Enugu
State was carved out of Anambra State as one of the nine new states
created by the Babangida administration on August 27, 1991. It
covers an area approximately 12, 727 square kilometers and has
a population of 3,161,292 (1991 census figures).
Situated
on much of the highlands of Awgu, Udi, Nsukka hills and the rolling
low lands of the Ebonyi River basin to the east and the Oji-River
basin to the west, Enugu State is surrounded by six states. It
borders Abia and Imo States in the South, and is flanked in the
east and west by the Cross River and Anambra states respectively.
The
state lies partly within the tropical rain forest belt to the
south. Its physical features and vegetation change gradually in
the northeastern direction from the tropical rain forest to open
woodland, and Savannah land as it approaches its northern boundary.
Enugu
State derives its name from the capital city, Enugu. The city
of Enugu evolved following the discovery of coal in 1909 in Enugwu
Ngwo, a village at the top of the Udi Hills. Enugu as a town,
has had a chequered history. Starting from its change over from
Calabar as the headquarters of the Eastern Province, it has served
as the seat of government for Eastern Nigeria. It has also served
as political capital for the defunct three-year old Republic of
Biafra, East Central State, and the former Anambra State, up to
August 26, 1991.
Economy
Enugu
State is blessed with abundant mineral and natural resources.
It has plentiful rich agricultural land, in which virtually every
tropical crop can thrive. Agriculture is its major industrial
mainstay. Agricultural crops cultivated in Enugu include yam,
cassava, cocoa, palm produce, rice, cashew, cocoyam as well as
a variety of fruits and legumes.
The
State's agricultural policy aims at harnessing and improving its
potentials to achieve self-sufficiency in food and raw materials
productions. Thus, the government provides agro-based and extension
services such as tractor hiring service, distribution of fertilizer
and high yield seedlings, insecticides, technical support services
and credit facilities at reduced cost to farmers. The State Ministry
of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Agricultural Development
Project (ADP); and the Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure
coordinate and execute the State Government's agriculture policy.
There
is emphasis on industrialization of the rural areas, most of which
now have been electrified. Project files to guide investors on
establishment of small and medium-scale industries are obtainable
from the Department of Commerce and Industry, the Secretariat,
Enugu.
An
international trade fair takes place in Enugu annually. At each
fair, prospective investors, local and foreign, make effective
business contacts. Producers and manufacturers who wish to explore
new markets and foster better understanding with their customers
should contact:
The
Trade Fair Manager
Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry
(Mines and Agriculture)
International Trade Fair Complex
Abakiliki Road
Enugu
Enugu State, Nigeria
Minerals
and natural resources base for industrial raw materials in the
state include iron-ore, lead, zinc, salt, limestone, silica, clay,
pyrite, coal, natural gas and (crude oil) petroleum.
Agro-based
industrial raw materials include maize, rice, yam, cassava, melon,
cashew, castor oil, palm oil, banana and citrus.
Culture
The
people of Enugu State are ethnically Igbos, and are very resourceful
and hardworking. The people excel in such cultural industries
as metal works, cloth-weaving, wood carving, ceramics, basketry,
and mat weaving. There are many cultural features common to various
parts of the State.
Festivals
occupy a significant place in the people's culture. The birth
of a child is graced with an outing ceremony and death even with
its sorrows, is marked with drumming and dancing.
Masquerades
are feature prominently in the State. Masquerades are known by
different names: Odo, Omaba and Mmanwu - names which are peculiar
to each of the cultural zones. The Mmanwu festival, held annually
has thus become one of the greatest tourist attractions in Enugu
State. It features about 2,000 masquerades from various parts
of the country.
The
new yam festival which is common to eleven parts of the State
and known by various aliases such as Joku, Ihe Koku or Njoku,
marks the end of the farming season.
Local Government Areas
Prior
to the recent creation of Ebonyi State from the present Enugu
State, the State had the following Local Government Areas: Enugu
North, Enugu South, Nkanu, Awgu , Udi, Ezeagu, Ezri, Igbo-Etiti,
Uzo-Uwani, Nsukka, Isi-Uzo, Abakili, Ishielu, Igbo-Eze North,
Igbo-Eze South, Izzi, Oji River and Ohaukwu.
Tourism
Enugu
is noted for its famous Mmanwu festival, an internationally recognized
annual event which features over 2,000 masquerades from different
parts of the State and beyond.
Enugu
State also has many places of cultural interest to tourists. The
State's cultural heritage is preserved through museums, shrines,
sacred squares, streams, and art galleries with collections of
art works ranging from paintings, sculpture, ceramics, pottery,
and other interesting works of art.
Other
places
of interest include parks, and the chain of hills running
through Abakiliki, the city of Enugu, Awgu, and Nsukka, creating
on of the most beautiful landscapes in the African continent.
More
than 150 standard hotels, guest houses, and restaurants are located
in various parts of the State. The Nike Lake Resort and Hotel
is one of the latest ultramodern hotels located in Enugu, the
State's political capital.
A
visit to the capital city would be incomplete without a trip to
the Enugu State Zoo and Garden. The zoo has some of the rarest
exotic birds and animals in tropical Africa. The garden boasts
of various interesting plants and ornamental flowers.
History & Geography 
Economy
Culture
Local Government Areas
Tourism