TOP FACTS ABOUT ANAMBRA STATE

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By: ifeoma Anidebe

Anambra state is filled with unique culture, lifestyle, and business opportunities but there are certain facts about the state that you should be familiar with.
These are the top facts to know about Anambra state and its people

1. It was formerly called Omanbala: The initial name of the state was “Omanbala”. There are several interpretations of the name Omanbala. First, it is said to be a river found in the state that flows 210 kilometers into the River Niger. It was also the name of the ancient goddess with rivers that connects from the Aguleri, Anam, Nsugbe, and Onitsha axis down to the Atlantic ocean. The anglicized name “Anambra” began as a result of the colonist’s inability to pronounce the name Omanbala.
2. Anambra state was once joined with Enugu state: Before 1991, before the leadership of Ibrahim Babangida, Anambra and Enugu states were one state. The former head of state saw the need to separate the state in order to enlarge the country through the creation of more states.
3. It is the 8th most populated state in Nigeria: Anambra state is filled with indigenes and nonindigenes that contributes immensely to the growth of the state. Over the years, the growth of the state through the policies of the past Governments has improved the state thereby attracting investors and citizens from other parts of the state and the world at large.
4. It’s slogan is Light of the Nation: The previous Home for all was changed to Light of the Nation to project the state’s glory and endowments to the country. Ever since the slogan change in 2012, Anambra state has been standing tall in every facet of life from education to Politics, Business, etc. The slogan greatly portrays Ndi Anambra’s entrepreneurial spirit and determination to actualize their dreams.
5. The state has highly patriotic citizens: Anambra state citizens are recognized to be the most highly patriotic indigenes in the state. Their patriotic spirit stems from the love and admiration they have for their cultural and traditional heritage.
6. Anambra state is the first and only state in the country that has ever had a female Governor. Her name was Virginia Etiaba and she governed the state for 3 months. She was installed as the Governor during the impeachment of the former Governor; Peter Obi by the state legislature. After the state nullified the impeachment, Dame Virginia Etiaba returned power back to the Governor.
7. This state is part of the highest literacy rate: The state is highly interested in imparting knowledge in the citizens, especially the younger generation. Education is recognized to be the key to success though many people may choose to dispute that fact, the Anambra State Government will not. The policies of the past and current Governments in ensuring that all children must be given quality education paid off in reducing the illiteracy rate in the state and elevating the students’ academic successes in both internal and external examinations in the country.
8. More than 90% of the population speaks both Igbo and English language: Due to the high rate of literacy, the majority of the indigenes are fluent in both the country’s official language and the native Igbo language.
9. The state has produced the majority of the notable people in the country: Whether in business, politics, literacy or sports, Anambra state has produced more notable and famous people in Nigerian society. Her notable indigenes are Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first president; Nwafor Orizu, Nigeria’s first senate president; Chief Alex Ekwueme, Nigeria’s vice president; Chinua Achebe; One of the best writers in the world, Late Prof. Dora Akunyili, Alfred Achebe: the Obi of Onitsha, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; a world-renowned writer and many others.
10. The state has the lowest poverty rate: The poverty rate in the state is as low as it never existed. The citizens are known for exploiting all angles of business and entrepreneurship skills to generate income. The state has been recognized as one of the only three states in Nigeria that can survive without Government support because of the enormous Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) it generates.
11. Blessed soils: The soils are blessed with the right resources to plant. Almost all kinds of food eaten in Nigeria grows on Anambra soil; Rice, potatoes, yam, cassava, fruits, etc. She is also known to possess certain great mineral resources beneath her soil like Brauxites, ceramics, petroleum, etc.