ABIA STATE, History and Travel

Abia State is a state in the south eastern part of Nigeria. The
capital is Umuahia and the major commercial city is ABA, formerly a
British colonial government outpost. The state was created in 1991
from part of IMO STATE and its citizens are predominantly Igbo
people(95% of population).It is one of the nine constituent states of
the Niger Delta region.

History and population

Abia S...tate was carved out of the former Imo State in 1991. The name
"Abia" is an abbreviation of four of the state's densely populated
regions Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Afikpo. It is one of the
thirty-six (36) States that constitute the Federal Republic of
Nigeria. Abia people are of the Igbo ethnic group who predominates
much of the Southeastern part of Nigeria. Their traditional language
is Igbo. English is widely spoken and serves as the official language
in governance and business. Abia's 2.4mm people are mainly Christians.

Politics

The State Government is led by a democratically-elected executive
Governor who works closely with an elected State House Assembly. The
capital city is Umuahia. There are Seventeen (17) local government
areas (LGAs).
In 1999 Nigeria became a democracy, and Orji Uzor Kalu contested on
the platform of the People's Democratic Party(PDP) and won the
Governorship election in Abia State. 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 limits Governors to two terms in
office.) Theodore Orji(PPA) defeated Onyema Ugochukwu(PDP) in the 2007
general elections to become Abia's next Governor.In 2011, Theodore
Orji decamped from PPA to the PDP and was re-elected for another
four-year tenure.

Local Government Areas

Abia State has 17 local government areas(LGAs). They are:
*. Aba North
*. Aba South
*. Arochukwu
*. Bende
*. Ikwuano
*. Isiala Ngwa North
*. Isiala Ngwa South
*. Isuikwuato
*. Obi Ngwa
*. Ohafia
*. Osisioma Ngwa
*. Ugwunagbo
*. Ukwa East
*. Ukwa West
*. Umuahia North
*. Umuahia South
*. Umu Nneochi

Infrastructure and economy

Crude oil and gas production is a prominent activity, as it
contributes to 39% of the GDP. The manufacturing sector only accounts
for 2% of the GDP. The industrial center of the state is in Aba, with
textile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, soap, plastics, cement,
footwear, and cosmetics. 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 that produces yams, maize, potatoes, rice, cashews,
plantains, taro, and cassava. Oil palm is the most important cash
crop.

University and Colleges

There are three universities in the state: the federally owned Michael
Okpara University of Agriculture at Umudike and the state-owned Abia
State University in Uturu and the Gregory University Uturu (Privately
owned). There are two tertiary hospitals, the Federal Medical Center
in Umuahia and the Abia State University Teaching Hospital in Aba,
which serve as referral hospitals in the State. The Abia State
Polytechnicis also in the city of Aba. There are two major power
plants in Abia, The Alaoji Power plant and the Geometric Power plant.
Abia is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria and has been a
"haven" for foreign investors. The state's population has grown
rapidly since its creation.

Travel

The nearest airport to Abia state is Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport(Owerri
Airport), an hour's drive to Aba; and Port Harcourt International
Airport, 2 hours to Aba and about three hours to Umuahia. Uyo Airport
Akwa Ibom State can also serve would be visitors. The Distance between
Uyo (Akwa Ibom) and Umuahia (Abia) is: 73.28 kilometres (45.53 mi).
The rail transport is also another means of travel, very effective but
currently on revitalization. Aba is connected to Port Harcourt by
rail. The Coastal parts of the State are equally accessible with boats
and canoes.

By https://www.facebook.com/echrisdera

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