, mountains of garbage, and chaotic transport systems, creating congestion, noise pollution, and overcrowding. The government of Peter Obi, with the assistance of the
UN-HABITAT The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United Nations programme for human settlements and sustainable urban development. It was established in 1977 as an outcome of the first United Nations Conference on Human Settlem ...
, produced 20-year structural plans (2009–2028) for three major cities in the State:
Onitsha Onitsha ( or just ''Ọ̀nị̀chà'') is a city located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, in Anambra State, Nigeria. A metropolitan city, Onitsha is known for its river port and as an economic hub for commerce, industry, and education. ...
,
Nnewi Nnewi is a commercial and industrial city in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. It is the second largest and second most populous city in the southern part of the country. Nnewi as a metropolis has one local government area, which is Nnewi North ...
and
Awka Awka () is the capital city of Anambra State, Nigeria. The city was declared capital on 21 August 1991, after the creation of Anambra and Enugu state, which moved the capital from Enugu to Awka (an administrative center since pre.-colonial times). ...
– the Capital Territory, to restore urban planning and guide their growth into the future. The plans contain policies and proposals for land use, city beautification, road infrastructure, industrial development, housing, waste disposal, water supply and health and educational facilities to turn the cities into successful urban areas that can generate employment and wealth, and provide high living standards for their residents. Anambra became the first state in Nigeria to adopt structural plans for its cities. With effective implementation, it should systematically grow as a major economic center in Nigeria, and West Africa. The process of urbanization is fairly contributed by population growth, immigration, migration, and infrastructure initiatives like good road, water, power, and gardens, resulting in the growth of villages into towns, town into cities and cities into metros. To have ecologically feasible development, planning requires an understanding of the growth dynamics. There is a fear that if too many people leave the villages, only the aged men and women will be left to farm. This pattern has been seen in Amesi, Akpo, and Achina towns in Aguata local government area. They have been important in the production of yam, cocoyam, and cassava through consistent agriculture, but such activities have suffered due to the out-migration of youth to the urban centres. There has been both food scarcity in the region and over-population in urban areas. To upgrade the state capital and improve traffic,
Awka Awka () is the capital city of Anambra State, Nigeria. The city was declared capital on 21 August 1991, after the creation of Anambra and Enugu state, which moved the capital from Enugu to Awka (an administrative center since pre.-colonial times). ...
, Governor
Willie Obiano Willie Obiano (born August 8, 1955) is a Nigerian politician, banker and technocrat. He served as the fourth democratically elected Governor of Anambra State from 17 March 2014 to 17 March 2022. Early life Governor Obiano was born at Aguleri, a ...
signed off on construction of three fly-overs between the
Amawbia Amawbia is a town in Awka South Local Government of Anambra State, Nigeria. The town has six surviving villages: Umueze, Ngene, Adabebe, Umukabia, Ezimezi and Enu-oji. From time immemorial, Amawbia had been an autonomous community, managing its ow ...
and Arroma end of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, a distance of about three kilometres within the city. Now Anambra is fully set to complete and start operations in one the best airports in Nigeria, Anambra International Airport, Umueri.


Culture and tourism

Ogbunike Caves, listed by
UNESCO The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. It ...
as a
World Heritage Site A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for h ...
, is one of the most visited tourist sites in Anambra State. It is classified as a sandstone cave (Lateritic sandstones of Campanian-Miocene age). The
Owerre Ezukala Owerre Ezukala is a town in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It has eight villages: Ihie, Isiafor, Iyiafor, Lete, Mkputu, Ogwuada, Okpoghota, and Okpu. The town is the location of the Ogbaukwu Cave, a limestone formatio ...
caves and waterfalls are great tourist attractions in the state. Largely unexplored, the caves are said to be the largest in West Africa.
Igbo Ukwu Igbo-Ukwu (English: ''Great Igbo'') is a town in the Nigerian state of Anambra in the south-central part of the country. The town comprises three quarters namely Obiuno, Ngo, and Ihite (an agglomeration of 4 quarters) with several villages within ...
Museum A museum ( ; plural museums or, rarely, musea) is a building or institution that cares for and displays a collection of artifacts and other objects of artistic, cultural, historical, or scientific importance. Many public museums make these ...
:
Igbo Ukwu Igbo-Ukwu (English: ''Great Igbo'') is a town in the Nigerian state of Anambra in the south-central part of the country. The town comprises three quarters namely Obiuno, Ngo, and Ihite (an agglomeration of 4 quarters) with several villages within ...
is an ancient town known for its astonishing metal crafts; it continues to attract tourists to see its bronze artifacts. First noticed in 1938, the bronzes were later excavated by
Thurstan Shaw Chief Charles Thurstan Shaw CBE FBA FSA (27 June 1914 – 8 March 2013) Winners' Chapel Living Faith Church Worldwide (also known as Winners' Chapel) is an Evangelical charismatic Christian denomination and a megachurch. The headquarters is located in Ota, Nigeria. The organization has since become a global network of churches w ...
, and
Christ Embassy Christ Embassy (also known as LoveWorld Incorporated or Believers' Loveworld) is a megachurch and Christian denomination founded by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome in 1987. The Church, with the headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, has since become a global ...
.


Education

Anambra is known to be leading in basic education in Nigeria, especially in science and technology. In 2018, five students from Regina Pacis Model secondary school,
Onitsha Onitsha ( or just ''Ọ̀nị̀chà'') is a city located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, in Anambra State, Nigeria. A metropolitan city, Onitsha is known for its river port and as an economic hub for commerce, industry, and education. ...
, won gold medals at the World Technovation Challenge, held in
Silicon Valley Silicon Valley is a region in Northern California that serves as a global center for high technology and innovation. Located in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area, it corresponds roughly to the geographical areas San Mateo County ...
,
San Francisco San Francisco (; Spanish language, Spanish for "Francis of Assisi, Saint Francis"), officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the commercial, financial, and cultural center of Northern California. The city proper is the List of Ca ...
.


Public tertiary institutions

* The
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, also called UNIZIK or NAU in short is a federal university in Nigeria. It consists of two campuses in Anambra State. Its main campus is in Awka (the capital of Anambra State), while its other campus is in Nnewi. ...
(UNIZIK), Awka, which runs a modern teaching hospital in
Nnewi Nnewi is a commercial and industrial city in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. It is the second largest and second most populous city in the southern part of the country. Nnewi as a metropolis has one local government area, which is Nnewi North ...
with facilities also at Umunya, and Ukpo. There are also a faculty of pharmaceutical sciences at
Agulu Agulu is a large town in Anambra State, Nigeria. It is located in Anaocha Local Government Area. Agulu is under the Anambra Central Senatorial District. It is home to the Agulu Lake. Agulu community has prominent men and women in politics, indus ...
, a School of Preliminary studies at Mbaukwu, and a College of Agriculture. * Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, formerly known as Anambra State University, and formerly known as Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH), with two campuses, one in Uli, and another at Igbariam * The
Federal Polytechnic, Oko Federal Polytechnic, Oko is a Nigerian polytechnic located in Oko, Anambra State. It was founded in 1979, and was previously known as the College of Arts, Science and Technology. Federal Polytechnic, Oko is one of is developing tertiary instit ...
* Nwafor Orizu University of Education (formerly known as the Nwafor Orizu College of Education), Nsugbe *
Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze The Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze is a Nigerian technical tertiary institution located in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It is affiliated to Nnamdi Azikiwe University for its degree pr ...
*Anambra State Polytechnic, formerly known Anambra State College of Agriculture, Mgbakwu


Private tertiary institutions

* The Tansian University,
Umunya Umunya is an Olu Town and one of the five communities that make up Oyi Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State Nigeria. It is bordered by six neighbors: Ifite-Dunu, Awkuzu, Nteje, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Ogbunike, and Umudioka. In the south lies Umu ...
*
Madonna University Madonna University is a private Roman Catholic university in Livonia, Michigan. It was founded as the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Junior College by the Felician Sisters in 1937. It became Madonna College in 1947 and Madonna Univers ...
,
Okija Okija is the largest town in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State in Southeast Nigeria. The town is the oldest of all the towns in Ihiala local government area, and one of the biggest towns in Igboland. The people of Okija are predominantly Christians. Ok ...
*
Paul University Paul University, Awka (PUA) is located in Awka, Anambra State in Nigeria. It is a private Christian University. It was founded in 2009 by Bishops of the five ecclesiastical provinces of the Anglican Church East of the Niger to provide undergraduat ...
,
Awka Awka () is the capital city of Anambra State, Nigeria. The city was declared capital on 21 August 1991, after the creation of Anambra and Enugu state, which moved the capital from Enugu to Awka (an administrative center since pre.-colonial times). ...
* Legacy University, Okija * St Peter's University, Achina with a campus at Onneh Townhttps://www.nigeriacatholicnetwork.com/peter-university-gets-approval-awka-ekwulobia-and-nnewi-dioceses-react/ * The UA College of Science & Technology Isuofia * The University of America College of Science and Technology. * Grundtvig Polytechnic, Oba * Buckingham Academy of Management and Technology, Ogidi * Onit College of Education, Mbaukwu
Awka Awka () is the capital city of Anambra State, Nigeria. The city was declared capital on 21 August 1991, after the creation of Anambra and Enugu state, which moved the capital from Enugu to Awka (an administrative center since pre.-colonial times). ...
, the state capital, is also the center of Nigeria's metalwork and carving industries. The literacy rate in the state is comparatively high compared to other states. Anambra State students have won laurels, nationally and internationally in recent times. This is a pointer to the literacy rate of the state, when compared to others. Primary and secondary school enrollment in the state is one of the highest in the country. Consequently, Anambra state has the highest number of
JAMB A jamb (from French ''jambe'', "leg"), in architecture, is the side-post or lining of a doorway or other aperture. The jambs of a window outside the frame are called “reveals.” Small shafts to doors and windows with caps and bases are know ...
candidates going after the limited number of spaces in Nigeria's tertiary colleges. From 2011/2012 to 2014, its students had the best results in both WAEC and NECO-conducted senior secondary school examinations. Anambra State has some of the best boarding and day secondary schools in Nigeria. The state places a high standard on secondary education.


Politics

Anambra's political history can be described as varied. Until the early 21st century, it was marked by considerable unrest. Having a long list of "firsts" in Nigerian history, it has been known by the sobriquet as, "The Light of The Nation". On 29 May ,1999,
Chinwoke Mbadinuju Chinwoke Mbadinuju (born 14 June 1945) was Governor of Anambra State in Nigeria from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2003, elected on the People's Democratic Party (PDP) platform. Early life and education Chinwoke Mbadinuju was born on 14 June 1945. H ...
was sworn in as civilian governor of Anambra state, after many years of military rule. His administration was plagued by deep problems: the most notable was withholding of teachers' salaries in the school. The teachers finally conducted a ten-month strike in all the government secondary schools in the state. Before Mbadinuju's rule, secondary education had been free of charge. His administration imposed a tuition fee of 3,000
Naira The naira (sign: ₦; code: NGN) is the currency of Nigeria. One naira is divided into 100 ''kobo''. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is the sole issuer of legal tender money throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It controls the volume ...
per term, for all secondary schools, which led to an unprecedented massive demonstration by secondary school students from all over the state. Many people attribute Mbadinuju's failure to political godfathers; his successor also struggled. On 26 May 2003,
Chris Ngige Chris Nwabueze Ngige (born 8 August 1952) is a Nigerian politician and medical doctor. He is the current Minister of Labour and Employment of Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari's administration. He was elected Senator for Anambra Central ...
was sworn in as the new governor of the state, but he was removed in March 2006 after Peter Obi of APGA filed charges against him of electoral malpractice. The Court of Appeal in Enugu asserted that Ngige's apparent victory in the 2003 election was fraudulent and ordered him to leave the seat. Obi was ousted by a faction of the
Anambra State House of Assembly 'Anambra State House of Assembly'' is the Legislative Branch of the Anambra State Anambra State is a Nigerian state, located in the southeastern region of the country. The state was created on August 27, 1991. Anambra state is bounded by De ...
on 2 November 2006 and replaced by Virginia Etiaba, his deputy. On 9 February 2007, Etiaba handed power back to Obi after the Court of Appeal had nullified Obi's removal. On 14 April 2007, Andy Uba of PDP was "elected" as the new governor of the state and, on 29 May, was sworn in. Reported to be massively rigged, the election was widely criticised. On 14 June 2007 the Supreme Court of Nigeria ruled that Peter Obi's tenure had not ended; therefore there was no vacancy in the governorship. It removed Andy Uba from office and replaced him with his predecessor Obi. On 6 February 2010, Peter Obi was re-elected governor for a second term of four years, after a hot contest with
Chris Ngige Chris Nwabueze Ngige (born 8 August 1952) is a Nigerian politician and medical doctor. He is the current Minister of Labour and Employment of Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari's administration. He was elected Senator for Anambra Central ...
, a former governor of the state; Prof. Charles Soludo, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; and Andy Uba, who was a strong voice in the state's politics. Other contenders included Mrs Uche Ekwunife, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, and many others. Twenty-five contestants ran for the office. Obi was affirmed as the winner of the election, having more than 30% votes above the immediate runner-up. Chief
Willie Obiano Willie Obiano (born August 8, 1955) is a Nigerian politician, banker and technocrat. He served as the fourth democratically elected Governor of Anambra State from 17 March 2014 to 17 March 2022. Early life Governor Obiano was born at Aguleri, a ...
was sworn in on 17 March 2014 after winning the 16 November 2013 election. Governor
Willie Obiano Willie Obiano (born August 8, 1955) is a Nigerian politician, banker and technocrat. He served as the fourth democratically elected Governor of Anambra State from 17 March 2014 to 17 March 2022. Early life Governor Obiano was born at Aguleri, a ...
of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was sworn in for a second term in office on 17 March 2018 after the victory at 18 November 2017 elections . He handed over to Charles Soludo, winner of the November 9, 2021 gubernatorial election in Anambra state on 17 March 2022.


Notable people

* Professor Chinua Achebe – native of Ogidi and best known for the classic, ''Things Fall Apart''; first African writer whose books are standard curricula in schools and universities across the world. * Chimamanda Adichie – writer, won the Orange Prize for Fiction (2007) and a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship (2008) * Dora Akunyili – ex-head of NAFDAC, and former (17 December 2008 – 15 December 2010) Minister of Information won international awards for cleansing Nigeria of the scourge of fake drugs * Emeka Anyaoku – first black secretary-general of the Commonwealth of Nations, Commonwealth and recipient of South Africa's Order of the Companions of Oliver Reginald Tambo for his role in initiating talks between the apartheid state and the African National Congress * Cardinal Francis Arinze – once considered a potential Pope * Ukpabi Asika – political scientist and administrator from Onitsha; East Central State administrator during and after the
Nigerian Civil War The Nigerian Civil War (6 July 1967 – 15 January 1970), also known as the Nigerian–Biafran War or the Biafran War, was a civil war fought between Nigeria and the Republic of Biafra, a secessionist state which had declared its independence f ...
* Adaeze Atuegwu - author and disability inclusive advocate * Nnamdi Azikiwe Owelle of
Onitsha Onitsha ( or just ''Ọ̀nị̀chà'') is a city located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, in Anambra State, Nigeria. A metropolitan city, Onitsha is known for its river port and as an economic hub for commerce, industry, and education. ...
– first president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria * Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy MBE (Order of the British Empire), MBE – London-based artist; first black artist to paint a portrait of Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth II; one of the UK Women of the Year in 2002 and 2003; represented the UK at the Council of Europe; in 2009 she was made an MBE (Order of the British Empire), MBE * Chief Oliver De Coque – popular Nigerian highlife musician and guitarist * Professor Kenneth Dike – pre-eminent scholar of African History and native of Awka; first indigenous vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan and founder of the National Archives * Cyprian Ekwensi – Nigerian National Honours, MFR, writer of international repute * Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme – from Oko Town, Oko town; politician; architect; first executive vice-president of Nigeria, serving 1979–1983 * Philip Emeagwali – winner of the 1989 Gordon Bell Prize for Supercomputing * Buchi Emecheta Author and Sociologist * Bonaventure Enemali – commissioner for Youth Empowerment and Creative Economy * Professor Ben Enwonwu – native of Onitsha; first Nigerian sculptor of international repute with artwork gracing the United Nations headquarters * Ken Erics – multi-award-winning Nollywood actor, producer, CEO of KEN ERICS Productions, writer and occasional musician * Ezego – entrepreneur who allegedly amassed wealth through dubious and diabolical means * Chukwuemeka Ezeife – former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential Adviser on Political Matters to President * Flavour (musician), Flavour (Chinedu Okoli) – popular singer and songwriter * Cletus Ibeto – industrialist and businessman from Nnewi * Chukwuemeka Ike – writer of many books including ''Toads forSsupper'', ''Bottled Leopard'', and ''Expo 77''; hails from Ndikelionwu in Anambra State; was the traditional ruler Ikelionwu XI; first registrar of the West African Examination Council * Godwin Maduka – doctor, businessman, philanthropist, founder of Las Vegas Pain Institute and Medical Center *
Chinwoke Mbadinuju Chinwoke Mbadinuju (born 14 June 1945) was Governor of Anambra State in Nigeria from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2003, elected on the People's Democratic Party (PDP) platform. Early life and education Chinwoke Mbadinuju was born on 14 June 1945. H ...
- Former Governor of Anambra State * Hon. Ifeanyi Chudy Momah – lawyer and legislator; Honorable Member representing Ihiala in the Federal House of Representatives * Ebube Muonso – religious leader * Dr
Chris Ngige Chris Nwabueze Ngige (born 8 August 1952) is a Nigerian politician and medical doctor. He is the current Minister of Labour and Employment of Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari's administration. He was elected Senator for Anambra Central ...
- Former Governor of Anambra State * Flora Nwapa Author and pioneer Africa woman writer in Igboland * Emeka Nwokedi – conductor and music director * Professor Humphrey Nwosu, Humphrey Nwobu Nwosu – professor of political science; former NEC chairma; conducted the freest, fairest and most credible election so far in Nigeria *Oseloka H. Obaze (born 1955) – diplomat, politician and author * Professor Chike Obi – mathematician famous for his work on non-differential equations; won the 1985 ICTP Prize and developed a special solution for Fermat's Last Theorem; *
Peter Obi Peter Gregory Obi (born 19 July 1961) is a Nigerian businessman and politician who served as governor of Anambra from March to November 2006, February to May 2007, and from June 2007 to March 2014. In May 2022, he became the Labour Party can ...
- Former Governor of Anambra State * Lieutenant-General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor – appointed as military advisor, Assistant Secretary General Office of Military Affairs, UN Office of Peacekeeping Operations, New York; previously served as commander of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Artillery Brigade in Liberia in 1996 and 1997 * Emeka Offor – chairman of Chrome Group * Dim Emeka Ojukwu – native of
Nnewi Nnewi is a commercial and industrial city in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. It is the second largest and second most populous city in the southern part of the country. Nnewi as a metropolis has one local government area, which is Nnewi North ...
, the leader of the secessionist
Biafra Biafra, officially the Republic of Biafra, was a partially recognised secessionist state in West Africa that declared independence from Nigeria and existed from 1967 until 1970. Its territory consisted of the predominantly Igbo-populated form ...
Republic * Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu – native of Nnewi; first Nigerian millionaire and first president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange * Chuba Okadigbo, Dr. Senator Chuba Wilberforce Okadigbo (1941–2003) – native of
Ogbunike Ogbunike is a town in the Oyi local government area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Location It is located about 15 kilometers east of Onitsha. The Onitsha-Enugu expressway cuts through its northern border. The town is bordered on the east by Umud ...
; president of the Senate of Nigeria * Professor Uche Okeke – native of Nimo; one of the foremost Nigerian fine artists; founder of the Uli movement * Ifeoma Okoye Novelist * Chief P.N. Okeke-Ojiudu – politician and Businessman and the first minister of agriculture in the Nigerian first republic * Pius Okigbo, Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON – world-renowned economist; first economic advisor to the Federal government of Nigeria (1960–1962); first Nigerian Ambassador to the European Community; renowned for bringing to light over $12 billion missing in oil windfall receipts from the Central Bank of Nigeria during the first Gulf War * Amobi Okoye – youngest American football player to play for the NFL (2004), currently a free agent * Professor Samuel Okoye – black Africa's first PhD in Radio Astronomy; with Antony Hewish of the University of Cambridge, discovered the radio source of Crab Nebula neutron star * Chinyere Stella Okunna – first Nigerian female professor in mass communication * Azuka Okwuosa – former Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Transport * Azikiwe Peter Onwualu – former director general and chief executive officer of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council * Chi Onwurah – British Labour Party (UK), Labour Party politician, elected at the 2010 general election as the Member of Parliament for Newcastle-upon-Tyne Central, becoming the first female British MP of African origin * Allen Onyema – Chairman of Air Peace * Oscar N. Onyema – Nigerian National Honours, OON, chief executive officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and chairman of Central Securities Clearing System * Nwafor Orizu – hails from Nnewi,
Nnewi South Nnewi South is a Local Government Area in Anambra South Senatorial Zone of Anambra State, Nigeria. Its population is approximately 1 million. Ukpor is the headquarters of Nnewi South. Communities in Nnewi South Other towns that make up the local ...
; first Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria * Osita Osadebe – popular Nigerian highlife musician; holds the Nigerian record for the highest selling album * Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe *P-Square (Peter and Paul Okoye) – identical twins and Afro-R&B giants * Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo – famous economist who spearheaded Nigerian economic reform from 1999 to 2008; ex-head of the Central Bank of Nigeria * Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi (born in
Aguleri Aguleri meaning Agulu nwa Eri (Agulu-Eri). This is because according to their traditional lores, Agulu is the son of Eri , son of Jacob. Lawrence Ozeh is an internet entrepreneur, in his essay, he opined that Aguleri is the cradle of Igbo peopl ...
, Anambra State, 1903 – died Leicester, England, 1964) – ordained a Roman Catholic priest of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Archdiocese of Onitsha, Nigeria; later a Cistercian monk at Mount Saint Bernard Monastery in England; Pope John Paul II Beatification, beatified him in 1998 * Fabian Udekwu (1928–2006) – professor of surgery and trailblazer of open heart surgery in Africa * Chief Jerome Udoji – from Ozubulu; social reformer; first African to be made a District Officer by the Colonial Administration * Chuka Umunna – British Labour Party (UK), Labour Party Member of Parliament for Streatham constituency


See also

* Anam * Uli, Anambra


References


External links

*
Anambra.ng portal
– official information site {{Portal bar, Nigeria Anambra State, States of Nigeria States in Igboland States and territories established in 1991