Rivers State
Rivers State | |
---|---|
Ogoni | |
HDI (2021) | 0.648[4] medium · 5th of 37 |
Website | www |
Rivers State, also known as Rivers, is a state in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria (Old Eastern Region).[5] Formed in 1967, when it was split from the former Eastern Region, Rivers State borders include Imo and Anambra to the north, Abia and Akwa Ibom to the east, and Bayelsa and Delta to the west.The State capital, Port Harcourt, is a metropolis that is considered to be the commercial center of the Nigerian oil industry.[6][7]
With a population of 5,198,716 as of the 2006 census and 7,492,366 in 2023, Rivers State is the
The economy of Rivers State is dominated by the state's booming petroleum industry. Although the rise of the oil industry has led to increased revenue for the state government, mismanagement and corruption have prevented the state from rapid development and meaningfully tackling poverty.[12]
Rivers State is considered one of the fastest-growing states in terms of modern infrastructure and urbanization in the country.
History
Territory and status
Rivers State, named after the many rivers that border its territory, was part of the
20th century
In the early days of the colonial period, several protection treaties were signed between various indigenous communities and the British colonial government[citation needed]. Between 1941 and 1952, agitation for the creation of Rivers Province began with the formation of the Ijo Rivers People's League. By 1953, the Council of Rivers Chiefs was birthed as a replacement body for the League, the same year, another organization, the Calabar Ogoja Rivers (COR) State Movement became existent.
The Council of Rivers Chiefs was later renamed in 1954 to Rivers Chiefs and People's Congress and in 1956, the organization became known as the Rivers Chiefs People's Conference.
In February 1966,
Geography
Rivers State is a predominantly low-lying
Climate
Rainfall is generally seasonal, variable, as well as heavy, and occurs between March and October through November.[citation needed] The wet season peaks in July, lasting more than 290 days. The only dry months are January and February having little to no effect.
Total annual rainfall decreases from about 4,700 mm (185 in) on the coast, to about 1,700 mm (67 in) in the extreme north. It is 4,698 mm (185 in) at
Terrain
The land surface of Rivers State can be divided into three zones: freshwater swamps,
On coastal sand ridges, the soils are mostly sandy or sandy loams. Various crops are supported including
Flora and fauna
Due to its geographical location, Rivers State has always played an important role in the
The riverine part of the state has three hydro-vegetation zones such as beach ridge, salt water and fresh water. Each zone has its characteristics and composition, with the freshwaters encompassing the upper and lower floodplains of the Niger Delta.
The interior of the forest is very shady and as a result a wide variety of
. .One of the world's
Rivers
The state has many rivers. Notable rivers include:[22]
Population
Demographics
Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
---|---|---|
1991 | 3,187,844 | — |
2006 | 5,198,716 | +3.31% |
2015 (Est.) | 7,043,800 | +3.43% |
Source: "Rivers State, Nigeria - Population Statistics and Location in Maps and Charts". City Population. |
Over the period from 1991 to 2006, the total population of Rivers State increased by close to 3 million people. The last official census showed that 5,198,716 people were living in the state, of whom 2,673,026 were male and 2,525,690 were female. Adults and adolescents aged 15 to 64 years accounted for 61% of the population in the state. Children below the age of 15 accounted for 36% of the population, and those aged 65 years and above, another 3%.
According to the world population review[23] (Population of cities in Nigeria), the capital city of Rivers state, Port Harcourt is ranked 4th on the list.
Rivers State has higher literacy rate compared to most states in the South South geopolitical zone. Its male literacy as of 2006 was 52.3% while female literacy rate was 47.7%.[24] In the same survey, it ranked as 26th most extensive and the 6th most populous of all the states of Nigeria. A 2015 estimate put the number of residents of Rivers State at over 7 million, nearly triple the number recorded in 1991.
According to the
Ethnic groups in Rivers State
Rivers state has a rich cultural-heritage, and its people are friendly and known for their hospitality. It is on record that Port Harcourt is the second biggest commercial, agriculture and busiest airport & seaports in Nigeria. Rivers state has two seaports situated in Port Harcourt and Onne.[26]
Languages
As a multi-cultural, multi-tribal region, Rivers State has much to offer in its diversity of people. The area that makes up the modern state has been inhabited in one way or the other since the last year of the
Aboriginal language dialects | No. of speakers | Mother tongue | Home language |
---|---|---|---|
Abua | 25,000 | ||
Agbirigba | 30 | ||
Baan | 50,000 | ||
Biseni | 4,800 | ||
Defaka | 200 | ||
Degema | 30,000 | ||
Ekpeye | 30,000 | ||
Eleme | 150,000 | ||
Engenni | 20,000 | ||
igbo | 680,000 | ||
Ijaw | 200,000 | ||
Ikwerre | 200,000 | ||
Kalabari | 570,000 | ||
Kugbo | 2,000 | ||
Nkoroo | 4,600 | ||
O’chi’chi’
|
— | ||
Obolo | 250,000 | ||
Obulom
|
3,420 | ||
Odual | 18,000 | ||
Ogba | 80,000 | ||
Ogbogolo | 10,000 | ||
Ogbronuagum | 12,000 | ||
Khana | 500,000 | ||
Okodia | 3,600 | ||
Oruma | 5,000 | ||
Tee | 100,000 | ||
Ukwuani-Aboh-Ndoni | 50,000 |
Languages of Rivers State listed by LGA:[29]
LGA | Languages |
---|---|
Abua-Odual | Central Delta languages (Kugbo, Odual, Ogbia), Ijoid language (Ijaw) |
Ahoada East | Igboid language (Ekpeye) |
Ahoada West | Edoid language (Egenni), Ijoid language (Ijaw) |
Akuku Toru | Ijoid languages (Kalabari, Bille) |
Andoni | Lower Cross language (Obolo) |
Asari-Toru | Ijoid language (Kalabari) |
Degema | Edoid language (Degema), Central Delta languages (Abua, Ogbronuagum) Ijoid languages (Kalabari, Bille) |
Bonny | Ijoid language (Ibani), Igboid language (Ndoki) |
Eleme | Ogoni languages (Eleme, Baan, Nchia; Odido) |
Emuohua | Igboid language (Ikwerre) |
Etche | Igboid language (Igbo) |
Gokana | Ogoni language (Gokana) |
Ikwerre | Igboid language (Ikwerre) |
Khana | Ogoni languages (Khana, Baan) |
Obio-Akpor | Igboid language (Ikwerre) |
Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni | Igboid language (Igbo) |
Ogu-Bolo | Ijoid language (Kirike) |
Okrika | Ijoid language (Kirike) |
Opobo-Nkoro | Ijoid languages (Ibani, Defaka,Nkoroo) |
Oyigbo | Igboid language (Igbo), Ogoni languages (Khana, Baan) |
Port Harcourt | Central Delta language (Obulom),Ijoid Languages (Ijaw, Kalabari, Bille, Kirike), Ogoni languages (Khana, Eleme, Gokana, Baan), Igboid languages (Ikwerre, Igbo) |
Omumma | Igboid language (Igbo) |
Tai | Ogoni languages (Tee/Tai, Baan) |
Economy
Rivers State has maintained its importance as a leading supplier of wealth to the nation for centuries. In 2021, the state ranked 2nd nationwide with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $51.529 billion and a per capita income of $5,949 (PPP).[3]
Natural resources
The state is famous for its vast reserves of crude oil and natural gas. It was perhaps the richest and most important section of the African zone of the British Empire. Rivers State has two major oil refineries, two major seaports, airports, and various industrial estates spread across the land. More than 60% of the country's output of crude oil is produced in the state. Other natural resources found within its boundaries are silica, glass sand and clay.[30]
Agriculture
Prior to the discovery of oil in commercial quantity in 1951, Agriculture was the primary occupation of the people of Rivers State. Around the 19th century when the industrial revolution reached its peak in England, the area was then referred to as
Infrastructure
Energy
Energy, and especially electricity is the key factor for economic growth. Rivers State has one of the nation's highest per capita energy consumption rates. As of 2012, it had a power generation capacity of 400
There's a vast untapped potential in the state for solar power. Interest in solar energy has been increasing but not much has been invested. Up to now, energy production is insufficient to meet demand, resulting in frequent power outages, slow manufacturing and business performance.
Transportation
Transportation within Rivers State is mainly land and water-based. The industry has the Ministry of Transport as its chief regulating body. Apart from roads and waterways, there are functional airdromes that provide out-of-state transport. The sea ports contain harbors where ships can dock and transfer people or cargo to or from land.
Federal highways are A2 the Elele-Alimini-Patani East-West Rd from Elele to Bayelsa State at Mbiama, A3 east as the Port Harcourt Enugu Expressway to Abia State and A231 north from A3 in Port Harcourt 42 km via Igwuruta and Omagwa to A2 in Elele.
Other major roads include
- the Owerri-Ahoada Rd northeast to Imo State,
- the Abua-Ogbia Rd north to Ahoada where the Ogura-Omoku Rd continues to Imo State,
- the Rumuji-Mpakurche Rd northwest from Port Harcourt to the Rumuji-Elele Alimini Rd,
- the Ulakwo Rd northeast from Olakwo to Imo State,
- the Eberi-Obiga Rd north from Owaza to Abia State,
- the Asa-Akwere-Obohia Rd east from Owaza to Abia State, and
- the Alese Rd southeast from Port Harcourt to the Ikot Akan-Deyor Chara Rd across the Imo River at Kalaoko to Akwa Ibom State.
The 1067 mm Cape Gauge Eastern Railway Line north from Port Harcourt to Aba in Abia State, built 1913-16, restored 2009-15.
Both domestic and international flights are available from
Seaports handle much more diversified import cargo activities than airports. The Port of Onne is one of the largest and busiest seaports in the country. Its mobile harbour cranes are one of the biggest in Africa, with a lifting capacity of 208 metric tonnes. Another important seaport is the Port of Port Harcourt. It was the second largest port in Nigeria in the 1950s. In 1954, it cleared about $54 million worth of imports and exports, while the shipping facilities at Calabar cleared $11 million worth of goods.[33]
Water
The majority of Riverians obtain their water for household uses from vendors. There are also those who extract their water from private
In the large urban localities such as Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor, Port Harcourt Water Corporation handles the provision of urban water supply and wastewater management services for 15% of the population. A number of towns and villages with iron-contaminated H2O have resorted to treating one chemical contaminant with another. Most of the water collection in low-income urban residential areas is done by women.[34] In 2008, NDHS reported that 26% of adult females collect drinking water more than adult male counterparts at 21%.[34]
In order to improve access to safe, reliable, affordable, and sustainable water supply services,
Government and politics
The Rivers State government consists of elected representatives and appointed officials. The state government has executive and legislative branches, with an independent judiciary. At the local level, elected officials are responsible for local government areas.
Electoral System
The governor of the state is selected using a modified two-round system. To be elected in the first round, a candidate must receive the plurality of votes and over 25% of the vote in at least two-third of the state local government areas. If no candidate passes threshold, a second round will be held between the top candidate and the next candidate to have received a plurality of votes in the highest number of local government areas.[citation needed]
Executive
The executive branch is headed by the Governor, assisted by the Deputy Governor,[36] both elected for a term of 4 years (maximum of 2 terms). The governor appoints commissioners responsible for each of the ministries and appoints the heads of parastatals, and the state-owned bodies with specific regulatory or administrative duties. In some cases, a governor may be replaced or removed for example, through death, impeachment or if an election is annulled by a competent court of law or by a two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly. The incumbent governor is Siminalayi Fubara a member of People Democratic Party, who heads the council of Rivers State. Fubara was sworn in on 29 May 2023. He is the 7th Democratic governor of the state and the 16th overall governor of River State[37]
Legislature
The legislative authority in Rivers State is held by the state House of Assembly, which is made up of elected representatives from all constituencies of the state. Its functions at the state level are relative to those of the National Assembly at the federal level, creating laws for the good governance of the state, as well as acting as a check and balance on the powers and actions of the state's Chief Executive. The House of Assembly consists three times the total number of seats which the state has in the House of Representatives.
Judiciary
The judicial branch of the state government has sole authority and responsibility for the interpretation and application of the state's laws as well as the adjudication of disputes or controversies.
Federal representation
Elections are conducted every 4 years in which Riverian voters will directly elect 16 representatives to the
Local Government Areas
Rivers State currently consists of 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs), all of which handle local administration, under an elected chairman. Each of the local government areas has its own administrative seat. They are:
LGA name | Area (km2) | Census 2006 population |
Administrative seat | Postal Code |
Wards |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Port Harcourt | 109 | 541,115 | Port Harcourt | 500 | 20 |
Obio-Akpor | 260 | 464,789 | Rumuodumaya | 500 | 17 |
Okrika | 222 | 222,026 | Okrika | 500 | 12 |
Ogu–Bolo | 89 | 74,683 | Ogu | 500 | 12 |
Eleme
|
138 | 190,884 | Nchia
|
501 | 10 |
Tai
|
159 | 117,797 | Sakpenwa | 501 | 10 |
Gokana
|
126 | 228,828 | Kpor | 501 | 17 |
Khana
|
560 | 294,217 | Bori
|
502 | 19 |
Oyigbo | 248 | 122,687 | Afam | 502 | 10 |
Opobo–Nkoro | 130 | 151,511 | Opobo Town | 503 | 11 |
Andoni | 233 | 211,009 | Ngo | 503 | 11 |
Bonny
|
642 | 215,358 | Bonny
|
503 | 12 |
Degema
|
1,011 | 249,773 | Degema
|
504 | 17 |
Asari-Toru | 113 | 220,100 | Buguma | 504 | 13 |
Akuku-Toru | 1,443 | 156,006 | Abonnema | 504 | 17 |
Abua–Odual | 704 | 282,988 | Abua | 510 | 13 |
Ahoada West | 403 | 249,425 | Akinima | 510 | 12 |
Ahoada East | 341 | 166,747 | Ahoada | 510 | 13 |
Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni | 969 | 284,010 | Omoku | 510 | 17 |
Emohua | 831 | 201,901 | Emohua | 511 | 14 |
Ikwerre
|
655 | 189,726 | Isiokpo | 511 | 13 |
Etche | 805 | 249,454 | Okehi | 512 | 19 |
Omuma
|
170 | 100,366 | Eberi
|
512 | 10 |
Cities and towns
Media
- Rhythm 93.7FM[41]
- Raypower 100.5FM[41]
- International Magazine Subscription Ltd
- RIVERS STATE BROADCASTING CORPORATION TV
- Africa Independent Television [AIT].[42]
- NTA Channel 10, Port Harcourt.[42]
- Wish 99.5 FM[43]
- Today 95.1 FM
- Naija FM 92.7 FM
- Nigeria Info 92.3 FM
- Wazobia 94.1 FM
- FAMILY LOVE FM 97.7 FM[43]
- Radio Rivers 99.1 FM
Education
Primary and secondary education
As at 1999, the state had 2,805 government primary schools and 243 secondary schools. The secondary schools are concentrated mainly in LGA headquarter towns and in Port Harcourt.[citation needed]
Colleges and universities
Tertiary institutions include:
- Port Harcourt Polytechnic[44]
- Eastern Polytechnic
- Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku.
- Ignatius Ajuru University at Rumuolumeni, Nkpolu Oroworukwo and Ndele.
- Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic
- PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Elelenwo, Port Harcourt
- Rivers State University.
- University of Port Harcourt,[45] Choba.
Political wards
There are three hundred and nineteen (319) wards in Rivers State.[46][47]
Notable people
See also
- Index of Rivers State-related articles
- Outline of Rivers State
- List of governors of Rivers State
- List of people from Rivers State
References
- ^ a b "2006 PHC Priority Tables – NATIONAL POPULATION COMMISSION". population.gov.ng. Retrieved 10 October 2017. Cite error: The named reference "PHC Tables" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ See List of governors of Rivers State for a list of prior governors
- ^ a b Okeowo, Gabriel; Fatoba, Iyanuoluwa, eds. (13 October 2022). "State of States 2022 Edition" (PDF). Budgit.org. BudgIT. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ "Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab". hdi.globaldatalab.org. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
- ^ "Rivers | state, Nigeria". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
- ^ Amaechi Catches Facebook Bug, Daily Independent, 10 August 2009
- ^ "Rivers State government website". Retrieved 7 December 2010.
- ^ "Nigeria: Administrative Division". City Population. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
- ^ "The Languages of Rivers State of Nigeria: An Overview". ResearchGate. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- ^ "Public Finance Database". Nigeria Governors' Forum. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
- ^ "Anger as 3 die in Bonny River boat mishap". Vanguard News. 20 November 2018. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
- ^ "Politics as War: The Human Rights Impact and Causes of Post-Election Violence in Rivers State, Nigeria: Background: Root Causes of Violence in Rivers State". www.hrw.org. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- ^ "Oil Rivers | region, Nigeria | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
- ^ "Soku oil field: Politics, law of who owns the land". Vanguard News. 21 December 2019. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
- ^ "We celebrated the creation of Rivers State in exile and bushes... The Nation Newspaper". 13 May 2017. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
- ^ "Ijo | people | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
- ^ "History of Rivers State". Rsha.gov.ng. Archived from the original on 13 December 2012. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
- ^ "Rivers | state, Nigeria | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
- ^ "List Of States In The Niger Delta Region Of Nigeria | TheNigerianInfo". 18 April 2020. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
- Birdlife International. 7 September 2008. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
- ^ "Biseni forest". BirdLife International. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
- ISBN 9781296151.
- ^ "Population of Cities in Nigeria 2023". worldpopulationreview.com. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
- ^ "Action Plan Nigeria" (PDF). UNESCO. 7 September 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
- ^ a b "Strategic Health Development Plan" (PDF). Rivers State Ministry of Health. 5 January 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 June 2016. Retrieved 4 August 2017 – via Mamaye.org.
- ^ "History of Rivers State Nigeria | AllNigeriaInfo". 14 March 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
- ISBN 978-1456622206. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
- ^ ISBN 1134868049. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
- ^ "Nigeria". Ethnologue (22 ed.). Retrieved 10 January 2020.
- ^ a b "Rivers". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
- ^ "Power Sector Transformation In Rivers State". The Tide. 27 May 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
- ^ "The Hazards Of Unpainted Taxis". The Tide. 5 February 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
- ^ Information Service (1956). Eastern Region (Nigeria). Enugu: Enugu, Eastern Nigeria Information Service.
- ^ AfDB. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
- USAID. Archived from the originalon 7 November 2013. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
- ^ "Your-Title-Here". www.riversstate.gov.ng. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
- ^ "Wetin you suppose know about Nyesom Wike #BBCGovDebate". BBC News Pidgin. 30 January 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ "judiciary | government | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
- ^ "About Us". Rivers State Judiciary. Archived from the original on 5 December 2014. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
- ^ Nigerian National Assembly delegation from Rivers
- ^ a b Nigeria, Media (8 February 2018). "List Of Media Companies In Rivers State". Media Nigeria. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
- ^ a b "Takooka - TV Stations in Rivers State". takooka.com. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
- ^ a b Believeall (21 February 2022). "22 radio stations in Rivers State and their frequencies". iBelieveAll Blog. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
- ^ "Rivers State College of Arts and Science". Rivers State College of Arts and Science. Retrieved 4 March 2010.
- ^ "University of Port Harcourt". University Port Harcourt Student Rivers.
- ^ "Wards in Rivers State". www.manpower.com.ng. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
- ^ Olaitan. "RIVERS STATE LGA Wards and New polling unit - eduweb". Retrieved 24 May 2023.
Further reading
- E. D. W. Opu-Ogulaya (January 1973). History of the Creation of the Rivers State of Nigeria: Primer One. Rivers State, Nigeria: Government Printer.
- Mitee, Leesi Ebenezer (2010). Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria: an encyclopaedic guide. Luton: Worldwide Business Resources. ISBN 978-0956198815.(Full text via Google Books.)
- Jones, G.I. (2000). The trading states of the oil rivers: a study of political development in eastern Nigeria. Oxford: James Currey. ISBN 0852559186.(Full text via Google Books.)
- Alagoa, Ebiegberi Joe (2002). The land and people of Rivers State : eastern Niger Delta. Nembe: Onyoma Research Publ. ISBN 9783507559.
- Isirimah, N. O.; A. Monsi; P. D. S. Kinako. Strategy for agricultural development in Nigeria: focus on Rivers State. Belk Publishers.
- Alagoa, E.J.; Tamuno, T.N., eds. (1980). Eminent Nigerians of the Rivers State. Enugu, Nigeria: Heinemann Educational Books. ISBN 978129955X.
- ISBN 9782081302.
- Charles Ogan. Unity of a People : Search for Peace in Okrika, River State, Nigeria. Port Harcourt.
- Alagoa, E.J.; Tamuno, Tekena N., eds. (December 1989). Land and people of Nigeria : Rivers State. Port Harcourt, Nigeria: Riverside Communications. ISBN 9783033328.
- Sika, Baridorn (2005). History of radio broadcasting in Rivers State. Port Harcourt, Nigeria: DOKUS Press. ISBN 9782631612.
External links
- Rivers State government website
- Geographic data related to Rivers State at OpenStreetMap