Okene

Okene local government area is situated in Kogi state, North-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria with the LGA’s headquarters residing in the town of Okene. Okene LGA is made up of several towns and villages such as Okene, Okengwe, Bariki, Idoji, Otutu, Abuga, Odenku, and Obessa. The estimated population of Okene LGA is put at 163,441 inhabitants with the majority of the area’s populace constituted of members of the Ebira ethnic group. The Ebira language is commonly spoken in the LGA while the religions of Christianity and Islam are practiced in the area. Notable landmarks in Okene LGA include the Federal College of Education and the Kogi state Polytechnic satellite campus.

GEOGRAPHY OF OKENE

Okene LGA covers a total area of 328 square kilometres and has an average temperature of 30 degrees centigrade. The LGA witnesses two distinct seasons which are the dry and the rainy seasons with the area falling within the Tropical Savannah climate zone.

ECONOMY OF OKENE

Trade is an important economic activity in Okene LGA with the area hosting several markets which include the Okene central market where a wide variety of commodities are bought and sold. Farming is a key occupation of the people of Okene LGA with a variety of crops such as yam and vegetables grown in the area. Okene LGA hosts a number of banks, hotels, industries as well as government owned establishments.

HISTORY OF OKENE

Okene LGA was created in the year 1976 from the defunct Ebira Local Division.