THE DESCRIPTION OF IKPOBA

Geography

Ikpoba Local Government Area is located in the southern part of Edo State, Nigeria. It is situated on the Benin-Ore Expressway and covers an area of approximately 253 square kilometers. The local government shares boundaries with Oredo Local Government to the east, Uhunmwonde Local Government to the west, Egor Local Government to the north, and Ovia South-West Local Government to the south.

The area has a tropical rainforest climate with high rainfall and humidity. The average temperature ranges between 26°C and 32°C, with the hottest months being February and March. The area has two distinct seasons: the rainy season, which begins in March and ends in October, and the dry season, which lasts from November to February.

The local government is characterized by rolling hills, valleys, and rivers, with the Ikpoba River being the major water body in the area. The river serves as a source of water for irrigation, fishing, and other domestic activities.

The area is also home to several natural resources such as limestone, clay, and kaolin, which are mined for commercial purposes. The local government has several rural communities, each with its unique topography, vegetation, and ecosystem. These communities are mainly agrarian and rely on subsistence farming for their livelihood.

Overall, Ikpoba Local Government Area is a rich and diverse geographical region with a unique blend of natural resources, topography, and ecosystems.

History

Ikpoba Local Government Area is one of the 18 local government areas in Edo State, Nigeria. It was created in 1976 following the division of the former Benin Province into several local government areas. The area was carved out of the old Benin Divisional Council, which was then divided into three local governments: Ikpoba, Oredo, and Egor Local Governments.

Before the creation of Ikpoba Local Government, the area was part of the defunct Benin Province, which was one of the three provinces of the Western Region of Nigeria. The area was mainly inhabited by the Edo people, who had a rich history and culture. The area was also an important center of the Benin Empire, which was one of the most powerful kingdoms in West Africa before the advent of colonialism.

During the colonial era, the area was incorporated into the Benin Divisional Council, which was later renamed the Benin Province. Following Nigeria's independence in 1960, the area became part of the newly created Midwestern Region, which was later renamed Bendel State in 1976.

Since its creation, Ikpoba Local Government has undergone significant changes in terms of social, economic, and political development. The area has witnessed various developmental projects initiated by successive administrations aimed at improving the standard of living of the local population. The area has also witnessed significant political transformations, with the emergence of various political parties and interest groups.

Economy

Ikpoba Local Government Area has a predominantly agricultural economy, with farming being the mainstay of the local economy. The area has a favorable climate and rich soil that supports the cultivation of crops such as yam, cassava, maize, rice, and vegetables. The area is also known for its production of cash crops such as oil palm, rubber, and cocoa.

Apart from agriculture, Ikpoba Local Government has significant mineral resources such as limestone, clay, and kaolin, which are mined for commercial purposes. The area is also home to several small-scale industries such as soap making, palm oil processing, and garri processing, which provide employment opportunities for the local population.

Trade and commerce also play a significant role in the economy of Ikpoba Local Government. The area is home to several markets and trading centers such as the Ekiosa Market, the New Benin Market, and the Oba Market, which serve as major commercial hubs for the local population and neighboring communities.

In recent years, the local government has witnessed significant growth in the service sector, with the emergence of several private businesses, banks, and financial institutions. This growth has been facilitated by the availability of a skilled workforce, a favorable investment climate, and a supportive government policy.

Overall, the economy of Ikpoba Local Government is driven by agriculture, natural resources, small-scale industries, and trade and commerce. The government has initiated various development projects aimed at improving the infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and improving the standard of living of the local population.

Description of Edo State

The southern part of Nigeria is home to Edo State, one of Nigeria's 36 states. Population estimates for 2006 put the state's total population at 3,233,366; this places it as Nigeria's 24th most populous. Geographically, Edo State ranks as Nigeria's 22nd largest state. Benin Metropolis, the state capital and largest city, is Nigeria's hub for the rubber sector and the fourth largest city overall. Established in 1991 from what was then Bendel State, it is often referred to as "the heart pulse of the nation." To the northeast is Kogi State, to the east is Anambra State, to the southeast and south is Delta State, and to the west is Ondo State.

Elevations range from below sea level in the south to well above it in the north, with Edo state spanning a total of between 500 and 1,800 feet (150 and 550 meters). The majority of the region consists of tropical rain forest. The majority of the state's population identifies as Edo (Bini), a group with ties to the ancient Benin Empire.

Areas now under Edo State's limits were historically part of the Benin Empire, which originated in the 11th century AD.

There were some of the greatest earthworks in the world in the ancient city of Edo, which is now known as Benin City. Following a punitive campaign in 1897, the British Empire destroyed much of the historic city of Edo and annexed the surrounding land for what would later become the Southern Nigeria Protectorate.

Benin City, the capital of Edo state and the most populous city in Edo state, is located in southern Nigeria. Benin City sits on a tributary of the Benin River and is conveniently located close to the main thoroughfares connecting Lagos with the eastern states. Also is accessible through air and the ports of Koko and Sapele in the Niger River delta, and it has road connections to Sapele, Siluko, Okene, and Ubiaja.

Ivory and wood carvings, as well as so-called "bronzes" (really brass work, some of which is thought to originate from the 13th century), have long brought fame to Benin City. Its museum (1960) houses a significant collection of the kingdom's earliest works of art. Today's craftspeople in the city continue to use the time-honored process of cire perdue ("lost-wax") casting, and a cooperative craft association unites the city's woodworkers.

Benin City is home to numerous processing companies and a crepe rubber mill, making it Nigeria's rubber hub. You can visit the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (1961) in close proximity to Iyanomo. Benin City is home to sawmills as well. The city is a manufacturing hub, and products like furniture, beer, and soft beverages are all made there.

Edoid peoples, such as the Edo (or Bini), Esan, Owan, and Afemai, make up the vast majority of the state's population.

Commonly spoken in Benin City, the Edo language is the most widely spoken variety of the Edoid language family. Edo State has a large Christian population. In the 15th century, it was brought to the area by Portuguese missionaries. Muslim and more traditional beliefs are also followed.

History

The Mid-Western Region was a division of Nigeria from 1963 to 1991, officially known as Bendel state from 1976. In June 1963 Edo state was formed from Benin and Delta provinces of the Western Region, and its capital was Benin City. Benin city was renamed a province in 1966, and in 1967 when the other provinces were separated into several states, it remained territorially intact, becoming a state. The Biafran forces invaded the new Mid-Western state during the  Nigerian Civil war, en route to Lagos, in an attempt to force a quick end to the war. While under the Biafran occupation, the state was declared as the “Republic of Benin” as Nigerian forces were to retake the region. The republic falls through a day after the declaration as Nigerian troops overtook Benin City. Edo State was formed On 27 August 1991 Edo state was formed when Bendel State was split into Edo and Delta States. In  Benin City, the population of the entire state is approximately 8 million. Edo state is made up of three major ethnic groups; namely Edo (Binis), Esan, and Afemai (Owan/Etsako) with Akoko Edo. Edo State has a high number of residents from across the country and the world because of its cosmopolitan tendencies. Benin City has a history of being one of the foremost destinations of Europeans during their exploration of the Africa continent many centuries ago. Some of the flashpoints have remained enviable tourists’ attraction for the state.

Economy

The Emotan Statue in Benin City, Ise Lake and River Niger Beach in Agenebode, Etsako-East, Mike Akhigbe Square in fugar, Ambrose Alli Square in Ekpoma, River Niger Beaches in Ilushi, BFFM Building in Ewu, Igun street, College of Agriculture and Aqua Culture Technology in Agenebode, Okpekpe with its hills and scenes, the Usomege Hills in Apan.

The state's mining industry generates crude oil and other minerals including limestone and quarry.

Demographics

The basic ethnic groups in Edo State are Binis, Etsako, Esans, Owans, and Akoko Edos. practically all the groups traced their origin to Benin City hence the dialects of the groups vary with their distance from Benin City. A lot of communities and indeed the ruling linage in all the tribes trace their roots to the ancient kingdom of Benin. There are Cultural similarities in the areas of religious worship, folk-lore, dances, festivals, traditional modes of dressing, arts, and craft. The political pattern and conduct are based on a situation where both the monarchial and republican ideas flourished in a combined manner. The colorful traditional festivals in the state manifest its abundance of cultural heritage. The state is occupied largely by the Edo (Bini) people, who are connected to the historic kingdom of Benin. Agriculture is the main profession of the economy. Yams, cassava (manioc), oil palm produce, rice, and corn (maize) are the major subsistence crops, while rubber, timber, and palm oil and kernels are cash crops.