Aba, Nigeria

"Enyimba" redirects here. For the football club, seeEnyimba International F.C.

Aba Aba Ngwa Enyimba City
City
Aba Golf Course View of Aba from the Aba-Owerri road City of Aba at night Abia Multi-Specialist Hospital Aba,Abia State. Night view of Abia Multi-Specialist Hospital Aba,Abia State Azikiwe Road Aba,Abia State Aba main park. Geometric Power Plant Osisioma Aba,Abia State
Nickname: Enyimba
Aba Location in Nigeria
Coordinates:5°07′N7°22′E
Country	Nigeria
State	Abia
LGA(City)	Aba South,Aba North,
Local Government Areas (Urban)	Aba North, Aba South, Osisioma Ngwa, Ugwunagbo, Obingwa.
Incorporated (town)	Early 20th Century
Government
• Type	Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA)
•Governor	Alex Otti(LP)
• Director General (GADA)	Uche Ukeje
Area
• City	72 km2(28 sq mi)
• Urban	773 km2(298 sq mi)
• Metro	1,984 km2(766 sq mi)
Elevation	205 m (673 ft)
Population (2006 census)
• City	531,340
• Density	7,400/km2(19,000/sq mi)
•Urban	1,030,121
• Urban density	1,300/km2(3,500/sq mi)
•Metro	2,534,265
• Metro density	1,300/km2(3,300/sq mi)
• Ethnicity	Igbo 90%
• Religion	Omenala 5%Christianity 92% Islam 3%
GDP (PPP, 2015 int. Dollar)
• Year	2023
• Total	$13.4 billion
• Per capita	$11,300
Time zone	UTC+1(WAT)
Postcode	450...
Area code	082
National language	Igbo,English
Website	http:// abiastateonline /

Introduction

Abais a city in southeasternNigeriaand the commercial centre ofAbia State.Aba South is the main city centre of Aba and Abia State at large, being located on theAba River.Aba is made up of many villages such as Aba-Ukwu, Eziukwu-Aba, Obuda-Aba, Umuokpoji-Aba and other villages that have been merged for administrative convenience. It lies along the west bank of the Aba River and is at the intersection of roads leading toPort Harcourt,Owerri,Umuahia,Ikot Ekpene,andIkot-Abasi.

Aba was established by theNgwa clanof theIgbo peoplein Nigeria as a market town. Later, a military post was placed there by theBritish colonial administrationin 1901.The city became a collection point for agricultural products following construction of a British-made railway running through it to Port Harcourt. Aba is a major urban settlement and commercial centre inAbia State,which is surrounded by small villages and towns. The indigenous people of Aba are theNgwa.Aba is well known for its craftsmen and is the most populous city in southeastern Nigeria. As of 2016,Aba had an estimated population of 2,534,265, making it the biggest city in South Eastern Nigeria.

History

Aba, although acting as a unified city, is composed of many urban and rural towns, including Aba-Ukwu, Eziukwu-Aba, Obuda-Aba and Umuokpoji-Aba. Aba-Ukwu has historically been the primary village in Aba, as the Eze W.E Ukaegbu of Aba-Ukwu was known and referred to as the 9th Grand Son of Aba. However, the greater Aba metropolis as defined by the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) comprises sevenlocal government areas,namelyAba South,Aba North,Osisioma Ngwa,Obingwa,Ugwunagbo,Ukwa East,andUkwa West.

The city was initially a trade centre which eventually became an administrative centre ofBritain's colonial government. Aba has been a major commercial centre ever since it became part ofBritish Nigeria.

TheAro Expedition,which was part of a larger military plan to quell anti-colonial sentiment in the region, took place in the area of Aba between 1901 and 1902. During this military action, the British defeated the nativeAro peoplewith a presumably large number of casualties.In 1901, the British founded a military post in Aba and in 1915, a railroad was constructed to link it to Port Harcourt, which transported agricultural goods such aspalm oilandpalm kernels.

In 1929, Aba was the site of a revolt by Igbo women, historically known as "The Aba Women's Riot",which was a protest against the colonial taxation policy.The riot started as a peaceful protest against the initial census of women in the region and subsequent assumed taxation of the women based upon rumours. The protests spread throughout the region, but remained peaceful until a pregnant woman was knocked over during a "scuffle", and the lady lost her child.News of this "act of abomination" spread rapidly, and violent reactions ensued. After more protests, a mass of 10,000 women marched on Aba. Sources dispute the casualty rate, with 55to over 100 deaths being reported.By the 1930s, Aba was becoming a large urban community with an established industrial complex.

During the height of theNigerian Civil Warin 1967, the capital ofBiafrawas moved toUmuahiafromEnugu.Aba was a very strategic Biafran city and was heavily bombed and air-raided during the Civil War.

Upon the creation of Abia State in 1991, the old Aba township was divided into two local government areas, beingAba SouthandAba North,while the suburban neighborhood of what was then known as Obioma NgwaL.G.A.was divided into three L.G.A.s (namelyOsisioma Ngwa,Obingwa andUgwunagbo) for administrative convenience.

Aba is the home of many distinguished families such as the Emejiaka Egbu family of Aba la Ohazu, the Ogbonna family of Eziukwu-Aba, the Ichita family of Umuokpoji-Aba, the Omenihu family of Obuda-Aba, the Ugbor family of Aba-Ukwu, the Ugwuzor family Umuokpoji Aba, the Ihemadu family of Ohabiam, the Ukaegbu family of Aba-ukwu, the Ahunanya family of Ohabiam, among others.

Economy

Aba is surrounded byoil wells,which separate it from the city ofPort Harcourt.A 30 kilometres (19 miles) longpipelineprovides Aba with gas from theImo Rivernatural gasrepository.Its major economic contributions aretextilesand palm oil,along with pharmaceuticals, plastics, cement, and cosmetics. This trade makes theAriaria International Marketthe second largest market in Nigeria after theOnitsha Main Market.There is also aHeineken N.V.,a glass-working companyand a brewery within the city. Aba is famous for its handicrafts.There are ongoing construction projects in Enyimba Economic Area and Abia State Industrial Innovation Park in Ukwa East and West local government areas to overcome the challenges of unplannedurban sprawlfacing the city.

Aba is a commercial hub of eastern Nigeria.There are a few well-known markets, such as Ariaria International Market, Ahia Ohuru Market, and Eziukwu Road Market, among others, that serve the entire region with wares, food, cosmetics, and other material goods.

Religion

The city has played a lasting role in theChristian evangelismof Southeast Nigeria ever since the British brought over theChurch Mission Society(CMS), an evangelism vehicle of theChurch of Englandused to plant what today has become theAnglican Church of Nigeria.The evangelist church known as All the Saints originated out of the initiative of three oil traders: Opopo-Joseph Cookey, Gabrial Cookey and Zedekiah Cookey. These men sailed up theAba Riverin 1896 for trade and to spread Christianity. In 1897, they negotiated with the Abayi and Umuocham people for land to establish their oil business; these negotiations were successful. As their oil trade began to grow, so too did Christianity in Nigeria, and the Cookeys ended up converting the Abayi and Umuocham people toChristianity.From 1901 and especially in 1902, they planned an intensive crusade and invited their landlords. This led to the construction of twocongregational churches;one at the Abayi waterfront, and the other at the Umuocham waterfront, dedicated byJames Johnson.The earliest converts from the Abayi and Umuocham tribes attended church services at St. Ambrose on the Abayi waterfront until 1905, when they set up their own churches further inland. Joseph Cookey was the volunteer teacher for the Abayi, whereas Gabriel Cookey was the volunteer teacher for the Umuocham.

St. Michael's Cathedral Anglican Church was founded in the late 1920s, although St. James Parish on theUmulericity limit is arguably the oldest church in the region due to the fact that thediocese's first mass was celebrated in 1916.Most of the primary and secondary schools mentioned below were founded by the CMS along with their associated churches.

Earlymissionarieswho arrived in Nigeria in 1842 established what is now known as theMethodist Church of NigeriainBadagry.Methodism quickly spread toUzuakoliand down to Aba. Wesley Cathedral was the first cathedral to be built in Aba. It became a diocese and later an archdiocese which hosted the 2018 Methodist Conference. The Methodist Church is one of the most spiritually vibrant churches in the city of Aba.

TheCatholic Churchalso created many churches; Christ the King Church (C.K.C), which for a long time was the biggest church in the city, became itsbishop's seat,and it is now known as Christ the King Cathedral.

With the arrival of thePentecostalbrand of Christianity in Nigeria, the city got an enormous share for itself. TheAssemblies of God ChurchandDeeper Christian Life Ministryhad massive followings in the early 1980s, followed by the Refiner's House International Church, one of the newest and fastest-growing Christian ministries in the city.TheAfrican Gospel Churchwas founded by Bishop Ogudoro.This church is divided into 10 districts. The current bishop of the African Gospel Church is Rev. Dr. Robert Lang'at.

In the late 1960s, a group of Nigerians discovered information on theChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintsand established branches, but this Utah-based church did not establish any official presence in Nigeria until 1978.The first stake of this church in Nigeria (and in fact in all of Africa outside ofSouth Africa) was established in Aba in 1988, withDavid W. Ekaas president. There are presently four LDS stakes headquartered in Aba and the only LDS temple in Nigeria is located in the city, being theAba Nigeria Temple.There are three other temples announced forLagos,Benin City,andEket.

Mosquesare also present in Aba; the largest mosque is the Hospital Road Mosque. A Chief Imam resides in theHausa-speaking settlements at the heart of the city.

Education

Below are some schools in Aba.

Primary schools in Aba

• Ogbor Hill Primary School
• Living Word Magnet Schools
• Aba-Owerri Road Primary School
• Asa Road Primary School
• Asa Triangle Primary School
• Constitution Crescent (Santa Maria) Primary School
• School Road Primary School Aba
• Cameroun Barracks Primary School
• City Primary School
• Township Primary school
• Ohabiam Primary School
• Umuagabai Primary School
• Golf Course Primary School
• St Bridget Primary School
• Abayi Umuocham Primary School
• Abayi Ariaria Primary School
• Ndoki Road Primary School
• Danfodio Road Primary School
• Ehere Road Primary School
• Azikiwe Road Primary School
• Tenant Road Primary School
• Market Road Primary School
• Cameroun Road Primary School
• St. James Model Primary School (private)
• Hospital Road Primary School
• Okigwe Road Primary School
• Omuma Road Primary School
• College Primary School
• 67 Infantry Battalion Primary School, Umule
• Living Stone Int'l Christian Primary School, Ogbor-Hill Aba, Abia State
• Lilac Primary School Ogbor Hil, Aba
• International Early Learning Centre, Umuodu, Abayi Aba
• Eagle Height Academy, 56 Cameroon Road, Abayi Aba
• Daughter of Mary Mother of Mercy Primary School - owned by the catholic church, and is among the first five primary schools in Aba in the 90s alongside St Bridget and international early learning.

Secondary schools in Aba

• Methodist High School, Park Road Aba
• Presbyterian Secondary School, Ogbor Hill Aba
• Living Word Academy Secondary
• Ngwa High School(NHS) or (NAHISCO)
• (Ibo) National High School (NACO)
• Girls' Technical College
• Sacred Heart College Eziukwu Aba (SAHACO)
• Eziama High School (Apostolic Grammar School)
• Wilcox Memorial Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogbor Hill Aba
• All Saints Secondary School, Ehere Aba
• Community Girls Secondary School
• Secondary Technical School
• Nigerian Christian Seminary School
• Boys Technical College [BTC]
• Girls High School, Ogbor Hill.
• Ninlan Demonstration Secondary School.
• Ovom Girls High School, Ovom
• Ohabiam Girls Secondary School, Ohabiam.
• Nneise Community Secondary School, Umuezu.
• St. Joseph College Aba
• Iheorji Secondary School Aba
• Osusu Secondary School Aba

Private schools in Aba

• Living Word Magnet Schools (Nursery/Primary)
• Living Word Academy (Secondary)
• Honourables International School
• St. James Model School (Hosts JAMB and other graduate exams)
• Premier International Secondary School
• New Breed International Schools
• Evangel Seminary
• Alberto Model School
• Dority International Secondary School (Hosts SAT and TOEFL exams for foreign colleges)
• St Bridget High School
• St Anthony Comprehensive Secondary School Aba.
• Living Stone International Christian Secondary School, Ogbor-Hill Aba, Abia State
• Living Word Academy Secondary, Abayi, Aba.
• D-nals High school, Opobo Rd Aba.
• Rich Devos International High School, Aba.
• Presbyterian secondary school, Ehere, Aba.
• Awesome International Model Secondary School, Abayi Aba.
• Infotech Demonstration School Aba.
• Stella Maris Secondary School aba.
• merit base international Christian school Aba
• St. Joseph College Aba
• Intellectual Giants Christian Academy
• Modern Child College Aba
• St. Augustine's Model Academy, Ogbor Hill, Aba.
• Lilac Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogbor Hill, Aba
• Hawics International School

Tertiary schools in Aba

The tertiary schools are:

• Abia State University Teaching Hospital
• Abia State Polytechnic
• Covenant Polytechnic
• School of Health Technology
• Redemption College of Education (privately owned)
• Rhema University, Aba Take-off site (also privately owned by Living Word Ministries)
• Infotech College of Technology (privately owned)
• Cyberspot Institute of Information Technology (privately owned)
• Living Word Institute of Information Technology (privately owned)
• IMO state university extension in nursing school off Mosque Road

Transport

Aba is served by a station onNigerian Railways,but this station is rarely used. Aba is also a major hub for road transport in the region—a large number of transport companies operate coaches that transport people daily to various parts of the country. The city is second only toOnitshain mass transportation daily volume within eastern Nigeria. Commercial motorcycles have been banned in the region and are being replaced by commercialtricyclespopularly referred to as Keke and aminibusservice. This minibus service is a popular means of transportation nowadays.

In 2012, amonorail systemwas proposed for the city.The plan was criticised as a potential scam, as the private company involved in the project had no experience in developing monorails.As of 2021, there is no information that the proposal progressed past the signing of amemorandum of understanding.

Sports

Enyimba F.C.,popularly calledThe Peoples Elephant,is the city's most popularassociation footballclub. Enyimba F.C.'s winning record is among the highest of all Nigerian football clubs. With twoCAF Champions Leaguetrophies, sixNigeria Premier Leaguetitles and a pair ofNigerian Federation Cuptrophies, the club is currently ranked second in the CAF Club rankings.

Waste management

The management of waste in Aba is primarily overseen by the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA).Although faced with significant challenges that are compounded by rapid urbanization and population growth the recent administration of Dr Alex Otti has had much greater success in solving waste management in the city, with one refuse dumps being cleared all over the city.

Source of electricity

Geometric Power Plant Osisioma Aba, Abia State.

Aba is powered by theEnuguElectricity Distribution Company,which was created by the division of the Nigerian Electricity Power Authority. In 2024, another electrical company called Geometric Power Company wasinauguratedby the Nigerian PresidentBola Tinubuon Saturday February 24th.Aba Power Limited Electric,the newest electricity distribution company (DISCO), in Nigeria, is expected to take electricity from the new plant and supply to 9 of the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State which includes Aba. It is expected that the daily hours of available electricity in the city will rise, and theelectric generatorwill become a household item. For some places in Aba, an electric generator will be the only source of electricity due to remoteness or other factors.

Climate

Aba has a mainlytropical climate.Most months of the year see significantrainfall,and the briefdry seasonhas little impact. The weather in the region is classified as Am in theKöppen climate classification system.Aba's yearly mean temperature is 25.6 °C (78.1 °F). The annual precipitation of the city clocks in to about 2,747 millimetres (108.1 in).

Due to Aba's proximity to theequator,the city is in a summer-like state most of the year. January, February, March, April, May, November, and December are the ideal months to travel.

See also

• Enyimba International Stadium
• Ariaria International Market
• Railway stations in Nigeria

References

• Falola, Toyin; Heaton, Matthew M. (2008).A History of Nigeria.Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.ISBN978-0-521-68157-5.
• General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist (2014)."Aba East Conference".adventistyearbook.org.Archived fromthe originalon 28 February 2014.Retrieved22 May2014.
• Hoiberg, Dale H., ed. (2010)."Aba".Encyclopædia Britannica.Vol. I: A-Ak – Bayes (15th ed.). Chicago, Illinois: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.ISBN978-1-59339-837-8.
• Jordan, Mary (2007)."In Nigeria, the New Face of Global Mormonism".The Seattle Times.Archivedfrom the original on 20 February 2014.Retrieved22 May2014.
• Lemberg, David S.; Courtlandt, Canby (1984)."The encyclopedia of historic places".Encyclopedia of Historical Places.Facts on File Library of World History. Vol. 1. New York, NY: Facts on File.ISBN978-0871961266.
• Munro, David, ed. (1995)."Aba".The Oxford Dictionary of the World.Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.ISBN0-19-866184-3.
• Opia, Eric Agume (1972).Why biafra? Aburi, Prelude to the Biafran Tragedy.San Rafael, CA: Leswing Press.
• Oriji, John N. (2011).Political Organization in Nigeria since the Late Stone Age: A History of the Igbo People.New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.ISBN978-0-230-62193-0.
• Izugbara, C. O. and Umoh, J. O., 2004. Indigenous Waste Management Practices among the Ngwa of Southeastern Nigeria: Some lessons and policy implications.The Environmentalist.24: 87–92.
• Nwanju, B.N. (1991). Government of Abia State: Decision on the Newly Created Local Government Areas. (Letter to the Sole Administrator of Aba LGA). SGA/S.0003/S.1/X