How Well Do You Know Your State?

 

A Story Of How The 36 State Of Nigeria & Abuja  Got Their Names. 

We’re about to dive headfirst into the mind-blowing mosaic of Nigeria’s history and culture. We’re taking a wild journey through the origins of all 36 states and the dazzling heart of it all, Abuja.

Hold onto your hats, because “How Well Do You Know Your State?” is about to blow your mind! ?? We’re about to uncover all those juicy tidbits, the behind-the-scenes secrets that make Nigeria the absolute gem it is. We’re talking legendary tales, ancient mysteries, and stories that will leave you speechless 

Think about it: every state has a story, and boy, are they intriguing! From names that have stood the test of time to the modern twists that have shaped them into what they are today, this is a rollercoaster of a ride you won’t want to miss. 

Buckle up, amigos! We’re setting off on this unforgettable adventure, and trust me, you won’t believe what’s in store. We’re digging deep, unearthing those hidden treasures that have molded Nigeria’s map and soul. ?️?

 it’s gonna be a wild, wacky, and wonderful journey that’ll make you a bona fide Nigeria expert! Get ready to jet-set through time, across borders, and into the very heart of this amazing nation. ??

Get hyped, get curious, and get ready to soak up the awesomeness of Nigeria’s states and Abuja. This is more than just a tale – it’s a saga, a saga that’ll have you hooked from the very first sentence. Let’s gooooo! 

 

Check your State

1. Abia

Abia is an acronym from the four main groups of people in the state as at the time it was formed in 1991: Aba Bende Isuikwuato Afikpo.

2. Adamawa

Adamawa was named after a warrior, Modibbo Adama Bin Ardo Hassan, that conquered the region in the beginning of the 19th century.

3. Akwa-Ibom

Akwa Ibom is named after the Qua Iboe (or Kwa Iboe) River.

4. Anambra

The state got its name from the corrupted version of Oma Mbala (Ànyịm Ọma Mbala), a popular river in the area.

5. Bauchi

‘Bauchi’ is Hausa word meaning the southern flanks of Hausaland. Tribes living in the southern parts of the Hausaland were referred to as “kasashen bauchi” and the area they lived in later came to be known simply as Bauchi.

6. Bayelsa

Bayelsa is a combination of the acronyms of three local government areas which were pulled out of old Rivers state — Brass LGA known as BALGA, Yenegoa LGA known as YELGA and Sagbama LGA known as SALGA.  in the formation of their names is BA + YEL + SA

7. Benue

The state was named after the “europeanised” corruption of ‘Binuwe’, the Batta word for ‘Mother of Waters’.

8. Borno

The alternative name of the Kanuris, the predominant ethnic group in the state, is ‘Borno’ which gave inspiration for the naming of the state.

9. Cross River

The state took its name from a River called Oyono or Cross River.

10. Delta

The state is where the River Niger forms a delta as it enters the Atlantic Ocean.

11. Ebonyi

Ebonyi is the anglicised version of ‘Aboine’, a river that cuts through Abakaliki, the state capital.

12. Edo

The Bini people who dwell in the area had always referred to themselves as Edo or Iduu. This inspired the name of the state.

13. Ekiti

‘Okiti’ is a term that is said to denote a settlement of many hills. It later became ‘Ekiti’.

14. Enugu

Due to the many hills and rocky terrain in the area, the people named it in igbo, “Enu Ugwu” meaning “top of the hill”. The state is named after the anglicised version, Enugu.

15. Gombe

Gombe is the dialect of Fulani language (Fulfulde) spoken in the area.

16. Imo

Just like many of the Nigerian states, Imo took its name from the popular river, Imo Mmiri.

17. Jigawa

Jigawa takes inspiration from its distinctively golden-coloured soil.

18. Kaduna

‘Kadunas’ is the plural form of crocodile in Hausa. The state therefore got its name from the many crocodiles in Kaduna River

 

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