Edo State

Edo state is found in the SouthSouth geopolitical enclave of Nigeria and is home to ethnic affiliations such as the Bini, Esan, Owan, and Etsako. The Capital of Edo state is Benin City while other popular towns include Ovia, Owan, Akoko-Edo, Egor and Ekpoma. The most widely spoken languages include the Igarra, Okpamheri and the Afemai while the dominant ethnic groups in the state include the Otuo, Bini, Esan, Akoko, Igarra, Ora, Ijo, and the Afemai. Edo boasts a population of about 7,218,335 inhabitants spread over 18 LGAs which include Akoko Edo, Egor, Esan Central, Esan Northast, Esan Southeast, Etsako central, Etsako east, Etsako west, Igueben, Ikpoba Okha, Oredo, Orhionnmwon, Ovia Northeast, Ovia southwest, Owan East, Owan west, and Uhunmwonde. Christianity and Islam are the major religious persuasions with traditionalists also favourably represented.

Popular landmarks in Edo state include the Emotan statue, the Samuel Ogbemudia sports stadium, Ogba Zoological gardens, Okomu National Park, Ososo hills, Emotan statue, National Museum Benin, Edegbake/ Oghodoghodo caves, Giant footprint of Ukhuse Oke, Amagwu cave, Tomb of Asoro, the Benin Moat, the Palace of the Oba of Benin and the Ise lake while prominent tertiary institutions include the University of Benin, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Benson Idahosa University Benin, Auchi Federal Polytechnic, College of Education Ekiadolor, College of Education Igueben, College of Agriculture Iguoriakhi, Nigerian Advanced School of Theology Ewu, and the Igbinedion University Okada. A number of colourful festivals are held in Edo state and these include the Igue festival, Ewere festival, Eho, Ebomisi, Ohonomoimen, Adu Ikukun, Ukpe, Ighele, Ivbamen, Oto Uromi, and Oriminyan festivals. 

 

EDO STATE GOVERNOR

The Governor of Edo State is Godwin Obaseki.

EDO STATE SLOGAN

Heartbeat of Nigeria

GEOGRAPHY OF EDO STATE

Edo state has a total area of about 17,802 km squared with average annual precipitation of 2300 mm. The average temperature is 28 degrees centigrade and the state exhibits features of  the mangrove swamp. Average wind speed in Edo state is put at 10 km/h while the average humidity level is at an estimated 59 percent.

ECONOMY OF EDO STATE

Edo state has fairly large deposits of crude oil and natural gas. Other minerals found in  the state include limestone, clay, marble, Charnockite, copper, gold, granite, kaolin, Dolomite and Feldspar. Also, tourism contributes to the state's economy with popular tourist centers being the Emotan statue and the Ise lake.

Trade blossoms in Edo state with the state hosting several markets which include the Eki Osa market Benin City, Eki Oba market Benin City, Agbado market, New Benin market, Santana market Benin City, Uselu Market Benin City, Oliha market Benin city, Oregbeni market Ikpoba, and the Ugbogiobo market in Ovia North/East.    

HISTORY OF EDO STATE

Edo state was created in 1990 and had Col. John Ewerekumoh as the pioneer leader from August 1990- January 1992. Prior to this time, Edo state had been part of the Midwesterb region and the defunct Bendel state respectively with Benin City as the capital. 

Past governors/administrators of Edo state include

John Ewere Kumoh - 1990 -1992

John Odigie Oyegun - 1992- 1993

Mohammed Abdulsalam Onuka - 1993 - 1994

Bassey Asuquo - 1994-1996

Baba Adamu Iyam - 1996- 1998

Anthony Onyearugbulem- 1998-1999

Lucky Igbinedion - 1999- 2007

Oserheimen Osunbor - 2007- 2008

Adams Oshiomole - 2008 - 2016

Godwin Obaseki - 2016- date.