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Edo state
  • Date Created August 27, 1991
  • Capital Benin City
  • Governor Godwin Obaseki
  • Land Area 17,802 km2 (6,873 sq mi)
  • Population 3,233,366 (2006 census)
  • GDP $11.89 billion

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Edo 2023 Presidential Election Results

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History of Edo

Edo State is located in the South-South region of Nigeria and was formed on August 27, 1991 from the former Bendel State. The state was named after the ancient Kingdom of Benin and has a rich history dating back to the 11th century. The Kingdom of Benin was one of the most advanced African civilizations and was known for its impressive architecture, arts, and highly organized government. During the 16th century, the kingdom became one of the largest and most powerful states in West Africa. In the late 19th century, the Kingdom of Benin was colonized by the British and became part of Nigeria upon independence in 1960.
The state capital is Benin City and the largest city is also Benin City. The state has a population of approximately 4 million people and is known for its rich cultural heritage and history, including the ancient Kingdom of Benin. Edo State is also an important center for trade and commerce, and is home to several large industries and small businesses. The main ethnic groups in the state are the Bini and the Esan. The official language is English, but the indigenous languages spoken include Bini, Esan, and Yoruba.

Location 
Edo State is located in the South-South region of Nigeria. It borders Delta State to the west, Kogi State to the northeast, Anambra State to the east, and Rivers State to the south. The state capital is Benin City, which is located in the central region of the state. The state covers an area of approximately 17,802 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 4 million people.


Cultural Heritage
Edo State has a rich cultural heritage, rooted in the history of the ancient Kingdom of Benin. Some of the key elements of the state's cultural heritage include:

Benin Kingdom's history: The Kingdom of Benin was one of the most advanced African civilizations, known for its impressive architecture, arts, and highly organized government.

Art: Edo State is famous for its bronze castings, ivory carvings, and beadwork, which are highly valued and sought after by collectors and museums around the world.

Festivals: Edo State is also known for its vibrant festivals, such as the Igue festival, which is celebrated annually by the Bini people to mark the end of the old year and the start of the new year.

Traditional ruler: The Oba of Benin is the traditional ruler of the state and is regarded as the cultural and spiritual leader of the Bini people.

Traditional music: Edo State has a rich tradition of music, with a variety of instruments, such as the xylophone, drums, and flutes, used to create complex and beautiful melodies.

Cuisine: The state is also known for its unique cuisine, which includes dishes such as Afang soup, Eba, and Pounded Yam.

Overall, the cultural heritage of Edo State provides a unique and vibrant reflection of the state's history, traditions, and people.

Edo State is known for its rich tradition of festivals, which are an important part of the state's cultural heritage. Some of the key festivals in the state include:

Igue Festival: The Igue festival is a major celebration in Edo State, and is held annually by the Bini people to mark the end of the old year and the start of the new year.

Ofala Festival: The Ofala festival is celebrated by the Igbo people of Edo State, and is held annually to mark the crowning of a new traditional ruler.

Oro Festival: The Oro festival is a traditional festival of the Esan people, and is celebrated annually to mark the end of the old year and the start of the new year.

Urhobo Heritage Festival: The Urhobo Heritage Festival is an annual celebration of the Urhobo people, and is held to promote the preservation of the Urhobo culture and heritage.

Okpekpe International 10 km Race: The Okpekpe International 10 km Race is an annual race that takes place in the city of Okpekpe in Edo State. The race attracts participants from around the world and is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the state.

These festivals showcase the unique and vibrant traditions of Edo State, and provide an opportunity for people to come together to celebrate their shared history and culture.


People
Edo State is home to a diverse population of people, including several ethnic groups. The main ethnic groups in the state are the Bini and the Esan, while smaller groups include the Afemai, Owan, and Oredo.

The Bini people are the largest ethnic group in the state and are known for their rich cultural heritage, including their intricate bronze castings and ivory carvings. The Esan people are known for their agricultural practices, and are particularly renowned for their yam production.

The people of Edo State are known for their hospitality and friendliness, and have a rich tradition of music, dance, and festivals. English is the official language, but the indigenous languages spoken include Bini, Esan, and Yoruba.

Religion plays an important role in the lives of many people in Edo State, with Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religion being the most widely practiced religions. Overall, the people of Edo State are proud of their cultural heritage and are working to preserve and promote their unique traditions and history.

Edo State is home to several ethnic groups, including the following tribes:

Bini: The Bini people are the largest ethnic group in the state and are known for their rich cultural heritage, including their intricate bronze castings and ivory carvings.

Esan: The Esan people are known for their agricultural practices, and are particularly renowned for their yam production.

Afemai: The Afemai people are an ethnic group located in the central region of Edo State. They are known for their unique cultural practices and traditions.

Owan: The Owan people are an ethnic group located in the western region of Edo State. They are known for their agricultural practices, including the production of palm oil.

Oredo: The Oredo people are an ethnic group located in the central region of Edo State. They are known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional music and dance.

These are some of the major tribes in Edo State. Although each tribe has its own unique cultural practices and traditions, they are united by a shared history and heritage, and coexist peacefully in the state.


Educational Institutions
Edo State has a number of educational institutions, including primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. Some of the notable educational institutions in the state include:

University of Benin (UNIBEN): UNIBEN is one of the most prestigious universities in Nigeria, and is located in the state capital of Benin City. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of study.

Ambrose Alli University (AAU): AAU is a state-owned university located in Ekpoma, Edo State. The university was established in 1981 and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a variety of fields, including science, engineering, and the humanities.

Edo University, Iyamho: Edo University is a new university located in Iyamho, Edo State. The university was established in 2016 and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of study.

Institute of Management and Technology (IMT): IMT is a higher institution of learning located in Benin City. The institution was established in 1973 and offers programs in management and technology.

College of Education, Ekiadolor: The College of Education in Ekiadolor is a tertiary institution that offers teacher training programs.

These are some of the notable educational institutions in Edo State, which provide quality education to students from around the state and beyond.


Trades
Edo State is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse economy, with a range of industries and trades contributing to its economic growth. Some of the key trades in the state include:

Agriculture: Agriculture is one of the main drivers of the state's economy, with crops such as yam, cassava, palm oil, and rubber being major agricultural products.

Oil and Gas: Edo State is rich in oil and gas resources, and the industry is a major contributor to the state's economy.

Manufacturing: The state is home to a number of manufacturing companies, producing products such as textiles, food and beverages, and building materials.

Handicrafts: Edo State is famous for its rich cultural heritage, and handicrafts such as bronze castings, ivory carvings, and beadwork are popular products that are exported globally.

Trade and Commerce: The state has a thriving trade and commerce sector, with Benin City serving as a major commercial hub in the South-South region of Nigeria.

These are some of the major trades and industries in Edo State, which contribute to its economic growth and development, and provide employment and business opportunities for its residents.


Notable Places
Edo State is known for its rich cultural heritage and history, and is home to a number of notable places and attractions that are of interest to visitors. Some of the key places in the state include:

Benin City: The state capital of Benin City is one of the most important cultural and historical centers in Nigeria, and is home to the Oba's Palace, which is a major tourist attraction.

Isekhure Palace: The Isekhure Palace is the palace of the traditional ruler of the Bini people, and is one of the most important historical sites in Edo State.

National Museum, Benin City: The National Museum in Benin City is home to a collection of artifacts and cultural treasures that provide a fascinating insight into the rich history and culture of the state.

Igun Street Bronze Casters Village: The Igun Street Bronze Casters Village is a famous street in Benin City, known for its skilled bronze casters and their traditional brass work.

Oba of Benin's Palace: The Oba of Benin's Palace is the official residence of the Oba of Benin, and is one of the most important historical sites in Edo State.

Okpekpe International 10 km Race: The Okpekpe International 10 km Race is an annual race that takes place in the city of Okpekpe in Edo State. The race attracts participants from around the world and is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the state.

These are some of the notable places in Edo State, which are of interest to visitors, and provide a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and history of the state.


Traditional Rulers
Edo State has a rich tradition of traditional rulers and chieftains, who play a key role in the cultural and political life of the state. Some of the notable traditional rulers in the state include:

Oba of Benin: The Oba of Benin is the traditional ruler of the Bini people, and is one of the most important and influential traditional rulers in Nigeria. The Oba's Palace is a major tourist attraction and a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the state.

Enogie of Egor: The Enogie of Egor is the traditional ruler of the Egor kingdom, and is one of the most influential traditional rulers in Edo State.

Ohen of Etsako: The Ohen of Etsako is the traditional ruler of the Etsako kingdom, and is one of the most respected traditional rulers in the state.

Enogie of Ekpoma: The Enogie of Ekpoma is the traditional ruler of the Ekpoma kingdom, and is one of the most prominent traditional rulers in Edo State.

These are some of the notable traditional rulers in Edo State, who play a crucial role in maintaining the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the state, and serving as leaders and advocates for their communities.


Notable People
Edo State is home to a number of notable individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields, both locally and nationally. Some of the notable people from Edo State include:

Osaigbovo Ogbemudia: Osaigbovo Ogbemudia was a former military governor of the Mid-Western Region and Bendel State, and was a key figure in the development of the state.

Patrick Obahiagbon: Patrick Obahiagbon is a former member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, and is well known for his speeches and contributions to the political life of the state.

Samuel Ogbemudia: Samuel Ogbemudia was a former military governor of the Mid-Western Region, and was a key figure in the development of the state.


These are some of the notable people from Edo State, who have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have had a lasting impact on the state and the nation as a whole.


Oil and Gas
Edo State is a significant oil and gas producing state in Nigeria. It is located in the Niger Delta region, which is one of the largest oil and gas producing regions in the world. Some of the major oil and gas activities in Edo State include:

Exploration and Production: Edo State is home to several major oil and gas companies, including Shell, Chevron, and ExxonMobil, who carry out exploration and production activities in the state.

Refining: Edo State is also home to several major refining companies, including the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, which processes crude oil into refined products.

Pipelines: Edo State is an important hub for oil and gas pipelines, with several major pipelines passing through the state, including the Trans-Forcados Pipeline, which carries crude oil from the Niger Delta region to export terminals.

Gas Processing: Edo State is also a significant center for gas processing, with several major gas processing facilities located in the state, including the Soku Gas Plant and the Oben Gas Plant.

These are some of the major oil and gas activities in Edo State, which have played a key role in the development of the state and the wider region, and have had a significant impact on the economy of Nigeria as a whole.


 

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