Rivers State
“Treasure Base of the Nation”
Key Information
Capital City
Port Harcourt
Governor
Siminalayi Fubara
Deputy Governor
Ngozi Odu
Date Created
May 27, 1967
Geopolitical Zone
South South
Area
11,077 km²
Estimated Population
5,198,716 (2006 census)
Senatorial Districts
3
About Rivers State
Rivers State is a prominent coastal state situated in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria. It is a major industrial hub and serves as the center of the nation's petroleum and hydrocarbon industry.
Historical Context and Creation
Rivers State was created on May 27, 1967, by the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon just before the Nigerian Civil War. It was formed out of the former Eastern Region and originally encompassed the territory that now includes Bayelsa State. The state's name is derived from the many rivers that border and traverse its landscape, reflecting its identity as a maritime and deltaic region.
Geography and Natural Landscape
The state is characterized by a network of rivers, creeks, and estuaries within the Niger Delta, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Its topography ranges from mangrove swamps and rainforests in the south to tropical rainforests in the northern interior. The region experiences high annual rainfall, sustaining a lush biodiversity and providing fertile grounds for agriculture and aquaculture.
Economic Profile and Infrastructure
Rivers State is often referred to as the 'Treasure Base of the Nation' because it accounts for a significant portion of Nigeria's crude oil and natural gas production. It hosts two major seaports, Onne and Port Harcourt, along with several oil refineries and petrochemical plants. Beyond petroleum, the state is an important commercial and industrial center in southern Nigeria.
Urban Centres and Education
Port Harcourt is the state's capital and largest city, acting as a major metropolitan area for business and logistics. Other significant urban settlements include Bonny and Omoku, while Obio-Akpor serves as a major Local Government Area within the Port Harcourt metropolis. The state is a regional educational hub, home to institutions such as the University of Port Harcourt and the Rivers State University.
Local Government Areas (23)
Other Nigerian States
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