Edo State
“The Heartbeat of the Nation”
Key Information
Capital City
Benin City
Governor
Monday Okpebholo
Deputy Governor
Dennis Idahosa
Date Created
August 27, 1991
Geopolitical Zone
South South
Area
17,802 km²
Estimated Population
3,218,332 (2006 Census)
Senatorial Districts
3
About Edo State
Edo State is a landlocked state in southern Nigeria, historically recognized as the core of the ancient Benin Empire. It was formed when the former Bendel State was split into Edo and Delta states, serving as a vital cultural and commercial link between various regions of the country.
Historical Origins and Evolution
The history of Edo State is inextricably linked to the Benin Empire, which was one of the oldest and most developed states in the coastal hinterland of West Africa. Following the British expedition of 1897, the region underwent several administrative changes, eventually becoming part of the Mid-Western Region in 1963 and later Bendel State in 1976. The modern Edo State was officially established on August 27, 1991, by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida. Benin City, the state capital, is among Nigeria's oldest historic cities.
Geography and Natural Assets
The state's terrain is characterized by lowlands in the south and plateaus toward the north, with vegetation ranging from tropical rainforest to derived savannah. Edo is rich in mineral resources, including limestone, marble, clay, and significant deposits of crude oil and natural gas. The Okomu National Park and the Okomu Forest Reserve are located within the state, providing habitats for endangered species like the white-throated guenon. Rivers such as the Ossiomo, Orhionmwon, and Ikpoba drain the landscape, supporting both agriculture and local ecosystems.
Economy and Industrial Development
Edo State possesses a diversified economy with strengths in agriculture, manufacturing, and solid minerals. It is a major producer of rubber and maintains significant cultivation of cocoa and oil palm, hosting large-scale plantations and processing facilities. The northern part of the state, particularly around Okpella, is a major hub for cement production, driven by extensive limestone deposits and the operations of BUA Cement. Edo has pursued industrial and power-sector investments, including the Benin Enterprise Park and projects linked to power generation in and around Benin City.
Culture, Arts, and Tourism
Known globally for the Benin Bronzes, Edo State is a premier destination for African art and historical research. The Palace of the Oba of Benin and the ancient Benin Moat are recognized as significant cultural landmarks, reflecting the architectural prowess of the Bini people. Annual festivals such as the Igue Festival attract visitors from across the world to witness traditional ceremonies and dances. Beyond the capital, the Somorika hills and the Lampese rock formations offer scenic landscapes and insights into the diverse ethnic heritages of the Edo, Esan, and Afemai peoples.
Local Government Areas (18)
Other Nigerian States
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