THE DESCRIPTION OF OVIA  SOUTH EAST 

Geography

Ovia South East Local Government Area is located in the southern part of Edo State, Nigeria. The local government area covers an area of approximately 990 square kilometers and is bordered by Oredo Local Government Area to the north, Orhionmwon Local Government Area to the east, Igueben Local Government Area to the southeast, and Ovia North East Local Government Area to the west.

The area is situated in the tropical rainforest zone of Nigeria, characterized by undulating terrain with hills and valleys. The local government area is drained by several rivers and streams, including the Ovia River and its tributaries.

The climate of Ovia South 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 South East Local Government Area is home to several tourist attractions, including the Ogbemudia Farmland and the Iyekogba Forest Reserve. The area also has several historical and cultural landmarks, including the Oba of Benin Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Benin Moat, which is the largest man-made earthwork in the world.

Ovia South East Local Government Area was created on August 27, 1991, during the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. The local government area was carved out of the former Ovia Local Government Area and was created alongside other local government areas in Nigeria.

History

The area has a rich history, with the Benin Kingdom playing a significant role in its development. The Benin Kingdom, one of the oldest and most powerful kingdoms in West Africa, had a strong influence on the culture, traditions, and governance of the area. The Oba of Benin, who is the traditional ruler of the Benin Kingdom, still holds a significant influence over the affairs of the local government area.

The area was also affected by the transatlantic slave trade, with several slave routes passing through the area. The area was a significant source of slaves for European traders, who transported them to the Americas and other parts of the world.

During the colonial period, the area was part of the Benin Division of the Southern Protectorate. The British colonial government established administrative structures and introduced Western education, which led to the emergence of a new class of educated elites.

Economy

Ovia South East Local Government Area has a mixed economy, with agriculture, trade, and commerce being the major economic activities.

Agriculture is a major contributor to the economy of the local government area. The area is known for its production of crops such as oil palm, rubber, cassava, cocoa, and other vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, pepper, watermelon, and pineapples. These crops are mostly cultivated by small-scale farmers and sold in local and regional markets. The area also has a significant presence of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) engaged in various businesses such as food processing, furniture making, welding, and printing. These businesses provide employment opportunities for residents and contribute to the economic growth of the local government.

The local government area is home to several markets, including the popular New Benin Market, which is the largest market in the state and attracts traders and buyers from neighboring towns and cities. The market is a hub for trade and commerce, with a wide variety of goods and services available, including food, clothing, electronics, and other consumer goods.

The area is also home to several industrial companies, including a cement factory, a flour mill, and a rubber processing plant. These industries provide employment opportunities for residents and contribute to the economic development of the area. The presence of tertiary institutions such as the University of Benin and the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, 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.

Overall, the economy of Ovia South East Local Government Area is characterized by a mix of agriculture, trade, and commerce, with the presence of small and medium scale enterprises, markets, and industries contributing to the economic growth of the area.

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.