6°08′36″N 6°57′25″E / 6.143207°N 6.956945°E / 6.143207; 6.956945
49-655: Abacha Town Location and Geography Abacha is a town situated in the southeastern region of Nigeria, within the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. It shares borders with the towns of Abatete, Nimo, Oraukwu, and Eziowelle, making it one of the ten communities in Idemili North. Abacha also falls within the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone. The town’s population predominantly consists of Igbo-speaking people, who belong to
98-524: A falling out between Mbadinuju and his "godfather", Offor, the power struggle between the two men crippled the machinery of government in the state. By September 2002, unpaid teachers had been on strike for a year and civil servants and court workers had been on strike for months. The president of the Onitsha branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Barnabas Igwe, said state leaders had pocketed
147-604: A governance system traditionally centred around chieftaincy, symbolised by the title of Igwe (king).Chief Nwabunwanne Godwin Odiegwu was crowned Ezedioramma Ikendim Abachaleku III, Igwe (King) of Abacha on January 9, 2021, after the Willie Obiano Administration deposed his predecessor, Igwe Godwin Chuba Mbakwe, although the matter is still in a court of competent jurisdiction to determine the legality or otherwise of what
196-812: A memorandum of understanding with Galway modular housing company, Affordable Building Concepts International, for 10,000 housing units to be built in the state. Given decades of neglect of infrastructure and bad governance, the shift in human migration has posed problems for the state. Infrastructure improvements, both physical and social, have lagged behind the growth in population. There are problems in environmental sanitation, erosion control, and provision of social services. Major cities have become characterized by inadequate and deteriorated road networks and walkways, unregulated building patterns, poor sanitation, uncontrolled street trading, mountains of garbage, and chaotic transport systems, creating congestion, noise pollution, and overcrowding. The government of Peter Obi, with
245-574: A sophisticated divine Kingship administrative system, which held sway in the area of Anambra from c. 948 AD to 1911. In some towns, such as Ogidi and others, local families had hereditary rights to kingship for centuries. Great Britain recognised some of these traditional kings and leaders in their system of indirect rule of the Protectorate of South Nigeria . Beginning in the 19th century, they appointed some noble leaders as Warrant Chiefs, authorizing them to collect taxes, among other duties. Anambra
294-507: A strong communal spirit. The town's governance structure supports self-help programmes and initiatives to maintain and improve local infrastructure, including roads, schools, and health facilities. Community members, including those abroad, frequently collaborate to fund these projects, reflecting the shared responsibility and unity of the Abacha people. Language and Religion Igbo is the primary language spoken in Abacha, with English serving as
343-640: Is -0.47% lower than Nigeria's averages. Anambra typically receives about 212.36 millimeters (8.36 inches) of precipitation and has 243.38 rainy days (66.68% of the time) annually. The state has been described as one of the worst places affected by the climate change in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa in 2022 according to the Climate Change Education and Action Programme, (CLEAP). With an annual population growth rate of 2.21 percent per annum, Anambra State has over 60% of its people living in urban areas. It
392-526: Is a Nigerian state located in the South-eastern region of the country. The state was created on 27 August 1991. Anambra state is bounded by Delta State to the west, Imo State and Rivers State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi State to the north. The state's capital is Awka , while the state’s largest city is Onitsha which is regarded as one of the largest metropolis in Africa. Nnewi
441-605: Is a fast-growing commercial city and has developed to become a huge conurbation extending to Idemili , Oyi and Anambra East LGAs, with one of the largest markets in West Africa. In 2012 the tri-city area was dubbed the Onitsha-Nnewi-Awka (ONA) Industrial Axis, in recognition of the expanding industrial capacity. Nnewi (sometimes called the Taiwan of Nigeria) is a rapidly developing industrial and commercial centre. Designated as
490-517: Is in the Igbo-dominated area that seceded as part of an independent Biafra in 1967, following rising tensions with Northern Nigeria. During the Nigerian/Biafran war (1967–1970), Biafran engineers constructed a relief airstrip in the town of Uli/Amorka (code named "Annabelle"). Extremely dangerous relief flights took off from Sao Tome and other sites loaded with tons of food and medicine for
539-493: Is one of the most urbanized states in Nigeria. The major urban centres of Anambra State are Onitsha , Nnewi, Ekwulobia , Ihiala, Aguleri and Awka , the state capital. Awka and Onitsha had developed as pre-colonial urban centres: Awka was the craft industrial centre of the Nri hegemony. Onitsha is a city state on the Niger, having developed as a river port and commercial centre. Onitsha
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#1732855963923588-547: Is the Second Niger Bridge at Onitsha . Road Transportation companies; Air Transportation service; Ogbunike Caves , listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site , is one of the most visited tourist sites in Anambra State. It is classified as a sandstone cave (Lateritic sandstones of Campanian-Miocene age). The Owerre Ezukala caves and waterfalls are great tourist attractions in the state. Largely unexplored,
637-517: Is the second largest commercial and industrial city in Anambra State, and also a known automobile hub within Nigeria and Africa . The state name was formed in 1976 from the former East Central State . The state is named after Omambala River , a river that runs through the state. Anambra is the anglicized name of the Omambala . The State capital is Awka . The city of Onitsha , a historic port city from
686-659: Is to include Anambra State in the list of oil producing States as stated in the NDDC law through the amendment of Section 2(1)(b) of the NDDC Establishment ACT CAP N 86 LFN 2004. Since the late 1990s, there has been a migration from rural to urban areas in the state, resulting in Anambra becoming a highly urbanized state: 62% of its population lives in urban areas. In October 2015, the APGA -led state government of Willie Obiano , signed
735-575: The Anambra River basin. On 2 August 2015, the management of Orient Petroleum Resources Plc said the company planned to increase its crude oil production to 3,000 barrels per day by September 2015, as it stepped up production activities in two new oil wells in its Aguleri oil fields. An indigenous company, Nails and Stanley Ltd, was to establish a gas plant at Umueje in Ayamelum Local Government Area to support economic activities in
784-511: The People's Democratic Party (PDP) platform. Chinwoke Mbadinuju was born on 14 June 1945. He obtained a BA in political science, and a doctorate in government. He gained a law degree from one of the best English universities. He was an editor of Times International . Before entering politics he was an associate professor of politics and African studies at the State University of New York . He
833-597: The British colonialists encountered while heading up to Northern Nigeria from across the riverine areas. They usually described present day Anambra as 'Anam branch' to their colleagues up North. Reason Anam together with some neighboring clans was Anambra LGA when the state was created. It is now Anambra-West LGA with Olumbanasa. Anambra's history stretches to the 9th century AD, as revealed by archaeological excavations at Igbo-Ukwu and Ezira . It has great works of art in iron , bronze , copper , and pottery . These have revealed
882-615: The Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, a distance of about three kilometres within the city. Anambra International Cargo Airport , Umueri , opened on 7 December 2021. Anambra has good transport links to other states in the country. Federal highways: Other major roads include: The Niger River connects Onitsha Inland Port with the ports of Port Harcourt in Rivers State , and Bururu and Warri in Delta State . Nearing completion
931-658: The PDP, but he was beaten by the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Eventually, after the election was nullified and re-run, Chris Ngige gained the post. Igwe had been a vocal critic of Mbadinuju, calling for his resignation due to the failure to pay government workers for several months. Mbadinuju died at the National Hospital, Abuja on 11 April 2023, at the age of 77. Anambra State Anambra State ( Igbo : Ọra Anambra )
980-535: The Uga airstrip. He named his tiny but effective air force " Babies of Biafra " in honour of the babies who died from starvation inside Biafra. Old Anambra State was created in 1976 from part of East Central State , and its capital was Enugu . In 1991, a re-organisation divided Anambra into two states, Anambra and Enugu . The capital of the New Anambra is Awka . Boundaries are formed by Delta State and Edo State to
1029-615: The assistance of the UN-HABITAT , produced 20-year structural plans (2009–2028) for three major cities in the State: Onitsha , Nnewi and Awka – the Capital Territory, to restore urban planning and guide their growth into the future. The plans contain policies and proposals for land use, city beautification, road infrastructure, industrial development, housing, waste disposal, water supply and health and educational facilities to turn
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#17328559639231078-522: The caves are said to be the largest in West Africa. The indigenous ethnic groups in Anambra state are the Igbo (99% of the population) and a small population of people who are bilingual Igbo Ukwu Museum: Igbo Ukwu is an ancient town known for its astonishing metal crafts; it continues to attract tourists to see its bronze artifacts. First noticed in 1938, the bronzes were later excavated by Thurstan Shaw (an English archaeologist). They have been dated to
1127-526: The cities into successful urban areas that can generate employment and wealth, and provide high living standards for their residents. Anambra became the first state in Nigeria to adopt structural plans for its cities. With effective implementation, it should systematically grow as a major economic center in Nigeria, and West Africa. The process of urbanization is fairly contributed by population growth, immigration, migration, and infrastructure initiatives like good road, water, power, and gardens, resulting in
1176-468: The diaspora, are actively working to address these issues through collaborative development projects. There are ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities, promoting economic empowerment, and improving infrastructure to ensure a better quality of life for the residents of Abacha. Historical Background and Traditional Leadership The history of Abacha is deeply rooted in Igbo tradition, with
1225-671: The distressed Biafran population. Uli/Amorka airstrip was the site where American pilots such as Alex Nicoll, and scores of others, delivered tons of relief supplies to the Biafran population. Disgusted by the suffering and mounting death toll in Biafra from starvation, as well as the continuous harassment of the relief planes by the Nigerian Airforce , Carl Gustaf von Rosen resigned as a Red Cross relief pilot. He helped Biafra to form an Airforce of five Minicoin planes Malmö MFI-9 stationed at
1274-505: The growth of villages into towns, town into cities and cities into metros. To have ecologically feasible development, planning requires an understanding of the growth dynamics. There is a fear that if too many people leave the villages, only the aged men and women will be left to farm. This pattern has been seen in Amesi, Akpo, and Achina towns in Aguata local government area. They have been important in
1323-477: The larger Igbo ethnic group of eastern Nigeria. Administrative Divisions Abacha comprises five recognised villages: The village of Umuokpolonwu is further subdivided into two smaller communities: Umunneora and Umuaribo . Each village within Abacha maintains its unique customs and traditions, but together they contribute to the collective identity and governance of Abacha town. The Children of Abacha Abacha’s communal identity and spirit are reflected in
1372-401: The largest urban areas in Nigeria by population. The area currently known as Anambra State has been the site of numerous civilizations since at least the 9th century AD, including the ancient Kingdom of Nri , whose capital was the historic town of Igbo-Ukwu within the state. Residents of Anambra State are primarily Igbo , with the Igbo language serving as a lingua franca throughout
1421-539: The money meant to pay the striking workers. On 1 September 2002, Igwe and his pregnant wife Amaka were brutally and publicly assassinated by Nigerian militia men. While in office, Chinwoke Mbaninuju passed a law that created the Anambra Vigilante Services, which legally enshrined the Bakassi Boys , a popular if feared vigilante group credited with reducing crime in the state. Mbadinuju said that crime in
1470-405: The official language used in formal settings, such as schools and government affairs. Christianity is the dominant religion, although traditional beliefs and practices continue to hold cultural significance for some community members. Economy and Occupation The economy of Abacha is primarily based on agriculture, with yam, cassava, and other staple crops cultivated in the rural areas surrounding
1519-627: The oil and gas industry in the state. Following the attribution of eleven (11) oil wells by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in August 2021, Anambra State joined the league of oil producing States in Nigeria. The process to amend the law that set up the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) through which infrastructure is provided to oil producing States has started. The purpose
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1568-584: The phrase "Children of Abacha," signifying the close-knit relationship among the town's people. This term embodies a shared sense of heritage, pride, and unity among all who trace their origins to Abacha, whether they reside within the town or abroad. The Children of Abacha are deeply involved in maintaining the town's customs, supporting its development projects, and fostering community solidarity. Culture and Customs As an Igbo community, Abacha holds firmly to Igbo customs and traditions, celebrating various cultural festivals and ceremonies that are characteristic of
1617-533: The pre-colonial era, remains an important centre of commerce within the state,while Nnewi is the second largest commercial and industrial city in the state. Nicknamed the "Light of the Nation", Anambra State is the fourteenth most populous state in the nation, although that has seriously been argued against as Onitsha , the state's biggest and most populous urban area was discovered to be over 8.5 million in population in 2022 by Africapolis which makes Onitsha one of
1666-470: The production of yam, cocoyam, and cassava through consistent agriculture, but such activities have suffered due to the out-migration of youth to the urban centres. There has been both food scarcity in the region and over-population in urban areas . To upgrade the state capital and improve traffic, Awka , Governor Willie Obiano signed off on construction of three flyovers between the Amawbia and Arroma end of
1715-434: The region, including: Community Development and Governance Abacha is governed by village councils and community committees, each representing the interests of the various villages within the town. These councils play an active role in decision-making and organising community projects focused on education, healthcare, security, and infrastructure. Local and diaspora members contribute to the town’s development, demonstrating
1764-469: The return to democracy in 1998, Chinwoke Mbadinuju became the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Anambra State governorship in competition with professor A.B.C Nwosu, who had served four military governors as commissioner for health, after a dispute that had to be resolved by the PDP Electoral Appeal Panel. Mbadinuju had been sponsored by Emeka Offor , an Anambra kingmaker. After
1813-439: The second-most densely populated state in Nigeria after Lagos State . The stretch of more than 45 km between the towns of Oba and Amorka contains a cluster of numerous thickly populated villages and small towns, giving the area an estimated average density of 1,500–2,000 persons per square kilometre. The state has a Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate with yearly temperature of 28.99 °C (84.18 °F) and it
1862-449: The state capital, Awka has regained its precolonial administrative eminence. Anambra State consists of 21 local government areas . They are: Anambra houses the first Nigerian vehicle manufacturer, Innoson , an automobile manufacturer, located in Nnewi . People all over West Africa travel to Onitsha and Nnewi to trade, which boost the internal revenue of the state. Onitsha is among
1911-546: The state generated $ 5 million from the export of washed bitter leaf. There is a huge deposit of oil and gas in Nigeria, with the Anambra Basin having a great potential of 1000 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves untapped. Having more than 13 oil wells situated in Anambra, the state has the capacity to produce more than 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day, with indigenous companies like Orient Petroleum, and Sterling Oil Exploration and Production Co. LTD (SEEPCO), already leading
1960-516: The state had reached such an appalling level that something had to be done. In a November 2009 interview, Mbadinuju defended his decision on the basis of the results it achieved in reducing crime. Mbadinuju later fell out with Chris Uba, another power broker or godfather in the state. Mbadinuju claimed that he was excluded from the governorship contest in 2003 despite winning the PDP primaries because Uba and President Olusegun Obasanjo opposed his candidacy. In his place, Dr. Chris Ngige ran for
2009-475: The state's GDP. One of those was in 2018, when two brothers, Atikpo Chukwuebuka and Ubaka Chukwuebuka, were the first to invent a machine, that could wash off the bitterness from bitter-leaf (a popular vegetable staple in Nigeria). This machine will greatly improve the productivity of vegetable farming in the state. The export of agricultural items is a continual boost to Anambra Internal Generated Revenue. In 2017,
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2058-531: The state. During the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), Anambra State was part of the secessionist Republic of Biafra formed by Igbo nationalists. Anambra was severely affected by the war. Today, Anambra State is one of the most urbanized states in Nigeria. The name Anambra is the merging of Anam and the English word 'branch'. Anam is a clan in the Omambala region and the last Igbo speaking community
2107-464: The top commercial cities in Africa. Agriculture is an important economic sector in Anambra. Oil palms , maize , rice , yams and cassava are among the crops grown. Fishing is also part of the economic mainstay of Anambra State more especially for communities along the riverine areas. Anambra is a home of innovation, inventions and creativity. There have been several innovations in Anambra, due to its appreciation of education, which has added to
2156-490: The town. Many residents are also engaged in trade, artisan crafts, and small-scale businesses. Due to its proximity to other towns in Anambra State, Abacha benefits from local commerce and trade, with goods and services exchanged with neighbouring communities. Future Development and Community Challenges Like many communities in southeastern Nigeria, Abacha faces challenges related to infrastructure, youth employment, and healthcare. However, community members, including those in
2205-427: The way. Anambra is rich in natural gas , crude oil , bauxite , and ceramic . It has an almost 100 percent arable soil . Anambra state has many other resources in terms of agro-based activities such as fisheries and farming, as well as land cultivated for pasturing and animal husbandry . In the year 2006, a foundation-laying ceremony for the first Nigerian private refinery, Orient Petroleum Refinery (OPR),
2254-533: The west for about 97 km across the River Niger , Imo State and Rivers State (for four km) to the south, Enugu State to the east for 139 km, and Kogi State to the north for about 40 km. The name was derived from the Anambra River (Omambala) which flows through the area and is a tributary of the River Niger . Anambra is the eighth-most populated state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and
2303-570: Was done by the then Willie Obiano Administration; adjudged by Ndi Anambra as the worst performing Governor after Chinwoke Mbadinuju , and his certificate of recognition as Igwe was withdrawn in December of 2020 by Willie Obiano , the Governor of Anambra State. Chinwoke Mbadinuju Chinwoke Mbadinuju (14 June 1945 – 11 April 2023) was a Nigerian politician who was Governor of Anambra State in Nigeria from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2003, elected on
2352-522: Was made at Aguleri area. The Orient Petroleum Resource Ltd (OPRL), owner of OPR, was licensed in June 2002, by the Federal Government to construct a private refinery with a capacity of 55,000 barrels per day (~7,500 t/d). In 2012, following the efforts of Governor Peter Obi and other stakeholders of Orient Petroleum, Anambra State became an oil-producing state. The indigenous company struck oil in
2401-470: Was personal assistant to the governor of the old Enugu State , Dr. Jim Chris Nwobodo, between 1979 and 1980. He served as the personal assistant to President Shehu Shagari between 1980 and 1983. Chinwoke Mbadinuju was married to Nnebuogo Mbadinuju, and they have five children: Ada Mbadinuju (a medical doctor), Chetachi Mbadinuju (an entrepreneur), Nwachukwu Mbadinuju (an operations manager), Uche Mbadinuju (a student) and Chima Mbadinuju (a student). After
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