THE DESCRIPTION OF OVIA NORTH EAST

Geography

Ovia North East Local Government Area is located in the southern part of Edo State, Nigeria. It is bordered by Ovia South West Local Government Area to the south, Etsako West Local Government Area to the north, Uhunmwode Local Government Area to the east, and Owan West Local Government Area to the west.

The local government area covers a total land area of approximately 652 square kilometers, and it is situated in the tropical rainforest zone of Nigeria. The area is characterized by undulating terrain with hills and valleys, and it is drained by several rivers and streams, including the Okada and Evbuotubu Rivers.

The climate of Ovia North East Local Government Area is characterized by two distinct seasons: the rainy season, which starts from April and lasts till October, and the dry season, which lasts from November to March. The area receives an average annual rainfall of about 1,500mm, and the temperature ranges from 24°C to 32°C. The vegetation of the area is characterized by tropical rainforest with tall trees, thick undergrowth, and grassy plains. The area is rich in flora and fauna, with a variety of plant and animal species, including rare and endangered species such as the chimpanzee, forest elephant, and pangolin.

Ovia North East Local Government Area is home to several tourist attractions, including the Okomu National Park, which is a forest reserve that is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species, and the Ogbemudia Farm, which is a commercial farm that produces crops such as oil palm, rubber, and cassava.

History 

Ovia North East Local Government Area is located in Edo State, Nigeria. The local government was created in 1991 by the Babangida administration, during the restructuring of local government areas in Nigeria. Prior to the creation of Ovia North East Local Government Area, the area was part of the old Ovia Local Government Area. The headquarters of the local government is at Okada town, which is situated on the Benin-Lagos Expressway.

Over the years, the local government has witnessed significant development in areas such as education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure. The government has made efforts to provide basic amenities to the people living in the area, such as potable water, electricity, and good roads.

Ovia North East Local Government Area is known for its rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions such as the Okomu National Park, the Ogbemudia Farm, and the Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital. The area is also known for its agricultural produce, including oil palm, rubber, cocoa, and cassava.

In recent years, the local government has been working to improve security in the area by collaborating with security agencies and community vigilante groups to curb crime and ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.

Economy

Ovia North East Local Government Area has an agrarian economy, with agriculture being the mainstay of the local economy. The area is known for its production of cash crops such as oil palm, rubber, cocoa, and cassava. These crops are grown by small-scale farmers and sold locally and nationally.

In addition to agriculture, there are also other economic activities in the local government area, such as trade and commerce. The area is home to several markets, including the popular Okada Market, which attracts traders and buyers from neighboring towns and cities.

The area also has a significant presence of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) engaged in various businesses such as food processing, furniture making, and welding. These businesses provide employment opportunities for residents and contribute to the economic growth of the local government.

The presence of tertiary institutions such as the Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital and the Benson Idahosa University has also contributed to the local economy. These institutions attract students and staff from different parts of the country and provide employment opportunities for locals.

The local government also benefits from its proximity to the city of Benin, which is the capital of Edo State. The city is a hub for commercial activities, and its proximity to Ovia North East Local Government Area creates opportunities for trade and commerceOverall, the economy of Ovia North East Local Government Area is predominantly agricultural, but with the presence of other economic activities such as trade and commerce, SMEs, and educational institutions.

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.