Anambra, a state located in the Southeastern part of Nigeria. The term Anambra is an abbreviation of the Anam branch. The name was used by the British colonialists to describe the Omambala area; as the colonialists could not pronounce the name and didn’t care to try.
The river Ọmambala is the name of the Anambra River that flows through the state. Before the creation of states, Omambala was referred to as the area comprising:
- present-day Anambra
- parts of Kogi states
- Enugu states
- Ebonyi states.
During the creation of states, the old Anambra state was carved out in 1976 from the East Central of Anambra; which had its capital as Enugu (now Enugu state). Present-day Anambra became a state in 1991 after it was divided into two. Awka was then made the new capital of Anambra State.
Anambra State shares its boundaries with Delta and Edo state to the west; Imo and Rivers and Abia State to the south; Enugu State to the east, and Kogi State to the north. Its boundaries with Abia and Edo are not motor-able.
Economical activities of Anambra
Anambra State has been the site of numerous civilizations since the 9th century AD; this includes the ancient Kingdom of Nri, whose capital was the historic town of Igbo-Ukwu within the state. The state is the eighth-most populous state in Nigeria, despite being the second smallest in landmass. It is also one of the most urbanized states in Nigeria.
Anambra has three cities, Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka; making it one of the states in Nigeria with the highest number of cities. Its people are the most travelled people in Africa. The state also has the lowest poverty rate in Nigeria.
Anambra state is rich in natural gas, crude oil, bauxite, and ceramic. It has almost 100% arable soil. Ogbunike Cave is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is also one of the most visited tourist sites in Anambra State. The Owerre Ezukala caves and waterfalls are great tourist attractions in the State. Largely unexplored, the caves are said the be the largest in West Africa.
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