Resources - Knowledge Mobilization

Federal Republic of Nigeria

The People
Nigeria is famous for her huge population of about 140 million people - the largest national population on the African continent and the largest group of people on earth. This population is made up of about 250 ethnic groups. Three of them, the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba are the major groups and constitute over 40 per cent of the population. In fact, about 10 ethnic/ linguistic groups constitute more than 80% of the population: these are the Tiv, Ibibio, Ijaw, Kanuri, Nupe, Gwari, Igala, Jukun, Idoma, Fulani, Itsekiri, Edo , Urhobo and Ijaw. The last census in 2006 indicates a population that is 51% male and 49% female.

Geography
Nigeria is situated in the West African sub region and lies between longitudes 30 and 140 and latitudes 40 and 140. It has a landmass of 923,768 sq. km. It is bordered to the north by the Republics of Niger and Chad and to the west with the Republic of Benin. It shares the eastern borders with the Republic of Cameroon right down to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean forming the southern limits of the Nigerian Territory. About 800km of coastline confers on the country the potentials of a maritime power. Arable land is in abundance in Nigeria for agricultural, industrial and commercial activities. Forest and woodland are to be found mainly in the southern part of the country, which is affected by seasonal rains from the Atlantic that occur from April to October. As one progresses northward the country becomes drier and the vegetation more savannah like. The Northern part of the country forms part of the semi-arid sahel region on the fringes of the Sahara the world's largest desert (3,500,000 square miles) in northern Africa. Nigeria is divided roughly into three parts by the rivers Niger and Benue, which flow through the country from north-east and north-west to meet roughly in the centre of the country near the new capital Abuja. From here the united rivers flow south to the sea at the Niger delta.

Climate
Although Nigeria lies wholly within the tropical zone, its climate varies from the tropical at the coast to sub-tropical further inland. There are two marked seasons: the rainy season lasting from April to October and the dry season from November to March. The maximum temperature in the coastal areas of the south is 37 degrees while the minimum temperature is 10 degrees. The climate is drier further north where extremes of temperature range from 45 to 6 degrees.

Language
The official language is English. There are 3 main indigenous languages spoken by the 3 predominant ethnic groups in Nigeria. These are Yoruba in the west, Hausa in the north and Igbo in the east. There is also the "broken English" (Pidgin English) spoken and understood by almost all Nigerians. It is a mixture of the English Language and several indigenous Nigerian Languages. There are many other languages such as Efik, Ijaw, and Kanuri and over 374 dialects within the ethnic groups.

Resources
Nigeria, in addition to her huge population, is endowed with significant agricultural, mineral, marine and forest resources. Her multiple vegetation zones, plentiful rain, surface and underground water resources and moderate climatic extremes, allow for production of diverse food and cash crops. Over 60 per cent of the population is involved in the production of food crops such as cassava, maize, rice, yams, various beans and legumes, soya, sorghum, ginger, onions, tomatoes, and melons. The main cash crops are cocoa, cotton, groundnuts, oil palm and rubber. Extractions from these for export and local industrial use include cocoa flour and butter, rubber crumb, vegetable oil, cotton fibre and yarn. The rain forests are exploited for timber and wood products of exotic and popular species.

Oil and Gas, by value, are the most important natural resources. They are exploited and refined in the Niger Delta basin, offshore on the continental shelf and in the deep-sea of the territorial waters. The country also boasts significant mineral deposits such as coal, bitumen, iron ore, gypsum, kaolin, phosphates, limestone, marble, columbite, baryte and gold.

The Nigerian Currency
The currency is expressed in naira (N) and kobo (K). 100K equal one naira (N1). The currency denominations are N5, N10, N20, N50, N100, N200, N500 and N1000.

The Official Website of the Federal Republic of Nigeria:
http://www.nigeria.gov.ng

Edo State

University of Benin is located in Benin City, the Capital of Edo State.

Main Towns in Edo State: Benin City, Ubiaja, Auchi, Abudu, Uromi, Irrua, Ewu, Okpella, Ekpoma, Uzebba, Afuze, Ibillo, Urhonigbe, Sabongida-Ora, Igarra.

Edo State shares boundaries with three other states of the federation. It is bounded on the north and the east by Kogi State, on the west by Ondo State and on the south by Delta State. Generally, it is a low-lying area except in the north where it is marked by undulating hills.

There are 18 local government areas in the State namely: Esan North-East, Esan Central, Esan West, Egor, Ukpoba-Central, Etsako Central, Igueben, Oredo, Ovia SouthWest, Ovia South-East, Orhionwon, Uhunmwonde, Etsako East and Esan South-East. The State is made up of the following ethnic groups: Edo, Esan, Etsako, Owan and Akoko Edo.

Edo State is endowed with abundant natural resources. The principal resources include crude oil, natural gas, clay chalk, marble and limestone.

Agriculture is the predominant occupation of the citizens of this State. The major cash crops produced are rubber, cocoa and palm produce. In addition, the State produces yams, cassava, rice, plantain, guinea-corn, and assorted types of fruits and vegetables.

Industrial enterprises in the State are Bendel Cement Company, Bendel Brewery, Bendel Pharmaceutical PLC, and Bendel Feed and Flour Mills. Other small-scale industries abound.

The role of education in the development of any nation cannot be over-emphasized. There are many approved primary and secondary schools throughout over the State. The State also has a Women's Education Centre, a Special Education Unit, a Teacher Training College, four Technical Colleges and a College of Education. At the tertiary level, there is Edo State University, University of Benin, Igbenedion University and Bishop Idahosa University.

Health facilities are fairly distributed throughout the state. There are about 20 government hospitals and many health centres. The Government also accords offical recognition to the practice of traditional medicine, and traditional doctors are given the opportunity to contribute to health care provision in Edo State. In terms of health care related training institutions, Edo State has a School of Midwifery, a School of Health Technology and a School of Nursing, all in Benin City.

Edo State has a rich cultural heritage. Benin City, the State capital is famous for its unique bronze, brass and ivory works of arts which can be found in museums all over the world. Tourist attractions in the State include the Royal Palace, Benin Museum, Benin Moat, Emotan Status, Somorika Hills, Udo Tourist Centre and Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary.