In this post, you will find out a lot of interesting facts from the history of Anambra state, one of the most densely populated and the 2nd most developed state in Nigeria. Let’s get started.
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What are top facts to know about Anambra state?
- Anambra is a state located in southeastern Nigeria. According to oral tradition, the title ‘Anambra’ is an anglicized version of the original title ‘Oma Mbala’ which is the native name of the Anambra River which flows through the area being a tributary of the Niger River. The capital of the state is Awka.
- Onitsha, Ekwulobia, and Nnewi are the biggest commercial and industrial centers.
- Anambra state’s slogan is “Light of the nation”.
- Anambra state is among the 5 eastern Nigerian states. It is bounded by Delta state to the west, Imo State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi State to the north.
- The biggest ethnic groups in this state are an Igbo speaking state (97% of the population) in the south-eastern part of Anambra state and 3% of the population of Igala speaking people living mostly in the north-western part.
- As mentioned above, most of the population (97 percent) of Anambra State are members of the Igbo group who are widely known for their determination and great love for entrepreneurship. The Anambra Igbo often move to other states of Nigeria and every region of the world. Wherever they live, their hard work, humility, and entrepreneurial spirit make them stand out in all their activities. That is why Anambra State has the motto: Light of the nation.
- The most popular fact about the Anambra state is that it is the most densely populated and the 2nd most developed state in Nigeria after Lagos. An average density of 1,5-2 thous. persons/km2. The population growth rate in Anambra State is 2,31% per year, over 65% of people are living in the cities which makes it one of the most urbanized places in Nigeria.
- Also, it has the highest literacy rate and the lowest poverty rate in Nigeria. There was a period in the country’s history when most of the states couldn’t pay the workers, but Anambra state was the only state even to increase workers salary.
- This is the first state where a female governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba, was elected.
- The most notable people coming from Anambra state include Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first president; Nwafor Orizu, Nigeria’s first senate president; Chief Alex Ekwueme, Nigeria’s vice president; Chinua Achebe, one of the most popular African writers, and others.
Key Takeaways
- Anambra is the second most developed state in Nigeria, known for its entrepreneurial spirit.
- The state has a high population density, with a significant urbanized population.
- Anambra boasts the highest literacy rate and the lowest poverty rate in Nigeria.
- The state is rich in history, culture, and notable figures contributing to Nigeria's legacy.
The brief history of Anambra state
Anambra state traces its history back to the 9th century. Archaeological excavations have revealed significant works of art in iron, copper, bronze, and other materials from the ancient Kingdom of Nri, which thrived along the Anambra River from 948 to 1911.
In regions like Ogidi, local families held hereditary royal titles for centuries. Under British rule, Nri kings were recognized as legal rulers, and in the 19th century, they were appointed as Warrant Chiefs, collecting taxes and performing other administrative duties.
The history of Anambra State drastically changed when the Nigerian Civil War began on July 6, 1967. This conflict, known as the Biafran War, was sparked by a military coup in 1966 and resulted in a devastating civil war between Nigeria and the secessionist state of Biafra.
During the war, Biafran engineers constructed a relief airstrip named “Annabelle” to supply food and medicine to starving populations. American pilots, including Alex Nicoll, risked their lives delivering vital supplies, highlighting the humanitarian efforts amidst the conflict.
When was Anambra state created?
The history of Anambra State can be divided into two parts. In 1976, Old Anambra State was created from the East Central State, with Enugu as its capital.
On August 27, 1991, the state was reorganized into two states, Anambra and Enugu, further restructuring the Nigerian federation.
The current capital of Anambra is Awka, known as the Home of Igbo Blacksmiths, featuring 21 local government areas. The 2006 census recorded a population of 4,177,828 people, over a land area of 4,844 km², comprising 177 autonomous communities.
Who is the first governor of Anambra state?
General John Atom Kpera, born in 1941, served as the first Military Governor of Anambra State from 1976 to 1978 during General Olusegun Obasanjo's rule.
Kpera attempted to enforce city cleanliness through military oversight. After his dismissal, he stated that he left the treasury empty because he began his term with no resources.
The modern history of Anambra state
In 1999, following the end of military rule, Chinwoke Mbadinuju became Anambra's first democratic governor. He faced challenges such as delayed teachers' salaries, leading to a 10-month strike in secondary schools.
A tuition fee imposed by Mbadinuju resulted in widespread protests among students, marking his administration as problematic, a situation later addressed by his successors.
Since the 1990s, Anambra has witnessed significant rural-to-urban migration, with 63% of the population now residing in cities. Despite efforts by the government, challenges persist in infrastructure, sanitation, and urban planning.
In 2009, former governor Peter Obi initiated a 20-year urban planning strategy for key cities, marking Anambra as the first Nigerian state to adopt comprehensive development plans.
On March 17, 2014, Willie Obiano was elected as the fourth democratic governor of Anambra State, focusing on urban development, especially in the capital, Awka, while Anambra continues to be a hub for metalwork and trade.
Anambra is engaged in supplying crude oil, natural gas, ceramics, and bauxite to other states and countries, with Awka being historically significant for its craftsmanship.
Overall, Anambra state has a complex political history, having navigated periods of unrest and colonialism while currently experiencing transformative urbanization and infrastructural development.
