The diverse perspectives to the origin of Anambra and Ndi Anambra are as mythical as the people.
Onitsha, Anambra
Ndi Anambra people migrated from the cradle of human civilization to their present location.
Ndi Anambra existence dates as far back as 4500BC as confirmed by archaeological findings unearthed in various locations in the state, including Igbo Ukwu, Aguleri, Awka, Ezira and Nri.
Creation of Anambra State The area today, known as Anambra State was created on August 27, 1991, along with eight other states of Nigeria by the then Military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida GCFR.
The meaning of the word Anambra Anambra state derives its name from Anambra River, which is a colonial convenient pronunciation of Omambala River. The River Anambra is a tributary of River Niger.
Features The natural features of Hills, Lakes, Caves, Forests, and table Savannah landform the beautiful landscapes of Anambra State.
Situated on a rolling flat savannah land, dotted by Hills, Lakes, Forests, and caves on the eastern plains of the River Niger, Anambra State covers an area of 4,416sq kilometers with rainforest vegetation, humid climate, a temperature of about 87°F, and rainfall of between 152cm and 203cm.
Boundaries Anambra State shares boundaries with Abia, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Kogi States making it one of the few states in the country with many neighbors.
Population With an estimated population of about 5,084,195 (2016 Census estimate), Anambra is the tenth most populous state in Nigeria.
Commerce Agriculture is important in the state: oil palm, corn, rice, yam, and cassava are its main cash crops. Fishing in inland waterways is a significant commercial activity.
Minerals The principal minerals found in the state are gypsum, kaolin, bauxite, iron ore, and lead. Anambra state also has natural gas and crude oil.
Industries Major industries include breweries, textiles, tourism, and soft drinks bottling. Locally produced sculptures of wood and metal are also of commercial importance.
The economic climate is highly favourable with a combination of large markets, abundant skilled labour force, entrepreneurial ability and easy access to capital and natural resources.
The state has a business environment that is conducive and a number of investment incentives.
The state capital territory, Awka, famous for its legendary blacksmithing, spans six Local Government Areas of Aniocha, Awka South, Awka North, Dunukofia, Njikoka and Orumba North. The Capital Territory covers a land area of 400sq kilometers.
The city of Onitsha has strong trade links with many parts of gthe country and the world. Its market is the largest in West Africa.
Nnewi, the second most economically vibrant centre after Onitsha, has virtually become the automobile spare parts market of the nation and a fast-growing industrial centre.
Language The Igbo language is the mother tongue, but English is widely spoken due to the early influence of Missionary Schools & The Royal Niger Company Traders.
A vast majority speak pidgin, a mix of native Igbo dialect and the confluencing English Language, which was probably for ease of trade with visiting Europeans.
However, a small group of Igala-speaking people exists in Anambra West Local Government Area.
People Ndi Anambra live and work in virtually every part of the country and easily learn the languages of their places of sojourn. They also integrate easily with the host communities where they find themselves.
The people of Anambra State are perhaps its most outstanding assets and the reason why the State is regarded as ‘The Light of the Nation, Nigeria’.
The story of Ndi Anambra is that of outstanding achievements in Politics, Education, Commerce, Industry, Entertainment, Sports and indeed every sphere of human endeavours.
The history of Africa and indeed the entire black race can never be told without the mention of outstanding sons and daughters of Anambra like: The great “Zik of Africa’, Rt. Hon Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who played a key role in the emancipation of Africa and who is one of the founders of Modern Nigeria; Sir Louis Phillipe Odumegwu-Ojukwu , one of Africa’s earliest billionaires; Chief Mrs Margaret Ekpo (Margaret Obiasulor), Nigeria’s pioneer female politician, activist and leader; Professor Chinua Achebe, novelist, poet, professor and critic, whose first novel, “Things Fall Apart”, is considered the most widely read book in modern African Literature.
The list includes the First African Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; fiery pre and post-independence politicians like Chief Mbazulike Amaechi and Chief Mokwugo Okoye; and the First Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ekwueme, to mention among others.
Past Governors 1999 – 2022 Chinwoke Mbadinuju (born 14 June 1945) was Governor of Anambra State in Nigeria from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2003, elected on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform
Chris Nwabueze Ngige (born 8 August 1952) He was the Governor of Anambra State from 29 May 2003 – 17 March 2006 Later as Minister of Labour and Employment (Nigeria), he was appointed to serve in two terms under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Peter Gregory Obi (born 19 July 1961) A former governor of Anambra State that served from 17 March 2006 to 2 November 2006, 9 February 2007 to 29 May 2007, and 14 June 2007 after a court ruling that he should be allowed to complete a four-year term. He again won on 6 February 2010 gubernatorial election for his second tenure.
Willie Obiano (born August 8, 1955) is a Nigerian politician, banker, and technocrat. He served as the fourth democratically elected Governor of Anambra State
Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR (born 28 July 1960) Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR (born 28 July 1960) is a Nigerian politician and economics professor who serves as the fifth democratic Governor of Anambra State.
