Edo, commonly known as Edo State, is a state located in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. As of 2006 National population census, the state was ranked as the 24th populated state (3,233,366) in Nigeria, However there was controversy over the population census figures, for example this same state that was ranked 24, population wise in 2006, was number 16 in terms of voters registration in the country in 2019, That shows strongly that the census conducted in 2006 is not a testament of reality on ground. The state population figures is expected to be about 8,000,000 in 2022. Edo State is the 22nd largest State by landmass in Nigeria. The state's capital and city,

Benin City Benin City is the capital and largest city of Edo State, Edo State, Nigeria. It is the fourth-largest city in Nigeria according to the 2006 census, after Lagos, Kano (city), Kano, and Ibadan, with a population estimate of about 3,500,000 as of ...

, is the fourth largest city in Nigeria, and the centre of the country's rubber industry. Created in 1991 from the former

Bendel State The Mid-Western Region was a division of Nigeria from 1963 to 1991, from 1976 being known as the Bendel state. It was formed in June 1963 from Benin and Delta provinces of the Western Region, and its capital was Benin City. It was renamed a pro ...

, is also known as the heart beat of the nation. Edo State borders Kogi State to the northeast, Anambra State to the east, Delta State to the southeast and southsouth and Ondo State to the west. The modern borders of Edo State encompass regions that were formerly the site of various empires and kingdoms formed in the 11th century AD, the

Benin Empire The Kingdom of Benin, also known as the Edo Kingdom, or the Benin Empire ( Bini: ') was a kingdom within what is now southern Nigeria. It has no historical relation to the modern republic of Benin, which was known as Dahomey from the 17th c ...

. The ancient city of

Edo Edo ( ja, , , "bay-entrance" or "estuary"), also romanized as Jedo, Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of Tokyo. Edo, formerly a ''jōkamachi'' (castle town) centered on Edo Castle located in Musashi Province, became the ''de facto'' capital of ...

, the site of modern-day Benin City, was home to some of the largest

earthworks Earthworks may refer to: Construction *Earthworks (archaeology), human-made constructions that modify the land contour * Earthworks (engineering), civil engineering works created by moving or processing quantities of soil *Earthworks (military), m ...

in the world. In 1897, the British Empire conducted a punitive expedition of the region, destroying most of the ancient city of Edo and incorporating the territory into what would become the Southern Nigeria Protectorate. Edo State is a diverse state that is predominantly inhabited by the Edoid peoples, including the Edo (or Bini), Esan, Owan and

Afemai people The Afemai, also spelled Afenmai, are an ethnic group living in the northern part of Edo State, South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Afemai people occupy six local government areas of Edo state: Etsako West, with headquarters in Auchi, Etsa ...

. The most common Edoid language spoken is the Edo language, which is commonly spoken in Benin City. Christianity is the dominant religion in Edo State. It was first introduced to the region by Portuguese

missionaries A missionary is a member of a religious group which is sent into an area in order to promote its faith or provide services to people, such as education, literacy, social justice, health care, and economic development.Thomas Hale 'On Being a Mi ...

during the 15th century.

Islam Islam (; ar, ۘالِإسلَام, , ) is an Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic Monotheism#Islam, monotheistic religion centred primarily around the Quran, a religious text considered by Muslims to be the direct word of God in Islam, God (or ...

and traditional religions are also practised.

History

The Mid-Western Region was a division of Nigeria from 1963 to 1991, formally known as

Bendel state The Mid-Western Region was a division of Nigeria from 1963 to 1991, from 1976 being known as the Bendel state. It was formed in June 1963 from Benin and Delta provinces of the Western Region, and its capital was Benin City. It was renamed a pro ...

from 1976. It was formed in June 1963 from Benin and

Delta Delta commonly refers to: * Delta (letter) (Δ or δ), a letter of the Greek alphabet * River delta, at a river mouth * D (NATO phonetic alphabet: "Delta") * Delta Air Lines, US * Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 Delta may also re ...

provinces of the Western Region, and its capital was Benin City. It was renamed a province in 1966, and in 1967 when the other provinces were split up into several states, it remained territorially intact, becoming a state. During the Nigerian Civil War, the Biafran forces invaded the new

Mid-Western The Midwestern United States, also referred to as the Midwest or the American Midwest, is one of four Census Bureau Region, census regions of the United States Census Bureau (also known as "Region 2"). It occupies the northern central part of ...

state, en route to Lagos, in an attempt to force a quick end to the war. While under Biafran occupation, the state was declared as the “ Republic of Benin” as Nigerian forces were to retake the region. The republic collapsed a day after the declaration as Nigerian troops overtook Benin City. Edo State was established on 27 August 1991 when

was split into Edo and Delta States.

People

With

as capital, the population of the entire state is approximately 8 million. It is made up of four major

ethnic group An ethnic group or an ethnicity is a grouping of people who identify with each other on the basis of shared attributes that distinguish them from other groups. Those attributes can include common sets of traditions, ancestry, language, history, ...

s; namely

(Binis), Owan, Esan and

Afemai The Afemai, also spelled Afenmai, are an ethnic group living in the northern part of Edo State, South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Afemai people occupy six local government areas of Edo state: Etsako West, with headquarters in Auchi, Ets ...

( Etsako &

Akoko Edo Akoko Edo is a Local Government Area in Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is in the town of Igarra. It has an area of 1,371 km and a population of 262,110 at the 2006 census. The postal code of the area is 312. As of 2016, its populatio ...

). However the State has a high presence of residents from across the country and the world because of its cosmopolitan tendencies. Benin City has a history of being one of the foremost destinations of

Europeans Europeans are the focus of European ethnology, the field of anthropology related to the various ethnic groups that reside in the states of Europe. Groups may be defined by common genetic ancestry, common language, or both. Pan and Pfeil (2004) ...

during their exploration of Africa continent many centuries ago. Some of these flash points have remained enviable tourists’ attraction sites for the state.

Demographics

The main ethnic groups in Edo State are Bini, Etsako, Esan, Owan, and Akoko Edo. Virtually all the groups trace their origin to Benin City, hence their dialects vary with their distance from Benin City. The Bini speaking people occupy seven out of the 18 Local Government Areas of the state and constitute 57.54% of the total population. Others are as follows: Esan (17.14%), Etsako (12.19%), Owan (7.43%), and Akoko Edo (5.70%). There are also Igbira speaking communities in Akoko Edo, Itsekiri communities in Ikpoba-Okha, and

Ijaw Ijaw may refer to: *Ijaw people *Ijaw languages The Izon languages (), otherwise known as the Ịjọ languages, are the languages spoken by the Izon people in southern Nigeria. Classification The Ijo languages were traditionally considered a ...

Izons and Urhobos in Ovia North East and South West Local Government Areas, especially in the borderlands. Also, Igbo speaking communities exist in Igbanke (Ika) in Orhionmwon LGA.

Governors

Local Government Areas

Edo State consists of eighteen (18)

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: * Akoko-Edo *

Egor Egor is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Uselu. Egor is one of the Local Government Areas that are part of the larger metropolitan area of Benin City. It has an area of 93 km and a populati ...

* Esan Central *

Esan North-East Esan North-East (Uromi/ Uzea) is a town and Local Government Area located in Edo state of Nigeria with an estimated population of 119,346. It has an area of and a population density of (2016). Towns and villages Uromi, Egbele, Unuwazi, Utako, ...

Esan South-East Esan South East Local Government Area is a local government area of Edo State, Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a ...

* Esan West *

Etsako Central Etsako Central is a Local Government Area at Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is in the town of Fugar. It has an area of 660 km and a population of 94,575 in the 2006 census. The Common language speaking in the area is Afemai language ...

Etsako East Etsako East is a local government council in Edo State, Nigeria with its headquarters at Agenebode. It has an area of 1,133 km and a population of 145,996 at the 2006 census. The postal code A postal code (also known locally in various E ...

Etsako West Etsako West is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Auchi. Etsako West is made up of six clans: Uzairue, Auchi, South Ibie, Anwain, Jagbe and Aviele. The major towns in this LGA includes Auchi, Jat ...

Igueben Igueben is a local government area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are located in the town of Igueben, which has an area of and a population of 69,639 according to the 2006 census. The postal code is 310. History Igueben was founded ar ...

Ikpoba-Okha Ikpoba Okha is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Idogbo, along Benin/Abraka Road. The LGA is made up of several towns and villages such as Evbuomodu, Uwusan, Obazagbon, Agedo, Evbumufi, Ekosa, Obadol ...

Oredo Oredo is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarter is in Benin City. Its capital city is Benin City which also is the capital city of Edo State, Nigeria. Benin City is also the capital city of the Benin Empire. The Oba ...

Orhionmwon Orhionmwon is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarter is in the town of Abudu. It has an area of 2,382 km² and a population of 206,717 at the 2006 census. The postal code of the area is 301. Orhionmwon local governm ...

Ovia North-East Ovia North-East is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Okada. It had an area of 2,301 km and a population of 153,849 at the 2006 census. The major communities in the LGA are Okada, Uhen, Utese, ...

Ovia South-West Ovia South-West is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Iguobazuwa. It has an area of 2,803km and a population of 135,356 at the 2006 census. The postal code A postal code (also known locally in ...

* Owan East *

Owan West Owan West is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarter is in the town of Sabongidda Ora. It has an area of 732 km and a population of 97,388 at the 2006 census. The postal code of the area is 313. Wedding customs Wed ...

Uhunmwonde Uhunmwonde is one of the Local Government Areas of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is in the town of Ehor. It has an area of 2,033 km and a population of 120,813 at the 2006 census. The villages in Uhunmwonde Local Government area includes ...

Edo State House Of Assembly (Fifth Assembly) Division List, 2013

Edo State House Of Assembly Division List 2013, consists of twenty-four (24) divisions: *

Akoko-Edo 1 Akoko Edo is a Local Government Area in Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is in the town of Igarra. It has an area of 1,371 km and a population of 262,110 at the 2006 census. The postal code of the area is 312. As of 2016, its population ...

* Orhionmwon I *

* Uhunmwode *

* Esan Central * Esan West *

Oredo West Oredo is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarter is in Benin City. Its capital city is Benin City which also is the capital city of Edo State, Nigeria. Benin City is also the capital city of the Benin Empire. The Oba of Be ...

Esan North-East I Esan or ESAN may refer to: Dayo ighodalo Nigeria * Esan people, an ethnic group of southern Nigeria * Esan language, an Edoid language spoken by the Esan people * Esanland, a cultural region and senatorial district of Nigeria, where the Esan peopl ...

* Etsako West I * Owan East *

Orhionmwon II Orhionmwon is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarter is in the town of Abudu. It has an area of 2,382 km² and a population of 206,717 at the 2006 census. The postal code of the area is 301. Orhionmwon local governmen ...

Esan North-East II Esan or ESAN may refer to: Dayo ighodalo Nigeria * Esan people, an ethnic group of southern Nigeria * Esan language, an Edoid language spoken by the Esan people * Esanland, a cultural region and senatorial district of Nigeria, where the Esan people ...

* Akoko-Edo II *

Ovia North-East II ''Ovia'' is a genus of spiders in the family Lycosidae Wolf spiders are members of the family Lycosidae (). They are robust and agile hunters with excellent eyesight. They live mostly in solitude, hunt alone, and do not spin webs. Some are op ...

Oredo East Oredo is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarter is in Benin City. Its capital city is Benin City which also is the capital city of Edo State, Nigeria. Benin City is also the capital city of the Benin Empire. The Oba of Be ...

* Ovia North-East I *

Etsako West II The Anglican Diocese of Etsako was created and inaugurated on the 14th March, 2007 and is one of 13 Dioceses within the Anglican Province of Bendel, itself one of 14 provinces within the Church of Nigeria The Church of Nigeria is the Anglicanism ...

Edo State Judiciary

The Judiciary is the third arm of Government in the State, vested with the power to interprete the laws and resolve disputes in both civil and criminal matters in the State. The State Judiciary is headed by a Chief Judge. On the 16 of May, 2021, Edo State Governor,

Godwin Obaseki Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki (born 1 July 1957) is a Nigerian politician and businessman who is currently the Governor of Edo State. He was first elected governor under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the year 2016 where He de ...

swore in Justice Joe Acha as Acting Chief Judge of Edo State, following the retirement of Justice Esther Edigin

Politics

Governor

is the current governor of Edo State and was sworn into office on the 12th November, 2016. His deputy is Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu. The Edo State House of Assembly is the legislative body.

Languages

English is the official language of the state. The major tribal languages spoken in the state are Edo language, Igarra, Etsako/Afemai, Esan and Okpamheri. Edo State is home to several ethnicities, they are the

, Okpe, Esan, Afemai/Etsako, Ora, Akoko-Edo,

Igbanke Igbanke is an Ika people community in Edo State, Nigeria. Ika is Igbo dialects which is spoken in parts of Delta and Edo States of Nigeria. Igbanke was founded by migrants from Onitsha and Ika land. The autonomous communities in Igbanke includ ...

, Ema i. The Etsako/Afemai people of Edo state have the highest population of Muslims. They live in Six local government areas within the state and their major occupation is farming. Areal view of the ancient city of Benin

Languages of Edo State listed by LGA:

Religion Practiced In Edo State

Christianity and Islam are the major religion Practiced in Edo State, although minority of the population are traditional worshippers.

Economy

Tourist attractions in Edo State include the

Emotan Statue The ''Emotan Statue'' is a life-size statue designed in honour of Emotan, a trade chieftain who used to trade at the Oba's market in the Ancient Benin Kingdom during the reigns of Oba Uwaifiokun and Oba Ewuare the Great. The statue was unveile ...

in Benin City, Ise Lake and River Niger Beach in

Agenebode Agenebode is a historical water-side town located by the banks of the Niger River in Edo State, South South part of Nigeria. It is the headquarters of Etsako-East local Government Area, the host of the local council and the traditional capital ...

, Etsako-East; Mike Akhigbe Square at

fugar Etsako Central is a Local Government Areas of Nigeria, Local Government Area at Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is in the town of Fugar. It has an area of 660 km and a population of 94,575 in the 2006 census. The Common language speakin ...

, Ambrose Alli Square,

Ekpoma Ekpoma is a town in Edo State, Nigeria. It is the administrative headquarters of the Esan West Local Government Area. Ekpoma lies on the geographical coordinate of latitude . The town has an official Post Office, and it is home to the Ambrose A ...

, River Niger Beaches at Ilushi, BFFM Building at

Ewu EWU may refer to: * Ewu, a town in Nigeria * East West University, a private university in Dhaka, Bangladesh * East–West University East–West University is a private university in Chicago, Illinois. The university was founded in 1980. It ...

, Igun Bronze Caster at Igun Street in Benin City, College of Agriculture and Aqua Culture Technology, Agenebode,

Okpekpe Okpekpe (Okphekphe) is a town in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. It is located about northeast of Auchi. It has a population of 3155 inhabitants. Its people belong to a homogeneous group of people, called the Afemai. ...

with its hills and scenes and the Usomege Hills at Apana-Uzairue, Somorika hills in

, where a government-run tourist center at Ososo is set among spectacular scenery. The state produces crude oil, and other mineral resources like limestone and quarry. The state has a cement factory at

Okpella Okpella is a clan situated along Benin-Abuja federal high way. Going by the last National Census figures, it has the population of 500,000, and is one of the three main towns that make up Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. Okpella i ...

and a Flour Mill at Ewu which is moribound.

Mineral Resources In Edo State

The following are the Mineral Resources found in Edo State *

Bitumen Asphalt, also known as bitumen (, ), is a sticky, black, highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. It may be found in natural deposits or may be a refined product, and is classed as a pitch. Before the 20th century, the term a ...

* Clay *

Dolomite Dolomite may refer to: *Dolomite (mineral), a carbonate mineral *Dolomite (rock), also known as dolostone, a sedimentary carbonate rock *Dolomite, Alabama, United States, an unincorporated community *Dolomite, California, United States, an unincor ...

* Phosphate * Glass-sand * Gold * Gypsium *

Iron-ore Iron ores are rocks and minerals from which metallic iron can be economically extracted. The ores are usually rich in iron oxides and vary in color from dark grey, bright yellow, or deep purple to rusty red. The iron is usually found in the f ...

Lignite Lignite, often referred to as brown coal, is a soft, brown, combustible, sedimentary rock formed from naturally compressed peat. It has a carbon content around 25–35%, and is considered the lowest rank of coal due to its relatively low heat ...

* Limestone * Marble * Oil/Gas

Education

Notable tertiary learning institutions in Edo state include: *

Auchi Polytechnic Auchi Polytechnic is a Federal Polytechnic in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria. It is one of the first four Polytechnics established in Nigeria. It has over 10,000 students enrolled in business, technology, environmental and arts courses. Histo ...

Ambrose Alli University Ambrose Alli University (AAU) is a state-owned university in Edo State, Nigeria. It was established in 1981 by the governor of Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States), Ambrose Folorunsho Alli. Initially known as Bendel State University, sub ...

, Ekpoma * Benson Idahosa University, Benin City * Edo State Polytechnic Usen * Edo Technical College * Edo State University, Uzairue (formerly Edo University, Iyahmo) * Igbinedion University, Okada * Kings Polytechnic * Mudiame University, Irrua *

Samuel Adegboyega University Samuel Adegboyega University (SAU) is located in Ogwa, Edo State, Nigeria, West Africa. It was founded by The Apostolic Church Nigeria, LAWNA (Lagos, Western and Northern Areas) Territory, which has her headquarters at Olorunda-Ketu, Lagos. The ...

, Ogwa *

Shaka Polytechnic Shaka Polytechnic in Benin City, Nigeria, is a privately owned tertiary institution which was established on 6 February 1986 as the Nigerian Institute of Computer Science. Background The school was founded by Late Donaldson Shaka Momodu. It has ...

* University of Benin (UNIBEN) *

Wellspring University Wellspring University is a private university, licensed by the Federal Government of Nigeria in November 2009. It is located in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. The university was founded by the Management Science Centre, a Professional Trainin ...

College of Education, Ekiadolor College of Education, Ekiadolor is a defunct government owned College of Education located in Edo State, Southern part of Nigeria. The institution was established in 1980 under the administration of Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli of the defunct B ...

College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi is a state owned institution located at Ovia South West 7 years old institution was established by the civilian administration of late Ambrose Ali in 1981, closed by the military governors and reopened by the Lucky ...

Healthcare

List of Edo State Medical zones and associated local government areas.

Notable people

* Oba of Benin * John Odigie Oyegun, First Governor of Edo state and former national chairman of the ruling APC *

, former chairman of the State's economic team and present Executive Governor of the State *

Jeffrey O Jeffrey Obomeghie, known as Jeffrey O, is an American educator, motivational speaker, former editor, and writer. He has served as the founding editor-in-chief of ''People's Express''. Biography Jeffrey was born in Auchi, Edo State. He was educa ...

bomeghie, chief executive officer of the International Hospitality Institute and Writer *

Erhabor Emokpae Erhabor Ogieva Emokpae, OON, (9 May 1934 – 16 February 1984) was a renowned Nigerian sculptor, muralist, graphic artist and painter who is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern arts in Nigeria. Some of his notable works include the a bro ...

, pioneer of modern arts in Nigeria *Admiral

Mike Akhigbe Okhai Michael Akhigbe (29 September 1946 – 13 October 2013) was a Vice-admiral (Nigerian Navy), Vice admiral of the Nigerian Navy who served as ''de facto'' Vice President of Nigeria (as Chief of General Staff) under military head of state Gen ...

, former vice president of 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 ...

. *

Dele Giwa Dele Giwa (16 March 1947 – 19 October 1986) was a Nigerian journalist, editor and founder of '' Newswatch'' magazine. Early life and career Sumonu Oladele "Baines" Giwa was born on March 16, 1947 to a family working in the palace of Oba Ades ...

, Nigerian journalist, editor and founder of Newswatch magazine. *Senator Albert Legogie, former deputy senate president in the defunct Third Republic and a pioneer member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). *Pa

Michael Imoudu Michael Athokhamien Omnibus Imoudu was a Nigerian labour union leader. Early life and education Imoudu was born in 1902, in Afemai division of Edo State. His father was a soldier in the West African Frontier Force and had served in East Africa ...

, labour leader and founder of the Nigeria state, *Chief

Julius Momo Udochi Chief Julius Momo Udochi was the first Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America, 1960–1965. He was a Teacher 1931–1938; a Customs Officer in the Nigerian Civil Service 1938–1945; Assistant secretary, Nigerian Secretariat 1945� ...

, the first Nigerian ambassador to the United States, *Gen.

George Agbazika Innih George Agbazika Innih (25 September 1938 – 15 August 2002) was a Nigerian Army general and statesman. He was the military governor of Bendel and Kwara States. Early years George Agbazika Innih was born on September 25, 1938, at Agenebode, E ...

, who was one-time military governor of Bendel and

Kwara State Kwara State ( yo, Ìpínlẹ̀ Kwárà), is a state in Western Nigeria, bordered to the east by Kogi State, to the north by Niger state, and to the south by Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo states, while its western border makes up part of the internation ...

, * Major-General

Abdul Rahman Mamudu Major-General Abdul Rahman Alhaji Mamudu (1937 - 1992) was military Governor of Gongola State, Nigeria between July 1978 and October 1979 during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo. He was an alumnus of the National Institute of Polic ...

former Commander Nigerian Army Signals Corps and military administrator Gongola State, * Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, cofounder of Access Bank Plc and founder of Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) *

Adams Oshiomhole Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole (born 4 April 1952), is a Nigerian politician and the former National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress. He had previously served as the President of Nigeria Labour Congress from 1999 to 2007 and the executive gove ...

, past president of the

Nigeria Labour Congress The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is an umbrella organization for trade unions in Nigeria. History The Nigerian Labour Congress was founded in December 1978, as a merger of four different organisations: the Nigeria Trade Union Congress (NTUC), ...

and former governor of Edo State; he built Edo University of Iyamoh, Edo State. *Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of the Believers Loveworld Nation *Prince

Tony Momoh Prince Tony Momoh (27 April 1939 – 1 February 2021) was a Nigerian journalist and a politician who was Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture (1986–1990) during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. Birth and education M ...

, former Minister of Information and Culture *

Maymunah Kadiri Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri is a Nigerian mental health advocate, Psychiatrist and psychotherapist. She advocates for mental health speaking at events, television shows and as a columnist at the Guardian Newspapers. She produced Little Drops Of Happy i ...

, Nigerian mental health advocate *Commander

Anthony Ikhazoboh Anthony Onomoaso Ikazoboh (died 27 July 1999) was a Nigerian Air Commodore, and former Chairman of the Nigerian Football Association, and Minister of Youths and Sports, Minister of Sports and also Minister of Transport. He was born in Kano, b ...

, minister of sports and transport *Professor Ambrose Alli, former governor of the defunct Bendel State. He created the Bendel State university now named after him. *

John Momoh John Momoh (born 1 July 1957) is a Nigerian broadcast journalist and the Chairman and CEO of Channels TV, an independent and multiple award-winning 24-hour news and media television channel based in Lagos. He is widely recognized in Nigeria as a t ...

, Nigerian broadcast journalist and CEO of Channels TV *Professor

Osayuki Godwin Oshodin Osayuki Godwin Oshodin (9 August 1950 – 29 May 2022) was a vice-chancellor of University of Benin (Nigeria), University of Benin. He was professor of health education and published several journals and books concerning health and education. Os ...

, former vice chancellor of University of Benin *

Jacob U. Egharevba Chief Jacob U. Egharevba MBE (1893–1981) was a Bini historian and traditional chief whose writings specialized in the history of Benin Kingdom. Life Early life Egharevba was born in Idanre, Ondo State, His father was related to Ohenmwen, Iyase o ...

, a Bini historian and traditional chief * Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, former governor of the midwest region of Nigeria and later Bendel state *Chief

Anthony Enahoro Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro (22 July 1923 – 15 December 2010) was one of Nigeria's foremost anti-colonial and pro-democracy activists. He was born the eldest of ten children in Uromi, present-day Edo State of Nigeria. His Esan parents we ...

, anti-colonial and pro-democracy activist and politician *Professor

Festus Iyayi Festus Iyayi (29 September 1947 – 12 November 2013) was a Nigerian leftist writer, best known for advancing his politics through realist novels depicting the socopolitical environment of contemporary Nigeria. He was also a former president of t ...

, novelist and first African to win the

Commonwealth Writers Prize Commonwealth Foundation presented a number of prizes between 1987 and 2011. The main award was called the Commonwealth Writers' Prize and was composed of two prizes: the Best Book Prize (overall and regional) was awarded from 1987 to 2011; the Best ...

Odia Ofeimun Odia Ofeimun (born 16 March 1950)"Biography: Odia Ofeimun, Nigeria"
Badilisha Poetry X ...

, poet and former president of the Association of Nigerian Authors *Dr

Abel Guobadia Sir Abel Guobadia OFR (28 June 1932 – 4 February 2011) was an educator, administrator, diplomat and retired public servant. Education Abel Guobadia was born on 28 June 1932, in Benin City, Nigeria. He attended C.M.S. Primary Schools in Benin C ...

, educator and former Nigerian ambassador to the Republic of Korea, former Chairman

Independent National Electoral Commission The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was established in 1998 and is the electoral body which oversees elections in Nigeria. History Regulation and administration of elections The administration of democratic elections in Nige ...

(INEC) *General Godwin Abbe, former Nigerian Minister for Interior and Defence *

Archbishop John Edokpolo John Enoyogiere Edokpolo (9 October 1918 – 17 June 1996) was a Nigerian businessman in the rubber industry and founder of Edokpolo Grammar Schools in Benin City, Nigeria. Edokpolo was also a property developer who created a number of residen ...

, founder of Edokpolo Grammar Schools and Political Activist *Sir

Victor Uwaifo Victor Efosa Uwaifo (1 March 1941 – 28 August 2021) was a Nigerian musician, writer, sculptor, and musical instrument inventor, university lecturer, music legend, and the first Honorable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Nigeria. ...

, musician *Archbishop

Benson Idahosa Benson Andrew Idahosa (11 September 1938 – 12 March 1998), was a Charismatic Pentecostal preacher. He is the founder of Church of God Mission International, Archbishop Benson Idahosa was popularly referred to as the father of Pentecostalism ...

, Pentecostal Church Leader *

Sonny Okosun Sonny Okosun (1 January 1947 – 24 May 2008) was a Nigerian musician, who was known as the leader of the Ozzidi band. He named his band Ozzidi after a renowned Ijaw languages, Ijaw river god, but to Okosun the meaning was "there is a message". ...

, musician * Augustine Eguavoen, former professional Nigerian footballer and coach *

Felix Idubor Felix Idubor (1928–1991) was a Nigerian sculptor from Benin City, a city with a rich history of artistic excellence. He was part of a young group of artists in the 1950s and 1960s who raised awareness of the artistic consciousness of African tra ...

, artist *

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Modupe Ozolua Modupe Ozolua (born on 10th of October 1973, in Benin City, Nigeria) is a Nigerian philanthropist and entrepreneur. She served as the CEO of Body Enhancement Ltd, and is the founding president of Empower 54 Project Initiatives (Empower 54) forme ...

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Gabriel Igbinedion Chieftain, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion (born 11 September 1934) is a Nigerian businessman and Nigerian chieftaincy, traditional aristocrat from Okada Town in Edo State. He holds the chieftaincy title of the Esama of the Benin Kingdom. Esama ...

, international business mogul and bini high chief and owner of ITV *

Raymond Dokpesi Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi (born 25 October 1951) in Ibadan is a Nigerian media entrepreneur. His parents are from Agenebode, Edo state in a family including six sisters siblings. He entered the Nigerian mass media industry with hi ...

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Joe Edionwele Joseph Eghonghon Edionwele is a politician and member of the 8th and 9th Assembly representing Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, Edo State. He is popularly known as Joe Edionwele. Early life and education Hon. (Chief) Joe was ...

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Oserheimen Osunbor Oserheimen Osunbor, (born 5 October 1951), is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who was a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007 and the Governor of Edo State of Nigeria from 29 May 2007 to 11 November 2008. E ...

, a lawyer and one time Governor of the State. He is from Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. *

Osagie Ehanire Osagie Emmanuel Ehanire (born 4 November 1945) is a Nigerian medical doctor and politician. He was appointed Minister of Health in President Muhammadu Buhari administration in November 2019. Following the submission of the ministerial nominees ...

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Nigerian Actress, model and media personality. * Adesua Etomi Nigerian Actress * Queen Blessing Ebigieson Nigerian Actress *

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Peter Akpatason Peter Akpatason (born November 28, 1964) is a Nigerian politician representing Akoko-Edo constituency of Edo State Edo, commonly known as Edo State, is a state located in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. As of 2006 National popul ...

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References

External links

*
Edo State Open Data PortalEdo State Civil Service Commission
{{Portal bar, Nigeria States of Nigeria States and territories established in 1991 1991 establishments in Nigeria