Abia State History, Tourist Attractions, Hotels & Travel Information | Nigeria travel info, tourism and attractions
South-East Nigeria

Abia State – "God's Own State"

Located in south-east geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Abia State was created out of the old Imo in 1991 with its capital is Umuahia. The state is divided into seventeen local government areas which include Aba-North, Aba-South, Arochukwu, Bende, Ikwuano, Isala-Ngwa North, Isiala-Ngwa South, Isikwato, Umu-Nneochi, Obi Ngwa, Ohafia, Osisoma Ngwa, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa-East, Ukwa-West, Umuahia-North, Umuahia-South.


History
Abia State was carved out of Imo State on 27th August, 1991. The name ‘Abia’ is an acronym from the first letters of four groups of people – Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato and Afikpo now in Ebonyi State. Abia State was carved out of the former Imo State in 1991.


People & Culture
Abia people are of the Igbo ethnic group who predominates much of the Southeastern part of Nigeria. Their traditional language is Igbo with English widely spoken and serves as the official language in governance and business. Globally, Igbos are well travelled. Abia’s 2.4m people are mainly Christians and entrepreneurial. They are known and reputed to be industrious, highly market oriented, very hospitable and accommodating, probably due to their migratory nature.

 

[tab:Geography] Covering a total of 5,243.7sqkm land area, Abia State is bounded on the north and northeast by the states of Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi respectively. To the west is Imo State, to the east and southeast are Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State, and to the south is Rivers State. The southern part of the State lies within the riverine part of Nigeria. It is low-lying with a heavy rainfall of about 2400 mm/year especially intense between the months of April through October.

Abia State map

Weather/Climate
There are two seasons in the year, namely: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season begins in March and ends in October with a break in August usually referred to as the “little dry season.” The dry season which lasts for four months begins in November. Heavy thunderstorm are characteristic of the onset of the rainy season.

The total rainfall decreases from 2200mm in the ie south to 1900mm in the north. The hottest months as are January to March when the mean temperature ts is above 27°C. The relative humidity is usually high throughout the year, reaching a maximum during the rainy season when values above ninety per cent are recorded.


Cities & Towns
Other important cities and towns include Umuahia, Aba, Arochukwu, Ohafia, Bende, Abiriba, Omoba, Nbawsid Vom.

 

[tab:Attractions] National War Museum, Umuahia
Commissioned in 1985, the museum which is located at Ebite Amafor in Isingwu Autonomous community in Umuahia North LGA, occupies a large area of land surrounded by undulating hills. The museum has three galleries; traditional warfare, the armed forces and the Nigerian civil war weapon galleries. The relics of war being housed in these sections include weapons used during the pre-colonial civil disturbances, imperial warfare materials and those of the Nigerian civil war.


National Museum of Colonial History, Aba
Established in 1984 to showcase Nigeria of colonial era, the museum has collection of Nigeria evolvement as a nation, relics of slave trade, European imperialism, chronology of rulership in Nigeria, rise of nationalism and the attainment of independence. The historical museum is served with good road network, telephones restaurants and hotels in Aba.


Arochukwu Cave
Arochukwu cave is very dark inside with many outlets, some of which are about a hundred yards away from the main entrance. During the slave trade era, this shrine was used for consultative purposes and as a court of law. In the cave are the destiny gate, a flowing stream (Iyi-eke), the gate of no return and a spring through which victims were sold into slavery.


Museum of Antiquities, Ujari
Located in Arochukwu, the museum is under the National War Museum and it houses many items, some of which were collected through trade by barter and war. The items found in this museum are relics of the slave trade, a big bell of 1892, ancient chandeliers, canons, metal gongs, handcuffs, basins, buckets, brass plates, silver plates etc. Also found in the museum is the Iyama Afia Shrine and the grave of Mazi Ogbuji Okoro Oji the original founder and owner of the museum.


Azumini Blue River
Located in Azumini town, Ukwa East LGA, the river is a sparkling blue river which is surrounded by fine sands and glassy stones. By the river banks are beautiful beaches which provide pleasant places for leisure, fishing, boating, yachting and skiing. There are relaxation facilities as chairs and tables. At the beach, barbeque grills are delicacies provided for picnickers. The river is about thirty minutes drive from Aba through Enugu – Port-Harcourt expressway.


Akwete Weavers
Akwete is a small town in Ukwa-East LGA and about 25 minutes drive from Aba through Enugu – Port-Harcourt expressway. The town is known for its specialty in the production of Akwete cloth using fabricated handlooms. This native cloth has beautiful designs made from various materials as cotton, silk etc. The cloth is used in making assorted styles of wears and souvenirs item like caps, head-gears, hand bags, shoes etc.


Other attractions
Hilltop Hotel, Pankshin (Man-made)
Kerang Volcanic Mountain (Physical)
Kerang Volcanic Sites (Physical)
Pundong Crater (Physical)
Amurum Woodlands (Wildlife/Eco-tourism)

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[tab:Shopping] Aba Central Market
This is an international market where goods of all kinds are manufactured and sold. It is one of the largest markets in Nigeria.


[tab:Hotels] Empire Hotels & Towersl
The hotel offers 135 tastefully appointed rooms in standard, superior, junior suite or deluxe suite all fitted with the modern amenities. Inside the hotel locates the internationally acclaimed Tony Roma’s Restaurant and Lounge, the Paddock Bar & Grille, sauna and indoor whirlpool. Just outside our doors are unlimited attractions, outdoor activities, and shopping.
Location: 138 Government layout Avenue, P.O Box 1856, Umuahia. Tel: +234-8053751612, 08053751612


Hotel De La Paix Aba
A large welcoming newly refurbished and undoubtedly clean, the hotel offers well-equipped and air-conditioned rooms with cable TV, telephones etc.
Location: 60 Ekenna Avenue / 38 Brass Street, Aba. Tel: +234 (0)08032583790, 08059154035


Hotel Terminus
Hotel Terminus as recorded its name among the top class Hotels, east of the country especially in Aba, as a clear leader in the industry. Every room has colour TV, air conditioning, mini bar, telephone with direct line.
Location: 230 / 246 Azikiwe Road, Aba. Tel: +234 (0)82 82 233444, 231705, 440849


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