Abeokuta

Abeokuta which literally means “under the rock” in Yoruba is the capital of ogun state and its largest city. It is home to the Yoruba tribe and boasts an estimated population of 1,234,754 inhabitants. Abeokuta city consists of two local government areas; the Abeokuta North and Abeokuta South LGAs. The most widely spoken languages are Yoruba and English while Christianity and Islam are the dominant religions. Popular city landmarks in Abeokuta include the Federal University of Agriculture, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, FUNAAB Zoo, June 12 Cultural Center, Oyan River Dam, the Hilltop Golf Resort  and the Ake Alake. Health care Institutions found in Abeokuta include the Federal Medical Center, State Specialist Hospital, Sacred heart hospital, Eye foundation hospital, Neuropsychiatric hospital, First contact hospital, ROA Specialist hospital, Skylark hospital, Oba Ademola II Maternity hospital, and the Bisayo Hospital.

Abeokuta city comprises of several areas and districts which include Emero,Oke Ijeun, Ibara, Olorunda, Agbomeji, Ago-oko, Idiaba, Itoko, Jemo, Otokodo, Oluwo, Totoro, Isabo, GRA and Oke Ago while Important festivals celebrated in Abeokuta include the Ake festival and the Lisabi festival. Tertiary Institutions found in Abeokuta include the Crescent University, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Piaget College of Education, and the Vocational Education and Training Institute of Africa.

GEOGRAPHY

Abeokuta is situated on the Eastern bank of the Ogun river and has a tropical savanna climate. The city’s topography is characterized by several rock formations which include the popular Olumo rock. Abeokuta also has a total area measuring about 879 km squared.

The city of Abeokuta has a number of rivers and tributaries which include the Oyan river. There are two distrinct seasons in Abeokuta which are the dry season and the rainy season with average total annual precipitation pegged at 2,350 mm per annum. Humidity in Abeokuta is measured at 75 percent.  

ECONOMY

Agriculture is a vital economic activity in Abeokuta with appreciable output of cocoa, oil palm, kolanut and maize. Commerce is also a critical part of Abeokuta’s economic life with popular markets such as the Kuto, June 12, Panseke, Iberekodo, Batik, Kemta Adire, Itoku and the Gbangba markets contributing immensely to the city's economic life.

Also, the pottery and the tie and dye businesses provide a substantial percentage of Abeokuta dwelers with a means of livelihod. Mineral resources found in Abeokuta include Mica, glass sand, clay, and granite.

HISTORY

Abeokuta was founded in the year 1830 and has been Ogun state’s capital since its creation in 1976.