OTTI INAUGURATES 17 LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMEN IN ABIA STATE
The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti inaugurated the Newly Elected Executive Chairmen (Mayor) of the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State and their Deputies at the Banquet Hall of Abia State Government House. Governor Otti was joined by his Wife and the First Lady of the State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Otti.
The Oath of Office and Allegiance was administered by the State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Paul Ogubunka.
The inauguration ceremony was witnessed by the Secretary-General of Ohanaze Ndi Igbo, Amb. Okey Emuchay (MFR), the second Deputy chairman of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM. Eze Nelson Nmerengwa, Member Representing Isialangwa North-South Federal Constituency, Members of Abia State House of Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker, all members of the State Executive Council, High Profile Government Appointees and Bar. Ken Ahia (SAN).
Abia State is a state in south-eastern Nigeria. Umuahia is the capital and Aba is largest city and commercial centre.
Abia was created on 27 August 1991 from the eastern part of Imo state, and it takes its name from the acronym of four of its most populated regions: Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Afikpo.
The state is bordered by Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states, and it is the only Southeastern state that has boundary with all the other four Southeastern states in Nigeria.
Abia has 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs), namely:
Aba North
Aba South
Arochukwu
Bende
Ikwuano
Isiala-Ngwa North
Isiala-Ngwa South
Isuikwuato
Obi Ngwa
Ohafia
Osisioma Ngwa
Ugwunagbo
Ukwa East
Ukwa West
Umuahia North
Umuahia South
Umu-Nneochi
The Local Government Areas and their capitals are:
Aba North Headquarters: Eziama Uratta
Aba South Aba
Arochukwu Arochukwu
Bende Bende Town
Ikwuano Isiala Oboro
Isiala-Ngwa North Okpuala-Ngwa
Isiala-Ngwa South Omoba
Isuikwuato Nbalano
Obi Ngwa Mgboko
Ohafia Eben Ohafia
Osisioma Ngwa Osisioma
Ugwunagbo Ugwunagbo
Ukwa East Akwete
Ukwa West Oke-Ikpe
Umuahia North Umuahia City
Umuahia South Apumiri Ubalaka
Umu Nneochi Amuda Nkwoagu
The state is rich in natural resources such as crude oil, natural gas, limestone, clay, salt, coal, palm oil, cassava, yam, plantain, banana, maize, rice, and cocoa.
It is also known for its industrial and commercial activities, especially in Aba, which is famous for its leather works, textiles, cosmetics, plastics, pharmaceuticals, soap, and footwear industries.
Abia has a vibrant culture and tourism sector, with attractions such as the National War Museum in Umuahia, the Azumini Blue River in Ukwa East LGA, the Arochukwu Long Juju Slave Route in Arochukwu LGA, the Ngodo Cave in Isuikwuato LGA, and the Abia Tower in Umuahia.
People
The people of Abia are mainly of the Igbo ethnic group. English is widely spoken and serves as the official language in governance and business while the Igbo language serves as a native tongue. Globally, the Igbo’s are well travelled. They are known to be tolerant, ultra-democratic and reputed to be industrious, highly market oriented, very hospitable and accommodating, probably due to their migratory nature. About 2.4million Abia people are very entrepreneurial in nature.
Religion The people of Abia State are predominantly Christians of different denominations. There are also a number of Muslims, with adherents. Some people in the state are animists, who believe in a Being called “Chukwu”. The traditional worshippers believe in the ability of deities to exercise strong influence on the destiny of man.
Location
Located in the southeastern region of Nigeria, Abia State lies within approximately latitudes 4° 40′ and 6° 14′ north, and longitudes 7° 10′ and 8° east. The state shares common boundaries to the north with Ebonyi State; to the south and southwest with Rivers State; and to the east and southeast with Cross River and Akwa lbom States respectively. To the west is Imo State, and to the northwest is Anambra State.
The state covers an area of about 5,243.7 sq. km which is approximately 5.8 per cent of the total land area of Nigeria. With its capital at Umuahia, it has seventeen LGAs, namely: Aba North, Aba South, Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, Ukwa West, Ukwa East, Obingwa, lkwuano, Bende, Arochukwu, Ohafia, lsuikwuato, Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ugwunagbo, Osisioma and Nnochi.
