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, 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”.
- 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 largest ethnic group in this state is the Igbo-speaking people, who make up 97% of the population, while 3% are Igala speakers primarily located in the north-western part.
- The Anambra Igbo are known for their determination and strong entrepreneurial spirit, often migrating across Nigeria and globally.
- Anambra is the most densely populated state and the second most developed in Nigeria, with an average density of 1,500-2,000 persons/km2.
- It boasts the highest literacy and lowest poverty rates in Nigeria.
- Dame Virgy Etiaba was the first female governor elected in Anambra state.
- Notable figures from Anambra include Nigeria’s first president, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and acclaimed writer Chinua Achebe.
The brief history of Anambra state
Anambra state traces its history back to the 9th century, with archaeological findings revealing rich cultural artifacts from the ancient Kingdom of Nri. This kingdom, located along the Anambra River, demonstrated a sophisticated administrative system from 948 to 1911. In various regions like Ogidi, local families held hereditary royal titles for centuries.
During British colonial rule, Nri kings were recognized as legal rulers, and in the 19th century, they served as Warrant Chiefs, collecting taxes and executing duties. The history of Anambra changed drastically with the onset of the Nigerian Civil War on July 6, 1967, a conflict between Nigeria and the separatist state of Biafra, sparked by a military coup in 1966.
Throughout the war, Biafran engineers constructed the Annabelle airstrip for delivering food and medical supplies amid dire conditions. The conflict ended on January 15, 1970, and the Igbo people have since excelled in various sectors, showcasing their resilience and hard work.
When was Anambra state created?
The history of Anambra State began formally in 1976 when it was created from part of the East Central State, with Enugu as its capital. On August 27, 1991, the state underwent further reorganization, splitting into Anambra and Enugu states.
Currently, the capital of Anambra is Awka, known as the Home of Igbo Blacksmiths. The state consists of 21 local government areas, with a population of about 4,177,828 people according to the 2006 census.
With a land area of 4,844 km², Anambra state is home to 177 autonomous communities and is recognized for its rapidly growing cities, with ten towns designated as urban by the government.
Who is the first governor of Anambra state?
General John Atom Kpera, who served from 1976 to 1978, was the first military governor of Anambra state during the regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo. He attempted to implement policies for cleaning the cities, however, after his dismissal, he stated that he left the state treasury empty.
The modern history of Anambra state
In 1999, the end of military rule marked the beginning of a new era for Anambra. Chinwoke Mbadinuju became the first democratic governor, facing challenges including salary issues for teachers that led to widespread protests. His administration's policies faced criticism, but his successors worked to resolve these issues.
Since the 1990s, Anambra has seen significant rural-to-urban migration, with 63% of the population now residing in cities. Despite the government's efforts to improve infrastructure, challenges remain, such as poor sanitation and illegal street trading.
In 2009, former governor Peter Obi introduced a 20-year urban planning strategy for key cities like Onitsha, Nnewi, and Awka, focusing on enhancing living conditions. Willie Obiano, elected in 2014, continued these development efforts to bolster urban growth and sustainability.
Today, Anambra is a hub for metalwork and carving, with commercial centers in Onitsha and Nnewi facilitating regional trade. The state is also engaged in supplying resources like crude oil and natural gas to other regions, showcasing its economic significance.
Anambra's political history has seen its share of unrest, but recent improvements in infrastructure and governance hint at a brighter future for its urban and rural communities.
Source: Legit.ng
