Unveiling Nigeria

HISTORY

The Mid-Western Region was a division of Nigeria from 1963 to 1991, from 1976 being known as the Bendel state. It was formed in June 1963 from Benin and Delta provinces of the Western Region, and its capital was Benin City. It was renamed a province in 1966, and in 1967 when the other provinces were split up into several states, it remained territorially intact, becoming a state. During the Nigerian Civil War, the Biafran forces invaded the new Mid-Western state, en route to Lagos, in an attempt to force a quick end to the war. While under Biafran occupation, the state was declared as the “Republic of Benin” as Nigerian forces were to retake the region. The republic collapsed a day after the declaration as Nigerian troops overtook Benin City. In 1976 it lost Ughelli to the new Rivers state and was renamed Bendel. Edo State was formed on August 27, 1991 when Bendel State was split into Edo and Delta States.

THE PEOPLE OF EDO STATE

With Benin City as capital, the population of the entire state is approximately 4million. It is made up of three majors’ ethnic groups: namely the Binis, Esan and Afemai. However, the State has a high presence of residents from across the country and the world because of its cosmopolitan tendencies. Benin City the capital has a history of being one of the foremost destinations of Europeans during their exploration of Africa continent many centuries ago. Some of the flash points have remained enviable tourists’ attraction for the state.

PEOPLE AND DEMOGRAPHY

The main ethnic groups in Edo State are: Edos, Afemais, Esans, Owans and Akoko Edos. Virtually all the groups traced their origin to Benin City hence the dialects of the groups vary with their distance from Benin City. The Bini speaking people who occupy seven out of the 18 Local Government Areas of the state constitute 57.54% while others Esan (17.14%) Afemai compirising of Etsako (12.19%), Owan (7.43%), and Akoko Edo (5.70%). However, the Igbira speaking communities exist in Akoko Edo as well as Urhobos, Izons, Itsekiris communities in Ovia North East and South West Local Government Areas especially in the borderlands. Also, Ika speaking communities exist in Igbanke in Orhionmwon LGA. A lot of communities and indeed the ruling dynasties in all the clans trace their roots to the ancient kingdom of Benin.

Cultural similarities are in the areas of religious worships, folklore, dances, festivals, traditional modes of dressing, arts and craft. The political pattern and behaviour are based on a situation where both the monarchial and republican ideas flourished in an integrated manner. The colourful traditional festivals in the state manifest its rich cultural heritage. Critical among these are the Igue and Ekaba festivals done among the Binis and Manhood initaition (age groups) by the Etsako people. With an estimated population of 3,218, 332 made up of 1,640,461 males and 1, 577, 871 females and a growth rate of 2.7% per annum (NPC, 2006), as well as a total landmass of 19,187 square kilometers, the state has a population density of about 168 persons per square kilometers.

GOVERNOR OF EDO STATE=GODWIN NOGHEGHASE OBASEKI

Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki (born 1 July 1957 in Benin City, Nigeria) is a Nigerian politician and businessman, who is currently serving as the Executive Governor of Edo State. He was sworn in as the governor on 12 November 2016. He was the Chairman of the Edo State Economic and Strategy Team inaugurated by former Governor Adams Oshiomole in March 2009. Obaseki holds post graduate degrees in both Finance and International Business,[5] and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Nigeria.

Obaseki served as executive board member of several private companies including Afrinvest.[7][8][9] He is the recipient of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) award for best performing Governor of the year in October 2019.

Edo state government house

Edo State Government House is located at Denis Osadebe Avenue G. R. A. P. M. B. 1081, Benin, Edo. This is the permanent administrative office of the Edo State Government. Here, all state agencies and parastatals are quartered. As such, this is one of the most important places in the state. The Edo State government house serves as the Official home to the state governor or chief state executive of the state and their families. It is the official venue for events such as the state's executive council meetings, government conferences, swearing in of cabinet members and of course the Governor's official business. It can also be used as receptions and functions hosted by individuals; some arms of the state government also have offices at the state government house.

The state is inhabited largely by the Edo (Bini) people, who are linked to the historic kingdom of Benin. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy. Yams, cassava (manioc), oil palm produce, rice, and corn (maize) are the major subsistence crops, while rubber, timber, and palm oil and kernels are cash crops.

Akoko-Edo Local Government Area
Egor Local Government Area
Esan Central Local Government Area
Esan North- East LGA
Esan South East Local Government Area
Esan West Local Government Area
Etsako Central Local Government Area
Etsako East Local Government
Etsako West Local Government Area
lgueben Local Government Area
lkpoba Okha Local Government Area
Oredo Local Government Area
Orhionmwon Local Government Area
Ovia North-East Local Government Area
Ovia South-West Local Government Area
Owan East Local Government Area
Owan West Local Government Area
Uhunmwode Local Government Area

Marble
Clay
Limestone
Iron-ore
Gypsum
Glass-sand
Gold
Dolomite
Phosphate
Bitumen
Oil and gas

Arts and Crafts Studio
Inter Transportation Business
Rubber Plantation
Cocoa Plantation
Food Processing and Packaging Company
Car Wash
Plastic Product Manufacturing Company
Restaurant and Bar
Motel
Furniture Manufacturing Company

University of Benin

Igbinedion University

Ambrose Alli University

Benson Idahosa University

Samuel Adegboyega University

College of Education - Ekiadolor

PROJECT

The List of 29 Project completed by the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and 14 ongoing projects in Edo State.

Completed project

Edo Job Initiative
Edo Innovation Hub
Edo Best Educational Reform
Open New Central Hospital
Edo Production Center
Wabizigan launched
Govt Science and Technical College
Bill passed and signed into law, Establishing the College of Agriculture Iguoriakhi.
Emotan Garden Housing
Over 10,000 teachers trained
Industrial Court
Lucky Way constructed
New and better EDSTMA
New Template for revenue collection
Pension Scheme setup
Distributed over a million textbooks
Fight against Human Trafficking
Benin - Akure Road Rehabilitated
Irhirhi-Aruogba-Obazagbon-Ogheghe Road
Renovation of Oba Akenzua Cultural Center
Rehabilitation of Secretariat Road, Igarra
Construction of Orhodua Bridge
Rehabilitation of Uzebba-Ukpoje-Akagbor Road
Reduced C of O to N50k
Eradicated CDAs from our communities and stopped Agberos from collecting revenues for Edo State Government.
Renovation of High Court Complex
Launches compulsory health insurance scheme for all in Edo State. "Social Healthcare Insurance Scheme/Basic Healthcare Provision Funds.
Twenty healthcare centers revamped.
Create online websit "EdoMonitorMe" Portal for transparency and monitoring of projects

Ongoing project

Tayo Akpata University, Abudu Campus
Textile Mill Road
Ekaewan Road
Ugbor-Amagba
Commencement of reclamation of erosion damaged embarkment along Upper Mission Road by Temboga.
Ongoing Road construction project at Obakhavbaye…executed by Edo State Ministry of Infrastructure and Powered by Edo State Govt.
Ossiomo Power Plant
Benin River Port, Gelegele
Modular Refinery
Construction of Primary Health Care Center
Construction of Judges Quarters
Renovation and facilities upgrade Ogbemudia Stadium
Construction of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Iguoriakhi. Ongoing.
Laying of fiber optic for faster internet speeds with collaboration with MainOne.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF BENIN

The National Museum preserves the history of Benin dating back the twelfth century in a beautiful way. They store and display loads of traditional art, brasses, cast iron pieces. Sadly, there are pieces of works which are not physically displayed but photographs, thanks to the British. These are art pieces which were stolen by the British during the sacking and destruction of the city and are now displayed in the British Museum. Phew......

The National Museum is located at the heart of Benin City, King's Square. This was within the compound.

THE CENOTAPH

Erected in memory of our heroes who lost their lives during the two world wars and the war to preserve the territorial integrity of Nigeria as one Nation. Unveiled by Col. S.O. Ogbemudia in 1972.

OKOMU NATIONAL PARK

This is one of the few National Parks in Nigeria. The Okumu National Park's operating office is 40 minutes away from Benin City while the Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary is 3 hours hours away from Benin City.

GUILD OF BENIN

Benin city is the home of art and culture ans the guild of Benin showcases the bronze casting culture of the great historic Kingdom. This is one of the greatest defining characteristics of Benin. it was established by Oba Oguola in the 14th century. The art of bronze casting has translated into producing some of the finest and original bronze heads, many of which are in possession of the British, who looted most of the wealth of the kingdom during the Benin expedition of 1897.

OGBA ZOO AND NATURE PARK

At the Ogba Zoo the variety of animals which could be found they are including a Camel, Lion, Chimpanzee, Giant Tortoise, Rock Python, Ostriches etc. There is also a picnic area and children's playground for relaxing.

Edo State

Slogan
Heart Beat of Nigeria

Capital: Benin City

Governor

Godwin Obaseki

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