Anambra State

Anambra State is found within the SouthEast geopolitical enclave of Nigeria and shares boundaries with states such as Delta, Imo, Rivers and Enugu. The Capital of Anambra State is Awka while the State boasts other prominent towns such as Onitsha where the largest market in the whole of the West African region is situated and Nnewi which is fondly referred to as the Japan of Africa owing to the massive production of automobile parts and components by industries situated within the region.

Anambra State has an estimated population of 4, 182,038 people spread over 21 Local Government Areas which include Aguata, Anambra east, Anambra west, Anaocha, Awka north, Awka south, Ayamelum, Dunukofia, Ekwusigo, Idemili North, Idemili south, Ihiala, Njikoka, Nnewi north, Nnewi south, Ogbaru, Onitsha north, Onitsha south, Orumba north, Orumba south, and Oyi. The Igbo who constitute 98 percent of the total population is the dominant tribe in Anambra state. Anambra state is Nigeria's second most densely populated state after Lagos. Popular Landmarks in Anambra State include the Agulu lake, the Ogbunike cave which is a UNESCO heritage site and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. A number of tertiary institutions are found in Anambra state and these include the Anambra state University Uli and Igbariam, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Odumegwu Ojukwu Polytechnic Nnewi, Nwafor Orizu College of Education Awka, Federal College of Education Umunze, Madonna University Okija and the National Open University of Nigeria. Popular festivals held in Anambra state include the Ofala festival in Onitsha, New Yam, Edeh arph festival in Abagana, Mmmanwu festival, Achukwu masquerade festival in Ekwulobia, Nwafor festival in Ogidi and Ogbunike Oke-ebo Umueri festival and the Nzurani Anam festival.     

ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNOR

The Governor of Anambra State is Willie Obiano.

ANAMBRA STATE SLOGAN

Light of the Nation

GEOGRAPHY OF ANAMBRA STATE

Anambra State is home to the longest river in Nigeria which is the River Niger. About 35 percent of the State's total mass consists of water.  The State also boasts a tropical savanna climate with average annual rainfall estimated at 3800 mm per annum. The average temperature of Anambra State is 25 degrees centigrade with a topography prone to gully erosions but comprising of arable farmlands for agricultural activities. 

ECONOMY OF ANAMBRA STATE

The people of Anambra State are mostly businessmen and women with the state having the lowest poverty rate in the whole of Nigeria. The City has a high affinity for commerce as exhibited by activities within and around the Onitsha Main Market. Also, Agriculture is another dominant economic activity engaged in by inhabitants of Anambra State and the State which has very arable soil is known for producing crops like rice and yam in very appreciable quantities. Also, Fishing and Animal husbandry contribute to the state's economy. 

Following the recognition of Anambra State as an Oil producing state, oil exploration has also contributed immensely to the economic live of the state especially after the construction of the Orient Petroleum Refinery in Aguleri with an average output of 3000 barrels of crude oil per day. Other mineral resources found in Anambra state include kaolin, clay, Natural gas, Iron stone, sand stone, Lignite, pyrite, and Lateritic clay. Trade is another important feature of the economy of Anambra state with the state hosting several markets which include the Onitsha main market, Bridge head market, Ogboefere market, Building materials market Ogidi, Marine Modern market, Ogbaru main market, Ose Okwodu market, and the Electronics market Onitsha.   

HISTORY OF ANAMBRA STATE

Anambra State was created in the year 1976 after being carved out from the Old East Central State which had its capital in Enugu. Anambra state is also blessed with a rich historical and cultural heritage and has important festivals such as the Ofala and New Yam festivals. 

Anambra is home to one of the most illustrious monarchies in Igboland known as the Obi of Onitsha which has spanned hundreds of years. Anambra state has had a number of political leaders under both the civillian and millitary dispensations. Past governors/administrators in the state include

John Atom Kpera- 1976-1978

Datti Sadiq Abubakar - 1978- 1979

Jim Nwobodo- 1979-1983

Christian Onoh- October 1983- December 1983

Allison Madueke -  1984-1985

Samson Omeruah- 1985- 1987

Robert Akonobi- 1987- 1990

Hebert Eze- 1990- 1991

Joseph Abulu- 1991- 1992

Chukwuemeka Ezeife- 1992-1993

Mike Attah- 1993-1996

Rufai Garba- 1996-1998

Emmanuel Ukegbu- 1998- 1999

Chinwoke Mbadinuju- 1999- 2003

Chris Ngige - 2003-2006

Peter Obi - March 2006- November 2006

Virgy Etiaba- November 2006- February 2007

Peter Obi 2007-2014

Willie Obiano- 2014 to date.