South East · Capital: Awka
Anambra State
Governor: Charles Soludo
Population
4,177,828
Land area
4,844 km²
Created
August 27, 1991
Governance
Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR (born 28 July 1960), an economics professor and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, has served as the fifth democratically elected Governor of Anambra State since 2022.
History
Present-day Anambra State was created on 27 August 1991, when the old Anambra State (itself formed in 1976) was split into Anambra and Enugu States. The area's history stretches to the 9th century AD, evidenced by archaeological finds at Igbo-Ukwu, home to the ancient Kingdom of Nri, one of the earliest known divine-kingship systems in West Africa. Its official 2006 census population was 4,177,828. Notable Anambra-born figures include Dr Alex Ekwueme, Nigeria's first Vice President, and Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the first African Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
Natural Resources
Gypsum, kaolin and bauxite
Principal minerals found across the state, alongside iron ore and lead deposits.
Natural gas and crude oil
Present in parts of the state, contributing to state revenue.
Tourism
Home to the Igbo-Ukwu archaeological site, evidence of sophisticated bronze and iron work dating back over a thousand years.
- Igbo-Ukwu archaeological site
Agriculture
A mixed economy with agriculture alongside major commercial and industrial hubs at Onitsha and Nnewi.
Yam · Cassava · Rice · Palm produce
Investment
Onitsha and Nnewi rank among Nigeria's largest commercial and industrial cities respectively; major industries include breweries, textiles, and soft drinks bottling.
Trade & commerce · Manufacturing · Oil & gas · Solid minerals
Infrastructure
Education
Nnamdi Azikiwe University · Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University