Abia State ( ig, Ȯha Abia) is a

state State may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Literature * ''State Magazine'', a monthly magazine published by the U.S. Department of State * ''The State'' (newspaper), a daily newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina, United States * ''Our S ...

in the South-East geopolitical zone 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 o ...

, it is bordered to the north and northeast by the states of Enugu, and

Ebonyi Abakaliki is a Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. It's headquarters are in the town of Nkaliki. It has an area of 443 km and a population of 126,837 based on the census conducted i2006. Thehe postal code A postal code (a ...

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 west,

Cross River State ) , image_map = Nigeria - Cross River.svg , map_alt = , map_caption = Location of Cross River State in Nigeria , coordinates = , coor_pinpoint ...

to the east,

Akwa Ibom State Akwa Ibom State is a state in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, bordered on the east by Cross River State, on the west by Rivers State and Abia State, and on the south by the Atlantic Ocean. The state takes its name from the Qua Iboe ...

to the southeast, 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. It takes its name from the acronym for four of the state's most populated regions: Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Afikpo. The state capital is

Umuahia Umuahia () is the capital city of Abia State in southeastern Nigeria. Umuahia is located along the rail road that lies between Port Harcourt to its south,and Enugu city to its north. Umuahia has a population of 359,230 according to the 2006 Nige ...

while the largest city and commercial centre is Aba. Abia is the 32nd largest in area and 27th most populous with an estimated population of over 3,720,000 as of 2016. Geographically, the state is divided between the

Niger Delta swamp forests The Niger Delta swamp forests is a tropical moist forest ecoregion in southern Nigeria. It consists of freshwater swamp forests in the Niger Delta of the Niger River. This swamp forest is the second largest in Africa, after the Congolian swamp f ...

in the far south and the drier

Cross–Niger transition forests The Cross–Niger transition forests are a tropical moist broadleaf forest ecoregion of southeastern Nigeria, located between the Niger River on the west and the Cross River on the east. Once a rich mixture of tropical forest and savanna woodlan ...

with some savanna in the rest of the State. Other important geographical features are the Imo and Aba Rivers which flow along the Abia's western and southern borders, respectively. Modern-day Abia State has been inhabited for years by various ethnic groups, but it is predominantly inhabited by the

Igbo people The Igbo people ( , ; also spelled Ibo" and formerly also ''Iboe'', ''Ebo'', ''Eboe'', * * * ''Eboans'', ''Heebo''; natively ) are an ethnic group in Nigeria. They are primarily found in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. A ...

. In the pre-colonial period, what is now Abia State was a part of

Arochukwu Arochukwu Local Government Area, sometimes referred to as Arochuku or Aro Oke-Igbo, is the third largest local government area in Abia State (after Aba and Umuahia) in southeastern Nigeria and homeland of the Igbo subgroup, Aro people. It is ...

-based

Aro Confederacy The Aro Confederacy (1690–1902) was a political union orchestrated by the Aro people, Igbo subgroup, centered in Arochukwu in present-day southeastern Nigeria. Their influence and presence was all over Eastern Nigeria, lower Middle Belt, an ...

before the confederacy was defeated in the early 1900s by British troops in the

Anglo-Aro War The Anglo-Aro War (1901–1902) was a conflict between the Aro Confederacy in present-day Eastern Nigeria, and the British Empire. The war began after increasing tension between Aro leaders and the British after years of failed negotiations. ...

. After the war, the British incorporated the area into the

Southern Nigeria Protectorate Southern Nigeria was a British protectorate in the coastal areas of modern-day Nigeria formed in 1900 from the union of the Niger Coast Protectorate with territories chartered by the Royal Niger Company below Lokoja on the Niger River. The ...

which later merged into

British Nigeria Colonial Nigeria was ruled by the British Empire from the mid-nineteenth century until 1960 when Nigeria achieved independence. British influence in the region began with the prohibition of slave trade to British subjects in 1807. Britain a ...

; after the merger, Abia became a centre of anti-colonial resistance with the

Women's War The Women's War, or Aba Women's Protest ( Igbo: ''Ogu Umunwanyi''; Ibibio: ''Ekong Iban''), was a period of unrest in colonial Nigeria over November 1929. The protests broke out when thousands of Igbo women from the Bende District, Umuahia an ...

that started in

Oloko Oloko is one of the four communities that make up Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Villages in the community include: Ahaba and Nchara. Women's War An incident at Oloko started the Women's War The Women's War, or Aba Wome ...

. After independence in 1960, the Abia was a part of the post-independence Eastern Region until 1967 before the region was split and it became part of the East Central State. Less than two months afterwards, the former Eastern Region attempted to secede in the three-year long

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 ...

with Abia as a part of the secessionist state 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 ...

. At the war's end and for the reunification of Nigeria, the East Central State was merged as one until 1976 when Imo State](including now-Abia) was formed by the Murtala Muhammed regime. Fifteen years afterwards, Imo State was divided with eastern Imo being broken off to form the new Abia State; but in 1996, part of Abia's northeast was removed to form a part of the new

Ebonyi State Ebonyi State ( ig, Ȯra Ebonyi) is a state in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, bordered to the north and northeast by Benue State, Enugu State to the west, Cross River State to the east and southeast, and Abia State to the southwe ...

. Economically, Abia State is based around the production of

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 ...

and

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 ...

along with agriculture, mainly of yams,

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 ...

taro Taro () (''Colocasia esculenta)'' is a root vegetable. It is the most widely cultivated species of several plants in the family Araceae that are used as vegetables for their corms, leaves, and petioles. Taro corms are a food staple in Africa ...

oil palm ''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 co ...

, 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 ...

. A key minor industry is manufacturing, especially in and around Aba. With its fast growing population and industrialization, Abia has the joint-eighth highest

Human Development Index The Human Development Index (HDI) is a statistic composite index of life expectancy, education (mean years of schooling completed and expected years of schooling upon entering the education system), and per capita income indicators, whi ...

in the country.

Geography

Azumini Blue River in Abia state, Nigeria

Abia State occupies about 6,320 square kilometres, it us bounded on the north and northeast by the states of Enugu, and

to the west,

Cross River State ) , image_map = Nigeria - Cross River.svg , map_alt = , map_caption = Location of Cross River State in Nigeria , coordinates = , coor_pinpoint ...

and

to the east and south east respectively, and

to the south. The southernmost part of the State lies within the

Niger Delta Swamp Forests The Niger Delta swamp forests is a tropical moist forest ecoregion in southern Nigeria. It consists of freshwater swamp forests in the Niger Delta of the Niger River. This swamp forest is the second largest in Africa, after the Congolian swamp f ...

, while the rest of the state, lies within the

. The southern portion gets heavy rainfall of about per year and it is intense between the months of April through October. The most important rivers in Abia State are the Imo and Aba Rivers which flow into the

Atlantic Ocean The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's five oceans, with an area of about . It covers approximately 20% of Earth's surface and about 29% of its water surface area. It is known to separate the " Old World" of Africa, Europe ...

through Akwa Ibom State.

History and population

Abia State is one of the thirty-six States in Nigeria, and has about seventeen Local Government Areas, out of the 774 Local Government Areas that make up the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Abia State was created on the 27th of August 1991, during the government of General Ibrahim Babangida. The State is located in the south-eastern part of Nigeria. Abia state was created out of Imo State, and the two sister states share boundaries. Abia State is known as one of the constituent states of the Niger Delta region. The state has its capital at Umuahia while the commercial city of the state is Aba. Abia State is also referred to as God's own state. The name "Abia" is an abbreviation of four of Abia state's densely populated regions Aba, Bende,

Isuikwuato Isuikwuato is a local government area in Abia State in southeastern Nigeria. The name Isu-Ikwu-Ato translates from Igbo as 'three Isu families or lineage' and refers to the three lineages descended from the Isu people, in what is now a local gove ...

, and Afikpo. The

, who are one of the indigenous peoples of the South-eastern part of Nigeria, make up 95% of the population. Their traditional language,

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 ...

, is in widespread use. English is also widely spoken, and serves as the official language in governance and business. In Abia State over 7 million people are mainly Christians.

Climate

Aba experiences a warm and gloomy wet season as well as a scorching and oppressive dry season. The temperature rarely drops below 61°F or rises over 91°F throughout the entire year, fluctuating between 68°F and 88°F. The beach/pool score indicates that the best time of year to visit Aba for hot-weather activities is from late November to early February.

Infrastructure and economy

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 ...

and

gas Gas is one of the four fundamental states of matter (the others being solid, liquid, and plasma). A pure gas may be made up of individual atoms (e.g. a noble gas like neon), elemental molecules made from one type of atom (e.g. oxygen), or ...

production is a prominent activity, as it contributes over 39% of the State's

GDP Gross domestic product (GDP) is a monetary measure of the market value of all the final goods and services produced and sold (not resold) in a specific time period by countries. Due to its complex and subjective nature this measure is ofte ...

.Nigeria's 36 States and the FCT, Economic, societal and political profiles, World Bank Report However, the indigenous oil companies – through the Marginal Fields Programme (MFP) – have not found it easy to attract the requisite funding and infrastructural capacity, to explore some of the marginal oil fields which are about 50 in the State. The manufacturing sector only accounts for 2% of the

. The industrial centre of the state is in Aba, with

textile Textile is an umbrella term that includes various fiber-based materials, including fibers, yarns, filaments, threads, different fabric types, etc. At first, the word "textiles" only referred to woven fabrics. However, weaving is not the ...

manufacturing,

pharmaceutical A medication (also called medicament, medicine, pharmaceutical drug, medicinal drug or simply drug) is a drug used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. Drug therapy (pharmacotherapy) is an important part of the medical field and re ...

s, soap, plastics,

cement A cement is a binder, a chemical substance used for construction that sets, hardens, and adheres to other materials to bind them together. Cement is seldom used on its own, but rather to bind sand and gravel ( aggregate) together. Cement mix ...

, footwear, and cosmetics. In addition to the above, Abia State Government has just built a 9,000 capacity multipurpose International Conference Centre in Umuahia. This edifice of international standard was built by Governor T.A Orji, to enhance tourism as well as boost the state economy, through hosting of major International and Local events. Representing 27% of the GDP, agriculture – which employs 70% of the state workforce – is the second economic sector of Abia. With its adequate seasonal rainfall, Abia has much

arable land Arable land (from the la, arabilis, "able to be ploughed") is any land capable of being ploughed and used to grow crops.''Oxford English Dictionary'', "arable, ''adj''. and ''n.''" Oxford University Press (Oxford), 2013. Alternatively, for the ...

that produces yams,

potato The potato is a starchy food, a tuber of the plant ''Solanum tuberosum'' and is a root vegetable native to the Americas. The plant is a perennial in the nightshade family Solanaceae. Wild potato species can be found from the southern Unit ...

es,

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 ...

, cashews,

plantains Plantain may refer to: Plants and fruits * Cooking banana, banana cultivars in the genus ''Musa'' whose fruits are generally used in cooking ** True plantains, a group of cultivars of the genus ''Musa'' * ''Plantaginaceae'', a family of flowerin ...

, and

Oil palm ''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 co ...

is the most important cash crop.

Oil and gas exploration

There are over 100

oil well An oil well is a drillhole boring in Earth that is designed to bring petroleum oil hydrocarbons to the surface. Usually some natural gas is released as associated petroleum gas along with the oil. A well that is designed to produce only gas may ...

s and 3 installed flow stations in Abia State. There is also an associated gas plant
Abia/NNPC gas plant
As of 2012, boundary Commission said it returned 42 oil wells from neighbouring

to Abia. This would have meant Abia being fourth largest oil-producing state in the country. Oil giant,

Shell Shell may refer to: Architecture and design * Shell (structure), a thin structure ** Concrete shell, a thin shell of concrete, usually with no interior columns or exterior buttresses ** Thin-shell structure Science Biology * Seashell, a hard o ...

, holds most of the licenses for the wells in the State, and has concentrated on the estimated 50 wells that are considered high-yield. The State produced 36,000 barrels of crude oil per day; "Imoturu produces 23,000 barrels per day and Isimili flow station produces over 8,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Then four oil wells in Izaku go to Obigo flow station. About 30 oil wells from my village go to Umuri, and about eight oil wells from Umurie go to Afam", lamented Samuel Okezie Nwogu, Chairman of Abia State Oil Producing Development Area Commission (ASOPADEC).However, the State has complained of poor funding from its oil revenue federal allocation.

Environmental Issues

Solid Waste

Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) deals with the collection, storing, treatment and disposal of solid waste, to ensure that it does not affect humans, living things and the environment at large. There are factors that influences the Municipal solid waste generation such as income level, local climatic condition, urbanization and economic development. MSW in Aba, Abia State is classified into; # Domestic waste (waste from households, food centers, markets, and commercial premises) # Industrial waste (excluding toxic waste that requires special handling) # Institutional waste (waste from government establishments, schools, hospitals and recreational facilities)

Aba

The MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) for a very long time now, like many other cities and urban areas in Nigeria, has in its records reached appalling dimensions. Due to the poor waste management, the attendant deaths and illnesses from diarrhoea, respiratory and lung diseases, malaria, parasitic worms, typhoid fever, cholera, etc are on the rise. This has its own d in no small measures by poor MSW management practices have implications on t.e social, political and economic development of the population

Raw Materials In Abia State

* Gold * Lead/Zinc * Limestone * Oil/gas *

Salt Salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl), a chemical compound belonging to the larger class of salts; salt in the form of a natural crystalline mineral is known as rock salt or halite. Salt is present in vast quantitie ...

* Kaolin * Limestone

University and colleges

There are six universities in the state: the federal-owned

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, originally the Federal University of Agriculture, is a federal university in Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria was established as a specialized University by a Federal Government of Nigeria Decree No ...

Umudike Umudike is a semi-urban settlement in Ikwuano Local Government Area Abia State, Nigeria, about 11 kilometers southeast of Umuahia, the state capital city. It is home to the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture and to the National Root Crops R ...

, the state-owned

Abia State University Abia State University Uturu (ABSU) is a Nigerian public university. It is one of the state owned universities in Nigeria. These state academic institutions were created to expand admissions and bring professional skills, expertise and modern rese ...

Uturu Uturu is a town located within latitudes 05.33°N and 06.03°N, in the northern part of Abia State, Nigeria. It is in the transition from rural to urban status, so it is witnessing many development activities. It is popularly known as a location ...

, the privately-owned

Gregory University Gregory University (GUU) is located in Uturu, Abia State in Nigeria. It is a Private University named after Pope Gregory I. The Vice-chancellor of the university is Professor Augustine A. Uwakwe. Colleges *Gregory University, Uturu (GUU) has ab ...

Rhema University Rhema University, Aba (RU) is an accredited private, Christian university based in the city of Aba in Abia State, Nigeria. Founded by the Living Word Ministries International and licensed by the National Universities Commission in 2009 is one o ...

in Aba, Spiritan University in Umu Nneochi, and Clifford University in

Owerrinta Owerrinta is a town in Isiala Ngwa South local government area of Abia State, Nigeria. It is a satellite town Satellite cities or satellite towns are smaller municipalities that are adjacent to a principal city which is the core of a metro ...

Abia State College of Education (Technical) The Abia State College of Education (Technical) is a state government higher education institution located in Arochukwu, Abia State, Nigeria. It is affiliated to Michael Okpara University of Agriculture and Abia State University for its degree p ...

, Abia State College Of Health Sciences and Management Technology in Aba,

Temple Gate Polytechnic Temple Gate Polytechnic is a private Nigerian tertiary institution that was established in 2005 and accredited by the National Board for Technical Education in 2009. The polytechnic is located in Aba, Nigeria, Aba, Abia State and it offers Natio ...

in Aba and

Abia State Polytechnic Abia State Polytechnic is a state government owned Polytechnic established in 1992 and located in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. The Polytechnic is composed of different schools, such as the School of Science & Engineering and the School of Business Adm ...

are the other tertiary institutions in the State.

Transportation

The nearest airport to Abia is

Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport , also known as Imo State Airport, serves Owerri, the capital city of Imo State in southeastern Nigeria. It is located in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Imo State. The building of the airport commenc ...

(Owerri Airport), it is an hour drive to

and Aba. It is two hours drive to

Port Harcourt International Airport Port Harcourt International Airport is an international airport located in Omagwa, a suburb of Port Harcourt, the capital city of the Rivers State in Nigeria. The airport has two terminals for both international and domestic flights. The new ...

Akwa Ibom Airport Victor Attah International Airport , is an airport serving Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria. The airport is southeast of Uyo, and northwest of the river port of Oron. The Akwa Ibom non-directional beacon (Ident: AI) and Uyo VOR ...

(

) can also serve would-be visitors. The distance between Uyo (''Akwa Ibom'') and

(Abia) is: . The

rail transport Rail transport (also known as train transport) is a means of transport that transfers passengers and goods on wheeled vehicles running on rails, which are incorporated in tracks. In contrast to road transport, where the vehicles run on a p ...

is also available in the state very effective. Aba is connected to Port Harcourt by rail. Umuahia is connected to Aba and Enugu by rail. The

coastal The coast, also known as the coastline or seashore, is defined as the area where land meets the ocean, or as a line that forms the boundary between the land and the coastline. The Earth has around of coastline. Coasts are important zones in ...

parts of the State are equally accessible using boats and canoes.

Languages

Below is a list of Languages of Abia State organised by there LGA:

Politics

The

State Government A state government is the government that controls a subdivision of a country in a federal form of government, which shares political power with the federal or national government. A state government may have some level of political autonomy, or ...

is led by a democratically elected

Governor A governor is an administrative leader and head of a polity or political region, ranking under the head of state and in some cases, such as governors-general, as the head of state's official representative. Depending on the type of political ...

who works closely with members of the state's

House of Assembly House of Assembly is a name given to the legislature or lower house of a bicameral parliament. In some countries this may be at a subnational level. Historically, in British Crown colonies as the colony gained more internal responsible gove ...

. The capital city of the state is

. and there are 17 local government areas in the state. Renovated Abia State House of Assembly

At statehood in 1991, Abia was ruled by

Ibrahim Babangida Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (born 17 August, 1941) is a retired Nigerian Army general and politician. He served as military president of Nigeria from 1985 until his resignation in 1993. He rose through the ranks to serve from 1984 to 1985 as C ...

-appointed Military Administrator Frank Ajobena before

Ogbonnaya Onu Ogbonnaya Onu (born 1 December 1951) is a Nigerian politician, author and engineer. He was the first civilian governor of Abia State and was minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Nigeria from November 2015 till his resignation in 20 ...

was

elected Elected may refer to: * "Elected" (song), by Alice Cooper, 1973 * ''Elected'' (EP), by Ayreon, 2008 *The Elected, an American indie rock band See also *Election An election is a formal group decision-making process by which a population ...

governor later that year under the

Third Nigerian Republic The Third Republic was the planned republican government of Nigeria in 1993 which was to be governed by the Third Republican constitution. Founded (1993) The constitution of the Third Republic was drafted in 1989. General Ibrahim Badamasi ...

. Onu governed for nearly two years before

Sani Abacha Sani Abacha (20 September 1943 – 8 June 1998) was a Nigerian military officer and politician who ruled as the military head of state of Nigeria from 1993 until his death in 1998. He seized power on 17 November 1993 in the last successful c ...

ended the Third Republic and reinstated full military rule. Under the Abacha regime, three more Military Administrators ( Chinyere Ike Nwosu, Temi Ejoor, and Moses Fasanya) were appointed before Abacha's death and the accession of

Abdulsalami Abubakar Abdulsalami Abubakar (; born 13 June 1942) is a Nigerian statesman and retired Nigerian Army general who served as the ''de facto'' President of Nigeria from 1998 to 1999. He was also Chief of Defence Staff between 1997 and 1998. He succeede ...

. Abubakar appointed one more Military Administrator, Anthony Obi, before starting the transition to democracy in 1998. In 1999, Nigeria returned to democracy, and

Orji Uzor Kalu Orji Uzor Kalu (born 21 April 1960) is a Nigerian politician and businessperson who is a Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, He also serves as the Chief Whip of the House of Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria. He served as the ...

was

governor on the platform of the

People's Democratic Party People's Democratic Party or ''variant thereof'', could refer to: * People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan *People's Democratic Party (Belize) *People's Democratic Party (Bhutan) *People's Democratic Party (Chile) * People's Democratic Party (Dom ...

. Consequently, he was sworn in on 29 May 1999. In 2003, when it was time for fresh elections, Kalu re-contested on the platform of the PDP and got a second mandate to govern (the

Constitution of Nigeria The Constitution of Nigeria is the written supreme law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Nigeria has had many constitutions. Its current form was enacted on 29 May 1999 and inaugurated the Fourth Nigerian Republic. History Nigeria's st ...

limits Governors to two terms in office). At the end of Kalu's term in 2007,

Theodore Orji Theodore Ahamefule Orji CON is a Nigerian politician who was governor of Abia State in southeast Nigeria from 2007 to 2015. He was formerly a career civil servant, and served as the Chief of Staff to Abia Governor Orji Uzor Kalu. Background ...

(

PPA PPA may refer to: Biomedical * ''Palpatio per anum'', Latin medical term for a rectal examination * Parahippocampal place area located within the parahippocampal gyrus * Phenylpropanolamine * Primary progressive aphasia Organizations * Pakistan ...

) defeated Onyema Ugochukwu (PDP) in the 2007 gubernatorial election, to become Abia's next Governor. In 2011, Theodore Orji defected from the PPA to the PDP before being re-elected for another four-year term later that year. In 2015,

Okezie Ikpeazu Okezie Victor Ikpeazu (born 18 October 1964) is a Nigerian politician who serves as the Governor of Abia State, in office since 29 May 2015. He was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. He was re-elected as the governor of Ab ...

(PDP) was voted in as the ninth Governor of Abia State. Four years later, he won

re-election The incumbent is the current holder of an office or position, usually in relation to an election. In an election for president, the incumbent is the person holding or acting in the office of president before the election, whether seeking re-ele ...

in 2019, defeating Uche Ogah of the All Progressives Congress and

Alex Otti Alex Otti (born 18 February 1965) is a Nigerian economist, banker, investor, philanthropist and politician. Otti is the former Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank Plc, a retail financial institution in Nigeria. Otti was a gubernatorial candi ...

of APGA to be sworn in as Governor for a second term on 29 May 2019.

Local Government Areas

Abia State is made up of seventeen (17)

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: * Aba North * Aba South *

* Bende *

Ikwuano Ikwuano is a Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is in Isiala Oboro. The name 'Ikwuano' etymologically indicates that there are four different ancient kingdoms that make up the community called Ikwuano. These include ...

Isiala Ngwa North Isiala-Ngwa North is a Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Its headquarter is in the town of Okpuala-Ngwa. It has an area of 283 km and a population of 153,734 at the 2006 census. The postal code of the area is 451. Famous people ...

Isiala Ngwa South Isiala-Ngwa South is a Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Omoba. Omoba is a railway town 22 kilometres away from Aba city centre. After coal was discovered at Udi, the Eastern Railway with station ...

Obi Ngwa Obingwa is a Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Mgboko. It has an area of 395 km and a population of 181,439 at the 2006 census. The postal code of the area is 453. Populated areas * Mgbo ...

Ohafia Ohafia is an Igbo town in the Ohafia local government area (LGA) in Abia State, Nigeria. It is an Igbo speaking region. The ancestral capital of Ohafia town is the centrally located village of Elu. Ohafia Local Government Area, is an administrati ...

Osisioma Ngwa Osisioma Ngwa is a Local Government Area of Abia state of Nigeria. Its headquarters are located in Osisioma town. It has an area of and a population of 219,632 as per 2006 census data of Nigeria. Origin of name The name "Osisi" means ''tree'', ...

Ugwunagbo Ugwunagbo is a local government area of Abia State, Nigeria. It has an area of 108 km and had a population of 97,710 at the 2011 census. It is a suburb of Aba. Economy Ugwunagbo depends solely on farming. It supplies farm products like ...

Ukwa East Ukwa East is a Local Government Area located in Abia State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is in the town of Akwete. Ukwa East is bordered by Akwa Ibom State and Rivers States. It has an area of 280 km and a population of 58,865 at the 2006 census. It ...

Ukwa West Ukwa West is a Local Government Area in Abia State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is in the town of Oke Ikpe. It has an area of 271 km2 and a population of 88,555 at the 2006 census. The postal code of the area is 452. Ukwa west is bounded to t ...

Umuahia North Umuahia North is a Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the city of Umuahia. It has an area of 245 km and a population of 220,660 at the 2006 census. The postal code of the area is 440. Localities Towns and Vi ...

Umuahia South Umuahia South is a Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is at Apumiri in Ubakala. It has an area of 140 km and a population of 138,570 at the 2006 census. The postal code A postal code (also known locally in var ...

* Umu Nneochi

Traditional rulers

Culture and tourism

Tourist destinations include: *

, which is associated with slave trade. * Azumini Blue River waterside * The Amakama wooden cave; a hollow tree that can accommodate up to twenty people. * Caves located in the north, ranging from Umu – Neochi to Arochukwu. * Traditional festivals and dances *

National War Museum, Umuahia The Nigerian National War Museum in Umuahia showcases the military history of Nigeria with relics form the Biafra-Nigerian Civil War. It has a collection of tanks, armored vehicles, ships, and aircraft all from Nigeria or the defunct Repu ...

and Ojukwu Bunker in Umuahia * Museum of Colonial History in Aba * Akwete” cloth weaving at Ukwu East LGA *

War Dancers * AmaforIsingwu biannual Iza aha ceremony * Akpe Festival in Umuahia

Notable people

Abai Ikwechegh Justice Abai Ikwechegh (OFR) (7 September 1923 – 12 October 2020) was a Nigerian jurist. Biography Ikwechegh was born on 7 September 1923 in Igbere, in the Eastern part of Nigeria, to Chief Ogbonnaya Ikwechegh, a slave merchant and trader and O ...

– Jurist * Acho Nwakanma – Former Deputy Governor of Abia State * Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani – novelist and essayist *

Adolphus Wabara Adolphus Nduneweh Wabara (born 1 June 1948) is a Nigerian politician and diplomat who served as the 10th Senate President of Nigeria from 2003 to 2005. A pioneer member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Adolphus had previously been a me ...

– Former Senate President of Nigeria. * Akwaeke Emezi – novelist *

Alex Mascot Ikwechegh Alex Ifeanyi Mascot Ikwechegh is a Nigerian politician, businessman and philanthropist. He is the founder of GrossField Group, Alex Ikwechegh foundation and a former Local Government Chairman of Aba North, Abia State, Nigeria. Early life and ed ...

, politician, businessman and philanthropist *

Alexx Ekubo Alexx Ekubo (born Alex Ekubo-Okwaraeke; 10 April 1986) is a Nigerian actor and model. He was first runner up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria contest. He won the ''Best Actor in a Supporting Role'' award at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards for his role ...

, Nollywood actor and Top Model *

– Former Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank PLC. *

Alvan Ikoku Alvan Azinna Ikoku (August 1, 1900–November 18, 1971) was a Nigerian educationist, statesman, activist and politician. Life Born on August 1, 1900, in Amanagwu Arochukwu, present-day Abia State, from 1911 to 1914, he was educated at the Ar ...

, OBE educationist (1900–1971) *

Anya Oko Anya Anya Oko Anya (born 3 January, 1937) is a Nigerian professor of Biology who is distinguished for his work in Parasitology. Early life Anya Oko Anya was born on 3 January 1937 at Abiriba, Abia State of Nigeria. He attended Hope Waddell Training ...

, technocrat and academic * Ashley Nwosu – Former Nigerian Actor *

Arunma Oteh Arunma Oteh is a Nigerian economist. She was the Treasurer and a Vice President of the World Bank (2015–2018). She became the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Nigeria in January 2010. In this position she wa ...

– Former World Bank Vice President and Treasurer. *

Azubuike Ihejirika Azubuike Ihejirika, (born 13 February 1956) is a retired Nigerian Army Lieutenant general and former Chief of Army Staff. Early life and education Ihejirika was born on February 13, 1956, in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, S ...

– Lt. General and former Chief of Army Staff * Azubuko Udah – Former Deputy-Inspector General of the Nigerian Police Force *

Basketmouth Bright Okpocha (born 14 September 1978 in Lagos State), better known by his stage name Basketmouth, is a Nigerian comedian and actor. He has organized popular stand-up comedy concerts like ''Basketmouth Uncensored'' across the globe. Basketmouth ...

– comedian * Benjamin Kalu – politician and member of the House of Representatives *

Blessing Nwagba Blessing Okwuchi Nwagba is a Nigerian politician. She is currently serving as a member of the Abia State House of Assembly as the committee chairman on women affairs, social welfare and health representing Aba North Constituency. She is a sociolog ...

– Female Politician * Bright Chimezie – Highlife Musician *

Buchi Atuonwu Buchi Atuonwu, popularly known as Buchi, is a Nigerian reggae gospel artist. He started as a disc jockey in night clubs. Buchi is part of Christ Embassy's LoveWorld Music and Arts Ministry. Biography Buchi was born in Kaduna in 1965. He has ...

– Gospel Artiste *

Chelsea Eze Chelsea Eze (born Chelsea Ada Ezerioha; 15 November 1985) is a Nigerian actress. She came into prominence in her first Nollywood film ''Silent Scandals'' where she acted alongside Genevieve Nnaji and Majid Michel. She also won the '' Most Promi ...

– award-winning Nollywood actress *

Chidi Imoh Chukwudi "Chidi" Imoh (born 27 August 1965) is a former sprinter from Nigeria who won an Olympic silver medal in the 4 x 100 metres relay at the 1992 Summer Olympics. He also won a silver medal in the 100 metres at the 1986 Goodwill Games, f ...

– Athlete * Chijioke Nwakodo – Politician * Chika Chukwumerije – Olympic Taekwondo Medalist (Beijing 2008); 3-time Olympian; first Black African Olympic Medalist in the Martial Arts. *

Chika Okeke-Agulu Chika Okeke-Agulu () is a Nigerian artist, art historian, art curator, and blogger specializing in African and African diaspora art history. He lives in Princeton, New Jersey. Biography Chika Okeke-Agulu was born in Umuahia in Nigeria in 19 ...

– Art historian. *

Chinedu Ikedieze Chinedu Ikedieze, MFR (born 12 December 1977) is a Nigerian actor, entrepreneur and investor. He is best known for playing alongside Osita Iheme in majority of the movies after their breakthrough as duo in the 2002 film ''Aki na Ukwa''. He has ...

– award-winning Nollywood actor, * Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji – Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly * Chinweizu Ibekwe – Renowned essayist, poet, and journalist. * Chinyere Almona – business executive * Chinyere Kalu – Nigeria's first female pilot. * Chioma Agomo – Professor of Law * Chioma Onyekwere – Nigeria's Discus Champion. * Chioma Toplis – Nollywood Actress. * Chisom Chikatara – Professional Footballer * Christy Ucheibe – Female Nigerian Professional Footballer *

Chuku Wachuku Chuku Wachuku (born Chukumere "Anaba Ndubuisi" Wachuku, 1947), a royal prince of Ngwaland, is a United States educated Nigerian economist, politician, statesman, servant leader, business analyst, management expert and specialist on entreprene ...

– Statesman and former Director-General of Nigeria's NDE: National Directorate of Employment * Christopher Kanu – Former Nigerian Professional Footballer. *

Christopher Osondu Navy Captain Christopher Osondu was appointed Military Administrator of Cross River State, Nigeria in August 1998 during the transitional regime of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, handing over power to the elected civilian governor Donald Duke in ...

– Former Navy Captain and Military Administrator of Cross River State * Chukwuemeka Ngozichineke Wogu – Former Minister of Labour and Productivity * Clifford Ohiagu – Politician * Daniel Kanu – Nigerian-American Politician. * Dike Chukwumerije – Award-winning Novelist, Poet, Public Speaker and Spoken-word artiste. Listed on 100 most influential Africans. *

Ebitu Ukiwe Okoh Ebitu Ukiwe (born 26 October 1940) is a retired Commodore in the Nigerian Navy who served as the de facto Vice President of Nigeria under military head of state General Ibrahim Babangida from 1985 to 1986. Family Ukiwe was born on 26 Octobe ...

– former Military Vice President; Former Governor of Niger and Lagos States. *

Ejike Asiegbu Ejike Asiegbu is a Nigerian film actor and film director who once served as President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria. He was also previously appointed as personal assistant to former Biafran leader Odumegwu Ojukwu during the 1994 National Const ...

- Nollywood Veteran actor *

Ejikeme Ikwunze Ejikeme Ikwunze , popularly called Mr Football, is an international figure in Nigeria's sporting community. He is a sports columnist and contributes articles to several international sports magazines as well as Nigerian Newspapers including the '' ...

– Sports Journalist * Emma Ugolee – Media Personality and Author *

Emmanuel Acho Emmanuel Chinedum Acho (born November 10, 1990) is a Nigerian-American former linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) and is currently working as an analyst for Fox Sports 1. He played college football at Texas before being d ...

– Former American Football Player; Analyst at Fox Sports 1 *

Emeka Ananaba Nigerian Chieftaincy, Chief Sir Emeka Ananaba is a Nigerian politician. Ananaba served as the Deputy Governor of Abia State from 2011 to 2015 under Tribal chief, Chief T. A. Orji. Biography Ananaba was born on the 31 March 1945 at Obegu, in ...

– Former Deputy Governor of Abia State *

Eni Njoku Eni Njoku (6 November 1917 – 22 December 1974) was a Nigerian botanist and educator. He was vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos (1962–1965) and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1966–1970). He served in the Nigerian House of Represent ...

– pioneer Vice Chancellor,

University of Lagos The University of Lagos, popularly known as UNILAG, is a public research university located in Lagos, Nigeria and was founded in 1962. UNILAG is one of the first generation universities in Nigeria and is ranked among the top universities in th ...

and first black Vice Chancellor,

University of Nigeria The University of Nigeria, commonly referred to as UNN, is a federal university located in Nsukka, Enugu State, Eastern part of Nigeria. Founded by Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1955 and formally opened on 7 October 1960, the University of Nigeria has th ...

Nsukka. *

Enyinnaya Abaribe Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe (born March 1, 1955) is a Nigerian politician who was elected to the Abia-South Senatorial District of Abia State in the Senate of Nigeria in April 2007. He holds the title Nwadiohanma Ngwa. Enyinnaya is an outspoken s ...

– Senator and former Deputy Governor * Eucharia Oluchi Nwaichi – Environmental biochemist, Soil Scientist, and Toxicologist * Ezinne Kalu, Female Basketballer *

Eziuche Ubani Eziuche Chinwe Ubani (born 1 September 1964) is a Nigerian politician and journalist, a member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) who represent the Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo constituency of Abia State. He was elected in 2007. Background E ...

– Female Politician * Felix Nmecha – Professional Football Player *

Fortunatus Nwachukwu Fortunatus Nwachukwu (born 10 May 1960) is a Nigerian prelate of the Catholic Church who represents the Holy See at several international organizations in Geneva. He has worked in the diplomatic service of the Holy See since 1994. He has been a ...

– Catholic Prelate * Francis Ezeh – Professional Football Player * Godswill Obioma – Former National Examination Council Registrar * Ifu Ennada – Actress, Fashion Designer, and Former Big Brother Naija Housemate. * Iheanacho Obioma – Politician * IK Ogbonna, Nollywood Actor and Top Model *

Ike Ibeabuchi Ikemefula Charles "Ike" Ibeabuchi (born February 2, 1973) is a Nigerian former professional boxer who competed from 1994 to 1999 in the heavyweight division. He defeated the previously undefeated highly ranked contender David Tua in 1997 and anot ...

, Professional Boxer. *

Ike Nwachukwu Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu mni (born 1 September 1940) is a retired Army officer and Nigerian politician who served twice as Foreign Minister of Nigeria and as a Senator in the National Assembly delegation from Abia State. Education and train ...

, military officer, former state governor, diplomat, former senator and former chairman of the governing board of

Nigerian Institute of International Affairs The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs was established in 1961, to provide a platform of ideas on what direction Nigeria should follow on international policies, having regards to relationship with the outside world. The institute is headed ...

. * Ikechi Uko- Renowned travel consultant *

Ikechukwu Uche Ikechukwu Uche (born 5 January 1984) is a former Nigerian professional footballer who played as a striker. Known for his acrobatic goal celebrations, he spent most of his professional career in Spain, having arrived in the country before the a ...

– Former Nigerian Professional Footballer * Ikeogu Oke – Author, Journalist, and Award-winning Poet *

Isaac Nwaobia Isaac Nwaobia is an Anglican bishop in Nigeria: he is the current Archbishop of Aba and Bishop of Isiala-Ngwa South one of nine within the Anglican Province of Aba, itself one of 14 provinces within the Church of Nigeria. Nwaobia was born in Is ...

– Anglican Bishop * Ivy Uche Okoronkwo – First Female Deputy Inspector General of Police * J. Martins, Afro-pop artiste *

Jaja Wachuku Jaja Anucha Wachuku (1 January 1918 – 7 November 1996), a Royal family, Royal Prince of Ngwaland, "descendant of 20 generations of African Eze, chiefs in the Igbo country of Eastern Nigeria," was a Pan-Africanist, and a Nigerian politician, ...

– First Minister of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria, First indigenous Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria and first Nigerian Permanent representative to the UN. * Joe Irukwu – Nigeria's First Professor of Insurance. * Joel Kachi Benson, documentary film maker. *

John Godson John Abraham Godson (né Godson Chikama Onyekwere; born 25 November 1970) is a Polish-Nigerian politician, a university teacher and a former Charismatic minister. He served as a Member of the Sejm between 2010-2015, most recently as a member of t ...

– Polish lawmaker and philanthropist. *

Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi (3 March 1924 – 29 July 1966) was the first military head of state of Nigeria. He seized power during the ensuing chaos after the 15 January 1966 military coup, which decapitated the country's leaders ...

– Nigeria's Military Officer and former Head of State. *

Josaiah Ndubuisi Wachuku Josaiah Ndubuisi Wachuku (also spelled Josiah Wachukwu) was king, paramount chief, servant leader and Eze of Ngwa-land – in the then Aba Division of Eastern Nigeria – during British colonial times. He was the father of Jaja Wachuku, t ...

– Former Eze of Ngwa land. *

Joyce Kalu Joyce Kalu (born 25 September 1970) is a Nigerian actress, film producer and director in the Nigerian Film Industry. Biography Joyce Kalu was born on 25 September 1970 in Ohafia, Abia State, South Eastern Nigeria. The last daughter in a fami ...

– Nollywood Actress *

Kalu Uche Kalu Uche (born 15 November 1982) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward. He spent most of his career in Spain, mainly with Almería, with which he amassed La Liga totals of 117 matches and 27 goals (212 appearances and ...

– Former Nigerian Professional Footballer *

Kalu Idika Kalu Kalu Idika Kalu (born October 14, 1939) is a Nigerian politician. He served as Finance Minister of Nigeria, Minister of National planning and Transportation Minister. He served twice as the minister of finance. He was a presidential aspirant in th ...

– former Finance Minister and politician *

Kalu Ikeagwu Kalu Egbui Ikeagwu is a British-Nigerian actor and writer. As an actor, he has received several awards and nominations for his performances on screen. Early life Kalu was born in England but was relocated to Nigeria by his dad at the age of ...

– Movie Actor and Writer. * Kalu Ndukwe Kalu – Political scientist and Distinguished Research Professor of Political Science and National Security Policy at Auburn University * Kelechi Emeteole – Former Nigerian Professional Footballer *

Kenneth Omeruo Kenneth Josiah Omeruo (born 17 October 1993) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defender and the captain for Segunda División club Leganés and the Nigeria national team. Omeruo signed for Chelsea from Standard Liège in Jan ...

– Nigerian Professional Footballer *

Larry Gaaga Larry Ndianefo, professionally known as Larry Gaaga, is a Nigerian songwriter, recording artist, music producer, and record label executive. He gained fame with the success of ‘Gaaga Shuffle’, a song he performed alongside Innocent ‘2Baba� ...

– Renowned Songwriter and Music Producer *

Linda Ejiofor Linda Ejiofor (born Linda Ihuoma Ejiofor; 17 July 1986) is a Nigerian actress and model from Abia state known for her role as Bimpe Adekoya in M-Net's TV series ''Tinsel''. She was nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the 9th Af ...

– Nollywood Actress *

Lukas Nmecha Lukas Okechukwu Nmecha (born 14 December 1998) is a German professional footballer who plays as a forward for Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg and the Germany national team. Nmecha was born in Hamburg, Germany but relocated to England as a chil ...

– Professional Football Player * Macebuh Chinonyerem – Former member of the Abia State House of Assembly *

Mao Ohuabunwa Mao Arukwe Ohuabunwa (born 24 May 1957) is a Nigerian politician, businessman and a former Senator who represented Abia North Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly having served in the 4th and 5th National Assembly as Member represe ...

, industrialist and politician * Mary Ikoku – Development Consultant *

Mary Lazarus Mary Lazarus (born 5 May 1989) is a Nigerian actress and movie producer who won the '' City People Movie Award for Most Promising Actress of the Year (English)'' at the City People Entertainment Awards in 2018 and was nominated, for ''Best Actr ...

– Nollywood Actress * Martins Azubuike – Former Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly. * Michael Okpara – premier of Nigeria's Eastern Region from 1959 to 1966 *

Mike Ezuruonye Mike Ezuruonye (born 21 September 1982), is a Nigerian actor. Early life and career Mike is from Uzuakoli in Abia State, Nigeria. He was born on 21 September 1981 in Lagos. He attended the Federal Government College, Wukari, Taraba and Archbi ...

– Award-winning Nollywood actor. *

Mr Raw Okechukwu Edwards Ukeje, better known by his stage name Mr Raw (formerly Dat N.I.G.G.A. Raw), is a rapper from Abia State in Southeastern Nigeria. He is a pioneer of Igbo rap, a genre that now appeals to a broad, mainstream audience. Early li ...

–

Igbo rap 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 ...

music pioneer *

Nathan Kanu Nathan Chinenye Okechukwu Kanu is an Anglican bishop in Nigeria: he is the current Bishop of Aba Ngwa North, one of nine within the Anglican Province of Aba, itself one of 14 provinces within the Church of Nigeria. Kanu was born on 7 March 1966 ...

– Anglican Bishop * Ndubuisi Kanu – Former Governor of Lagos State and old Imo State. * Njoku Nnamdi – Former Member of the Abia State House of Assembly *

Nkechi Blessing Sunday Nkechi Blessing Sunday (born 14 February 1989) is an America-based Nigerian actor, film producer, film director, and screenwriter, born and raised in Surulere, Lagos State. She produced her first movie, ''Omoge Lekki'' in 2015, starring herself ...

– Nollywood actress *

Nkechi Justina Nwaogu Nkechi Justina Nwaogu, is a Nigerian politician and banker, founder and CEO Libra Investment. She is the former Chairman Governing Council and Pro Chancellor University of Calabar. Nwaogu was the Member representing Osisioma Ngwa, Ugwunagbo and ...

– Two Time Senator Abia Central Senatorial District and Immediate Past Pro Chancellor University of Calabar. * Nkiru Sylvanus – Awarding winning Nollywood actress *

Nnamdi Kanu Nnamdi Okwu Kanu (born 25 September 1967) is a British-Nigerian political activist who advocates for the secession and independence of Biafra from Nigeria. He is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which he founded in 2014. ...

– founder of the

Indigenous People of Biafra The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is a nationalist separatist group in Nigeria that aims to restore the Republic of Biafra, a country which seceded from Nigeria prior to the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) and later rejoined Nigeria after i ...

(IPOB), a separatist group. *

Nnamdi Udoh Elder Mazi Nnamdi Udoh (born 8 May 1960) is the former Chief Executive officer/Managing Director at the Nigerian airspace management agency. Life Elder Mazi Nnamdi Udoh (Ugwu Aro) was born to Senator Henry Nwafor Udoh and Madam Uzoma Udoh.He is ...

– Aeronautical Engineer *

Ndubuisi Ekekwe Ndubuisi Ekekwe (born July 1975) is a Nigerian business person. He is the founder of First Atlantic Semiconductors & Microelectronics – West Africa's leading embedded systems company. His working experience includes Analog Devices Corp where ...

– Notable Inventor *

Nnenna Elendu Ukeje Nnenna Ijeoma Elendu Ukeje is a Nigerian politician who was the representative for Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State, Nigeria. Having had a successful career in the private sector, Nnenna was elected to the House of Representatives in 2007, ...

– Female Politician *

Nwabueze Nwokolo Nwabueze Jaja Wachuku Nwokolo (born 11 December 1954), a royal princess of Ngwaland, is a Nigerian United Kingdom based lawyer who is council member at Law Society of England and Wales; including being a director and board chair of Great Brit ...

– British Lawyer * Nwakanwa Chimaobi – Former member of the Abia State House of Assembly *

Nwankwo Kanu Nwankwo Kanu (born 1 August 1976) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a forward. He was a member of the Nigeria national team, and played for Nigerian team Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Dutch side Ajax, Inter Milan of Italy, ...

– Two time African Footballer of the year and

Arsenal FC Arsenal Football Club, commonly referred to as Arsenal, is a professional football club based in Islington, London, England. Arsenal plays in the Premier League, the top flight of English football. The club has won 13 league titles (incl ...

legend. *

OC Ukeje Okechukwu Ukeje, known as OC Ukeje is Nigerian actor,model and musician. He came into prominence after winning the Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality show. He has received several awards including Africa Movie Academy Awards, Africa Magic V ...

– Lagos-based Multiple Award Winning Nollywood actor *

Ogbugo Kalu Ogbugo Kalu (died February 2004) was a former army officer who served in both the Nigerian Army and Biafran Army. Kalu was also commander of the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) in Kaduna following the 1966 Nigerian coup d'état. Nige ...

– Renowned Army Officer. *

Oji Umozurike Oji Umozurike is a Nigerian scholar, activist and a former chairman of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, an organ of the inoperative Organisation of African Unity."Nigerian professor elected chairman of African human rights commi ...

, professor of law *

Ojo Maduekwe Chief Ojo Maduekwe (May 6, 1945 – June 29, 2016) was a Nigerian politician of Igbo origin, from Ohafia, Abia State. Early life and education He was educated at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and graduate with a law degree in 1972. Po ...

– Former Nigerian Politician. *

Okechukwu Enelamah Okechukwu Enelamah (born 1964) is Nigeria's former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. He was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari to join the Federal Cabinet in October 2015 and appointed to the Industry, Trade, and Investment portfol ...

– former Minister for Trade and Investment (2015–2019) *

– Abia State Governor *

Olu Oguibe Olu Oguibe (born 14 October 1964) is a Nigerian-born American artist and academic.Olu Oguibe
Retrieve ...

– Professor of art at the University of Connecticut and senior fellow at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC * Oluchi Onweagba – International model and first winner of M-Net Face of Africa *

Onwuka Kalu Onwuka Kalu (24 May 1954 in Abiriba, Abia State, Nigeria – 23 February 2015 in Edgware, London, England) was a Nigerian businessman who founded Onwuka Hi-Tek a manufacturing concern in Aba which was later quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange ...

– Business Mogul and co-founder of Fidelity Union Merchant Bank *

Onyema Ogbuagu Onyema Eberechukwu Ogbuagu (born June 20, 1978) is an American-born infectious diseases physician, educator, researcher, and clinical trial investigator, who was raised and educated in Nigeria. He is an associate professor at Yale School of Medicine ...

– Medical Researcher * Onyema Ugochukwu – First Executive Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) *

– chairman, SLOK Group; Former State Governor and one time Founder of Progressive People's Alliance (PPA); Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria *

Pascal Atuma Pascal Atuma is a Canadian-Nigerian actor, screenwriter, film producer, director, and CEO/Chairman of TABIC Record Label (a label dedicated to the less privileged but talented in Africa). Pascal was born in Ikwuano Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria ...

– Canadian-Nigerian actor, screenwriter, film producer, director and CEO/Chairman TABIC Record Label. born in Ikwuano Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. *

Pascal Ojigwe Pascal Karibe Ojigwe (born 11 December 1976) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a defender or defensive midfielder. He also holds German citizenship. Early life Ojigwe was born in Aba, Nigeria.Eastern part of Nigerian ...

– Nigerian former professional footballer and Abia State Commissioner of Sports. *

Paul Agbai Ogwuma Dr. Paul Agbai Ogwuma (born 24 April 1932) is a Nigerian banker who was Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria between 1993 and 1999 during the military regime of General Sani Abacha and his successor General Abdulsalami Abubakar. Background Og ...

– former Governor of Nigeria's Central Bank * Randy Onuoha, Professional Footballer. * Rosemary Inyama – Female Politician *

Ruggedman Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, known professionally as Ruggedman, is a Nigerian rapper from Ohafia, Abia State. Career A graduate of political science from Lagos State University, Ọ̀jọ́, Ruggedman started exploring music in 1999. He produ ...

, Afro-Rap artiste. *

2Shotz William Orioha (born 3 March 1979), known professionally as 2Shotz, is a former Nigerian rapper and songwriter who is now a US-based photographer and filmmaker. He won the award for Best Collaboration at The Headies 2006. His debut studio albu ...

, AfroRap Artiste *

Sam Acho Samuel Onyedikachi Acho (born September 6, 1988) is a Nigerian-American ESPN sports analyst, a nine-year veteran of the NFL, a Vice President of the NFL Players Association, and author of ''Let the World See You: How to Be Real in a World Full ...

– ESPN Sports Analyst and Veteran American Football Player. *

Sam Ohuabunwa use both this parameter and , birth_date to display the person's date of birth, date of death, and age at death) --> , death_place = , death_cause = , body_discovered = , resting_place = , resting_place_coordinates ...

– Founder of Neimeth Pharmaceutical and Former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria * Samuel Achilefu – Notable Inventor *

Samuel Chukwueze Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze (; born 22 May 1999) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Serie A club AC Milan and the Nigeria national team. Early life and education Chukwueze was born in Amaokwe Ugba Ibeku, Abia ...

– Nigeria National Team football player * Samuel Kalu – Nigerian Professional Footballer. *

Sunday Mba Sunday Mba (born 28 November 1988) is a Nigerian footballer who last played as a attacking midfielder for Yeni Malatyaspor and the Nigeria national team. Club career Mba joined Rangers on loan in May 2013 from Warri Wolves. He scored in his ...

– Nigerian Professional Footballer *

– former State Governor and a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. *

Uche Jombo Uche Jombo Rodriguez (born December 28, 1979), is a Nigerian actress, screenwriter and film producer. Early life Uche Jombo was born on December 28, 1979, in Abiriba, Abia State, Nigeria. She is a graduate of Mathematics and Statistics fro ...

, award-winning Nollywood actress. *

Uche Chukwumerije Uche Chukwumerije , (11 January 1939 – 19 April 2015), popularly referred to as "Comrade Chukwumerije" because of his lifelong socialist beliefs, was elected a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in April 2003, representing Abia North ...

– 3-time Senator of Fed Rep of Nigeria; Former Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture; Former Biafran Minister of Information; Publisher Afriscope Magazine. *

Uche Elendu Uche Elendu (born 14 July 1983) is a Nigerian actress, singer and entrepreneur. She is described as one of the most consistent faces in the Nigerian movie industry from her debut in 2001 up until 2010 when she took a break from the Nigerian en ...

– Nollywood actress *

Uche Okechukwu Uchechukwu Alozie “Uche” Okechukwu also known as Deniz Uygar (born 27 September 1967) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a central defender. "Uchechukwu" is an Igbo name meaning "God´s will". He was also honoured a ...

– former Nigerian Team footballer * Uchechukwu N. Maduako – Former Member of the Abia State House of Assembly *

Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah (born 22 December 1969) is the current Nigerian Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development. An oil magnate, entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, Ogah is the President of Master Energy Group, a conglomerate with ...

– Businessman and Politician * Uchenna Ikonne – Academic and Public Administrator * Uchenna Kanu – Female Nigerian Professional Footballer *

Ude Oko Chukwu Rt. Hon. Sir, Ude Oko Chukwu (FCA) (FCA) (born January 1, 1962) is a Nigerian accountant and politician who currently serves as the Deputy Governor of Abia State after he was elected into office in 2015 under the platform of the People's De ...

– Deputy Governor of Abia State *

Uko Nkole Uko Ndukwe Nkole (born 20/10/1975 in Ozu Abam Arochukwu, Abia State) is a Nigerian politician and member of the Nigerian National Assembly. Nkole was the representative from Arochukwu/Ohafia in the Federal House of Representative in the 8th and ...

– Politician *

Uma Ukpai Uma Ukpai (born January 7, 1945) is a Christian leader, an international evangelist, and preacher from Nigeria. He is the founder and president of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational gospel ministry based in Uyo, ...

– evangelist. *

Umeh Kalu Umeh Kalu Ikwuonwu (born 5 August 1961) is a Nigerian legal practitioner. He served as the Attorney General of Abia State and Commissioner for Justice of Abia State. Early life and education Umeh Kalu was born in Ohafia, Abia State where he w ...

– Former Commissioner of Justice for Abia State. *

Uzo Asonye Uzodinma Asonye is an American attorney. He is a partner at Davis Polk & Wardwell and the former Deputy Chief of the Financial Crimes and Public Corruption office at the Eastern District of Virginia. Early life and education Asonye was born to ...

– Partner at Davis Polk & Wardwell *

Uzodinma Iweala Uzodinma Iweala (born November 5) is a Nigerian-American author and medical doctor. His debut novel, ''Beasts of No Nation'', is a formation of his thesis work (in creative writing) at Harvard. It depicts a child soldier in an unnamed African ...

– US-based medical doctor and author of the book ''

Beasts of No Nation ''Beasts of No Nation'' is a 2005 novel by the Nigerian-American author Uzodinma Iweala, that takes its title from Fela Kuti's 1989 album of the same name. The book won the 2005 Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction and was adapted as a m ...

''. * Uzoma Emenike- Nigeria's Ambassador to the United States of America. * Victoria Inyama – Nollywood Actress. * Vincent Eze Ogbulafor – Former National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party *

Waconzy Obinna Kelvin Anyanwu (born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria), better known by stage name Waconzy, is a singer, songwriter, record producer and philanthropist with family roots in Umuahia, Abia State. He is the founder of Dv8 Media and the ...

– Musician * Yagazie Emezi – Award-winning photojournalist *

Yvonne Okoro Chinyere Yvonne Okoro is a Ghanaian Nigerian actress. Born to a Nigerian dad and Ghanaian mother, Yvonne Okoro is of mixed lineage and calls herself an African. Yvonne Okoro is from Koforidua in the Eastern Parts of Ghana. She received Ghana Mo ...

– Ghanaian-Nigerian actress

References

External links

*
ABIA State of Nigeria – A ProfileAbia State Background InformationAbia Union USA
{{Portal bar, Nigeria Abia State, States of Nigeria States in Igboland States and territories established in 1991 1991 establishments in Nigeria