Rivers state is one of the most popular states in Nigeria. It was created in 1967 by General Yakubu Gowon. Also shares borders with Imo, Abia, and Anambra State in the north. Its southern borders are shared by Akwa Ibom state. The capital of the state is Port Harcourt. It is one of the largest urban centers in Nigeria. Rivers State is the commercial center of the oil–rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
The state covers an area of approximately 11,000 km². As a result of the area occupied by the state geographically, it is ranked 26th in the country. The state population is roughly 5.6 million, and a population density of 640 people per kilometer. These numbers make it the 6th largest state in Nigeria by population.
The petroleum industry remains the fundamental source of revenue for the state. There are two significant oil refineries in the state, two main seaports, and numerous industrial properties. Besides oil, there are other natural resources within the state.
These include silica, glass, and clay. Also, the state is a hub for agricultural products such as yam, cassava, and rice.
Major tribes in Rivers state
The state has a diverse population of tribes with major riverine as well as upland regions. The major tribes in the state include Ogoni, Ijaw, and Ikwere. The upland region has about 45% of its population made up of Ogoni and Ikwere. However, there are plenty of other smaller tribes in the region. The riverine areas are primarily encompassed the state’s towns as well as villages surrounded by waterways. Here is where you will find a significant Ijaw population.
To learn more about thevarious tribes in Rivers stateclick here. With its diverse tribes and languages, the state is rich in cultural heritage and arts. Also, there are plenty of cultural bonds, especially in music, dances, and festivals.
In the state, literature comprises the oral tradition of legends, proverbs, and poetry. Modern publications include novels from renowned authors such as Elechi Amadi and Gabriel Okwara.
Social infrastructure within the state
Social infrastructure within the state includes education, health care facilities, transport, and tourist attractions. Similar to many states in Nigeria, western education was initiated by the British colonial Masters in the 19th century. Rivers state had their first missionary school in Bonny islands in 1864.
Also, the first secondary school in the state was built in Bonny island as well in 1890. The school was established by the Anglican Communion. At the moment, there are over 2800 primary and secondary schools in the state. The first tertiary institution in the state: the University of Port Harcourt was established in 1975 by the Federal government of Nigeria.
Other post-secondary educational institutions include the School of Health Technology, Port Harcourt. Federal Polytechnic Omoku was built by the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the other Polytechnic was built by the state government.
Health facilities within the state include one state hospital in each local government area. However, the capital city of Port Harcourt has six hospitals. There is another private health center within the state. These health care institutions hospitals, primary health care centers. To find out more about health facilities in the state, click here.
Within the state, there are multiple modes of transportation– these are roads, rail, and through inland waterways. As a result of the poor state of the roads linking communities within the state, most people move from these communities to the commercial centers through the waterways. Therefore, most parts of the rural areas remain inaccessible.
Furthermore, rail and air transportation modes mainly serve as interstate means of transport instead of within the state. Also, the state has plenty of private transport organizations that render transport services to those who wish to move from the state to other parts of the country. Few years ago, the state has approved the use you state-owned Transport Company to increase internally generated revenue.
Abbey Johnson has a Masters degree as an engineer and has over 3 years of teaching and research experience. He is happiest when on a bike and is also interested in electric energy and computer Science.