Abia State
Abia State is one of the thirty-six (36) States in seventeen (17) Local government areas (LGAs) that constitute the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Abia was carved out of the former Imo State in 1991. The name "Abia" is an abbreviation of four of Abia state's densely populated regions Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Afikpo.
Abia is mainly peopled by the Igbo ethnic group. The Igbo people, who are one of the indigenous peoples of Southeastern part of Nigeria, make up 95% of the population. Their traditional language, Igbo is in widespread use. English is also widely spoken, and serves as the official language in governance and business. Abia's over 2.4 million people are mainly Christians.
The office of the Governor of Abia State is an elective position.The governor of Abia State is the chief executive of the state and its executive branch. Eight different people have served as governor of Abia State since the state was created on August 27, 1991. The current governor is Okezie Ikpeazu of the People's Democratic Party, in office since May 29, 2015.
Crude oil and gas production is a prominent activity, as it contributes over 39% of the State's GDP.[8] However, the indigenous oil companies- through the Marginal Fields Programme (MFP)- have not found it easy to attract the requisite funding and infrastructural capacity to explore some of the marginal oil fields which are about 50 in the State.[9]
The manufacturing sector only accounts for 2% of the GDP.[8] The industrial centre of the state is in Aba, with textile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, soap, plastics, cement, footwear, and cosmetics.[6] In addition to the above, Abia State Government has just built a 9,000 capacity multipurpose International Conference Centre in Umuahia. This edifice of international standard was built by Governor T.A Orji to enhance tourism as well as boost the state economy through hosting of major International and Local events.
Representing 27% of the GDP,[8] agriculture- which employs 70%[8] of the state workforce- is the second economic sector of Abia. With its adequate seasonal rainfall, Abia has much arable land that produces yams, maize, potatoes, rice, cashews, plantains, taro, and cassava.[6] Oil palm is the most important cash crop.[6]
Abia State consists of seventeen (17) Local Government Areas. They are:
- 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
- Crude Oil
- Limestone
- Gypsum
- Kaolin
- Lead and Zinc
- Copper
- Late rite
- Bentonite clay
- Phosphate
- Tar sands
Main Investment Opportunities in Abia state are
- Agribusiness
- Auto Components
- Light Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Tourism
- Energy
- Mining
There are two universities in the state which are stated below:
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture at Umudike (Federally owned)
- Abia State University in Uturu (State owned)
- College of Health Sciences Aba
- Gregory University Uturu
There are two tertiary hospitals that both serve as referral hospitals in the state, they are stated below;
- The Federal Medical Center in Umuahia
- The Abia State University Teaching Hospital in Aba
- The Abia State Polytechnic Aba
- College of Education Arochukwu
Update on Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu ongoing Road Projects in Aba. Evidently, the Governor has embarked on several life touching projects including the 30 Road Projects in Abia State.
While the commercial city of Aba is witnessing some massive facelift with 24 Roads under construction, drainage and blocked water ways being cleared to ensure long lasting flood control in the commercial city.
Another good news is that Aba/Portharcourt Road and other intercity/inner city roads in Aba will soon have some heavy duty equipment on sites.
Abia State
Slogan
God’s own State
Capital: Umuahia

Governor