“Abia” is an acronym formed from the initial letters of four groups of people, namely: Aba, Bende, lsuikwuato and Afikpo. These constituted the major groups in the state at its creation. At the country’s independence in 1960, Abia was part of the then Eastern Region. From 27th May, 1967, it became a part of the East Central State, created by the then Head of the Federal Military Government, General Yakubu Gowon. On 3rd February, 1976, East Central State was split into two states(Anambra and Imo) by the Federal Military Government headed by General Murtala Mohammed.On 27th August, 1991, the Federal Military Government under General lbrahim Babangida carved out Abia State from Imo State, bringing to thirty the number of states in Nigeria. Furthermore, in October, 1996, the Federal Military Government under General Sani Abacha created six more states bringing to thirty-six the number of states in the federation.During this exercise, four local government areas (LGAs) namely, Onicha, Ohaozara, Afikpo North and Afikpo South, which occupy the northeastern corner of


The state, were transferred to the (newly created) Ebonyi State.Located in the southeastern region of Nigeria, Abia State lies within approximately latitudes 4? 40′ and 6? 14′ north, and longitudes 7? 10′ and 8? east. The state shares common boundaries to the north with Ebonyi State; to the south and southwest with Rivers State; and to the east and southeast with Cross River and Akwa lbom States respectively. To the west is Imo State, and to the northwest is Anambra State.The state covers an area of about 5,243.7 sq. km which is approximately 5.8 per cent of the total land area of Nigeria. With its capital at Umuahia, it has seventeen LGAs, namely: Aba North, Aba South, Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, Ukwa West, Ukwa East, Obingwa, lkwuano, Bende, Arochukwu, Ohafia, lsuikwuato, Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ugwunagbo, Osisioma and Nnochi.

People & Culture:

Abia people are of the Igbo ethnic group who predominates much of the Southeastern part of Nigeria. Their traditional language is Igbo with English widely spoken and serves as the official language in governance and business. Globally, Igbos are well travelled. Abia’s 2.4m people are pre-dominantly Christians of different denominations. There are also a good number of Muslims, with adherents of the two religions living together peacefully.Some people in the state are animists, who believe in a Being called “Chukwu.” The traditional worshippers believes in the ability of deities to exercise strong influence on the destiny of man.. They are known and reputed to be industrious, highly market oriented, very hospitable and accommodating, probably due to their migratory nature.