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At BlackGeeks, we often get queried: How many states are in Nigeria? What is the slogan of so-and-so state? Who is the governor of that state? We got you covered! In this blog post, we will break down the 36 states and capital, their governors, political parties and slogans. Kindly read through it!
States and Capital in Nigeria, their Slogan and Governor
Below is a table that highlights it. Kindly note that the FCT is not state and hence has no governor. It is managed by the Minister of the FCT.
| S/n | STATES ____ | CAPITAL ____ | STATE SLOGAN _______ | GOVERNOR’ NAME ____ | Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abia | Umuahia | God’s Own State | Alex Otti | LP |
| 2 | Adamawa | Yola | Land of Beauty | Fintiri Umar | PDP |
| 3 | Akwa-Ibom | Uyo | Land of Promise | Umo Eno | PDP |
| 4 | Anambra | Awka | Light of the Nation | Prof. Charles Soludo | APGA |
| 5 | Bauchi | Bauchi | Pearl of Tourism | Bala Muhammed | PDP |
| 6 | Bayelsa | Yenogoa | Pride of the Nation | Douye Diri | PDP |
| 7 | Benue | Makurdi | Food basket of the Nation | Hyacinth Alia | APC |
| 8 | Borno | Maiduguri | Home of Peace | Prof. Babangida Zulum | LP |
| 9 | Cross River | Calabar | The People’s Paradise | Bassey Otu | PDP |
| 10 | Delta | Asaba | The Big Heart | Sherif Oborevwori | PDP |
| 11 | Ebonyi | Abakaliki | Salt of the Nation | Francis Nwifuru | APGA |
| 12 | Edo | Benin | Heart Beat of the Nation | Godwin Obaseki | APC |
| 13 | Ekiti | Ado Ekiti | Fountain of Knowledge | Biodun Oyebanji | APC |
| 14 | Enugu | Enugu | Coal City State | Peter Mbah | PDP |
| 15 | Gombe | Gombe | Jewel of the Savannah | Inuwa Yahya | PDP |
| 16 | Imo | Owerri | Eastern Heartland | Sen. Hope Uzodinma | APC |
| 17 | Jigawa | Dutse | The New World | Umar Namadi | APC |
| 18 | Kaduna | Kaduna | Centre of Education | Uba Sani | APC |
| 19 | Kano | Kano | Centre of Commerce | Abba Kabir Yusuf | NNPP |
| 20 | Katsina | Katsina | Home of Hospitality | Dikko Radda | APC |
| 21 | Kebbi | Birnin-Kebbi | Land of Equity | Nasiru Idris | LP |
| 22 | Kogi | Lokoja | The Confluence State | Yaya Bello | APC |
| 23 | Kwara | Ilorin | State of Harmony | Abdur Rahman Abdulrazaq | APC |
| 24 | Lagos | Ikeja | Centre of Excellence | Babajide Sanwo-Olu | APC |
| 25 | Nassarawa | Lafia | Home of Solid Minerals | Abdullah Sule | APC |
| 26 | Niger | Minna | The Power State | Mohammed Bago | APC |
| 27 | Ogun | Abeokuta | Gateway State | Dapo Abiodun | APC |
| 28 | Ondo | Akure | Sunshine State | Oluwarotimi Akeredolu | APC |
| 29 | Osun | Oshogbo | Land of Virtue | Ademola Adeleke | APC |
| 30 | Oyo | Ibadan | Pace Setter State | Seyi Makinde | PDP |
| 31 | Plateau | Jos | Home of Peace and Tourism | Caleb Mutfwang | PDP |
| 32 | Rivers | Port Harcourt | Treasure Base of the Nation | Siminialayi Fubara | PDP |
| 33 | Sokoto | Sokoto | Seat of the Caliphate | Ahmed Aliyu | APC |
| 34 | Taraba | Jalingo | Nature’s Gift to the Nation | Jalingo Kefa Agbu | PDP |
| 35 | Yobe | Damaturu | The Young Shall Grow | Mailamu Buni | APC |
| 36 | Zamfara | Gusau | Farming is our Pride | Dauda Lawal | PDP |
| 37 | FCT | Abuja | — | Nyesom Wike | APC |
Nigeria was formed in 1914 by the British amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Nigeria. We gained independence in 1960 and achieved republic status in 1963.
As of 1960, Nigeria’s geographical expanse was only divided into the Eastern, Northern, and Western regions. Later, various Heads of State created the 36 states we now have today. Here’s a quick overview:
- 12 states were created in Nigeria on 27 May 1967 by President Yakubu Gowon
- 11 states were created in Nigeria on 27 August 1991 by President Ibrahim Babangida
- 7 states were created in Nigeria in 1976 by President Murtala Mohammed
- 5 states created in Nigeria on 1 October 1996 by President Sani Abacha
Most of these states were extracted from a bigger state— Osun State from Oyo State, Benue and Plateau states from Benue-Plateau State, and more.
Other states like Gongola lost their name completely. Gongola State was divided into Adamawa State and Taraba State. This same thing happened to old Bendel State which was divided into Edo and Delta States.
As you probably know, Nigeria has 36 states, grouped under six geopolitical zones. Each state in Nigeria is administered by a Governor usually elected every 4 years. During his term, he is assisted by the deputy governor who is a member of the same political party as the governor.
Also, unique to each state is its slogan—a motto that speaks volumes of the heritage, values, resources or pride of the state. It is no wonder that Lagos state, the 7th fastest growing city in the world, is dubbed “the Centre of Excellence”.
Conclusion
Today, having knowledge about one’s state is relevant. After reading this blog post, you should aim to know the capital of your state, its slogan, the current governor and the ruling party. Teach it to your kids, friends and family as well.
Now, let’s get to know your state in the comment section. Mine is Ogun state, the Gateway state.
Abdulbasit Toriola is a versatile freelance writer. On this blog, he writes keenly about Nigeria and Nigerians who are breaking the odds. You can connect with him via any of the links below.
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