Enugu State was carved out of Anambra State as one of the nine new states created by the Babangida administration on August 27, 1991. It covers an area approximately 12, 727 square kilometers and has a population of 3,161,292 (1991 census figures).

Situated on much of the highlands of Awgu, Udi, Nsukka hills and the rolling low lands of the Ebonyi River basin to the east and the Oji-River basin to the west, Enugu State is surrounded by six states. It borders Abia and Imo States in the South, and is flanked in the east and west by the Cross River and Anambra states respectively.

The state lies partly within the tropical rain forest belt to the south. Its physical features and vegetation change gradually in the northeastern direction from the tropical rain forest to open woodland, and Savannah land as it approaches its northern boundary.

Enugu State derives its name from the capital city, Enugu. The city of Enugu evolved following the discovery of coal in 1909 in Enugwu Ngwo, a village at the top of the Udi Hills. Enugu as a town, has had a chequered history. Starting from its change over from Calabar as the headquarters of the Eastern Province, it has served as the seat of government for Eastern Nigeria. It has also served as political capital for the defunct three-year old Republic of Biafra, East Central State, and the former Anambra State, up to August 26, 1991.

Economy

Enugu State is blessed with abundant mineral and natural resources. It has plentiful rich agricultural land, in which virtually every tropical crop can thrive. Agriculture is its major industrial mainstay. Agricultural crops cultivated in Enugu include yam, cassava, cocoa, palm produce, rice, cashew, cocoyam as well as a variety of fruits and legumes.

The State's agricultural policy aims at harnessing and improving its potentials to achieve self-sufficiency in food and raw materials productions. Thus, the government provides agro-based and extension services such as tractor hiring service, distribution of fertilizer and high yield seedlings, insecticides, technical support services and credit facilities at reduced cost to farmers. The State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Agricultural Development Project (ADP); and the Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure coordinate and execute the State Government's agriculture policy.

There is emphasis on industrialization of the rural areas, most of which now have been electrified. Project files to guide investors on establishment of small and medium-scale industries are obtainable from the Department of Commerce and Industry, the Secretariat, Enugu.

An international trade fair takes place in Enugu annually. At each fair, prospective investors, local and foreign, make effective business contacts. Producers and manufacturers who wish to explore new markets and foster better understanding with their customers should contact:

The Trade Fair Manager
Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry
(Mines and Agriculture)
International Trade Fair Complex
Abakiliki Road
Enugu
Enugu State, Nigeria

Minerals and natural resources base for industrial raw materials in the state include iron-ore, lead, zinc, salt, limestone, silica, clay, pyrite, coal, natural gas and (crude oil) petroleum.

Agro-based industrial raw materials include maize, rice, yam, cassava, melon, cashew, castor oil, palm oil, banana and citrus.

Culture

The people of Enugu State are ethnically Igbos, and are very resourceful and hardworking. The people excel in such cultural industries as metal works, cloth-weaving, wood carving, ceramics, basketry, and mat weaving. There are many cultural features common to various parts of the State.

Festivals occupy a significant place in the people's culture. The birth of a child is graced with an outing ceremony and death even with its sorrows, is marked with drumming and dancing.

Masquerades are feature prominently in the State. Masquerades are known by different names: Odo, Omaba and Mmanwu - names which are peculiar to each of the cultural zones. The Mmanwu festival, held annually has thus become one of the greatest tourist attractions in Enugu State. It features about 2,000 masquerades from various parts of the country.

The new yam festival which is common to eleven parts of the State and known by various aliases such as Joku, Ihe Koku or Njoku, marks the end of the farming season.

Local Government Areas

Prior to the recent creation of Ebonyi State from the present Enugu State, the State had the following Local Government Areas: Enugu North, Enugu South, Nkanu, Awgu , Udi, Ezeagu, Ezri, Igbo-Etiti, Uzo-Uwani, Nsukka, Isi-Uzo, Abakili, Ishielu, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Izzi, Oji River and Ohaukwu.

Tourism

Enugu is noted for its famous Mmanwu festival, an internationally recognized annual event which features over 2,000 masquerades from different parts of the State and beyond.

Enugu State also has many places of cultural interest to tourists. The State's cultural heritage is preserved through museums, shrines, sacred squares, streams, and art galleries with collections of art works ranging from paintings, sculpture, ceramics, pottery, and other interesting works of art.

Other places of interest include parks, and the chain of hills running through Abakiliki, the city of Enugu, Awgu, and Nsukka, creating on of the most beautiful landscapes in the African continent.

More than 150 standard hotels, guest houses, and restaurants are located in various parts of the State. The Nike Lake Resort and Hotel is one of the latest ultramodern hotels located in Enugu, the State's political capital.

A visit to the capital city would be incomplete without a trip to the Enugu State Zoo and Garden. The zoo has some of the rarest exotic birds and animals in tropical Africa. The garden boasts of various interesting plants and ornamental flowers.

Click here for travel information.

Sources consulted:

Enugu State Ministry of Information. Enugu State Yearbook.
Personal Interviews with citizens of Enugu State.

Special thanks to the members of the Enugu Provincial Cultural Association of So. Calif. and Odinamba Enugu Women Cultural Association of So. Calif.

Also see: http://www.igboguide.org/

Please send your comments or suggestions to me.

Compiled by Dele Chinwe Ladejobi Ukwu