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South-Eastern States: Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Abia and Anambra State. South-Southern States: Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Rivers and Delta State. South-Western States: Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun State Given the above classification, Nigeria is basically divided into the Northern and Southern zones. This article aims to briefly summarize the comparative sizes of these two zones: with the North being four times the size of the South. In this part 1, the article will outline each state, giving a brief background, and the article will be completed in part 2. This is the full list of north-central states in Nigeria Below is the list of all 19 Northern states in Nigeria:
- Zamfara: This state was named after Zamfarawa, one of the sub-dialects of the Eastern Hausa group. Zamfara is a state in northwestern Nigeria. The area was formerly part of Sokoto State. Zamfara is populated with the Hausa and Fulani people.
- Kano: Kano State is located in the North-Western part of Nigeria. This state is the most populated in Nigeria. Kano State is the second on the list of the most populated states in Nigeria. The estimated population is around 11 million people with a GDP of $12.393billion, per capita is $1.288. Kano State is a major producer of skins and hides. It also produces chilli pepper, gum, garlic, cotton, soybean and sesame.
- Benue: Benue State is one of the Northcentral states in Nigeria with a population of about 4,253,641 in the 2006 census. It is inhabited predominantly by the Tiv, Idoma and Igede people. Benue’s capital is Makurdi and one of the most prominent places in Benue state is Benue State University. With respect to its geographical location, the state is noted and referred to as the food basket of the nation, this is due to its richness in the areas of agriculture, series and lots of crops are grown in the state which includes, cassava, yam, potatoes, soy, flax rice, and peanuts.
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- Katsina: Kastina state, located at the deepest part of the northwestern area of Nigeria. It was formed from the northern half of Kaduna state in 1987. Katsina has 34 local government areas. The state is majorly made up of the Hausas and the Fulani whom they refer to as Hausa-Fulani. Their major occupation is farming which ranges from planting to animal husbandry. They are the major sellers of hiding and skin which are eventually used as leather in neighbouring states. Katsina is not doing badly in terms of education. The state has 3 Universities and 5 colleges.
- Sokoto: Sokoto is located in the northwestern part of Nigeria. It happens to be one of the safest cities in Nigeria. The Sokoto Caliphate which is mainly predominated by Fulani, city still experiences peace and calm. There has hardly been any conflict between tribes, cultists or religious groups. Residents of the Sokoto state have nothing to worry about in terms of security. There are also lots of opportunities in the state, most residents engage in various types of agricultural practices as well as fishing and fish production.
- Kaduna: This Northwestern state is also a centre for the construction industry. The city serves as a collecting point for cotton, peanuts (groundnuts), shea nuts, hides and skins, etc. There is also considerable local trade-in sorghum, millet, corn (maize), kola nuts, goats, poultry, and cattle. The state has the largest textile-manufacturing centre and other major industries.
- Jigawa: A state situated in the north-western part of Nigeria and basically populated with the Hausa/Fulani tribe. With low literacy levels and low economic growth, the poverty level of Jigawa state is at 72.1%.
- Niger: It is one of the North Central states in Nigeria and it is considered to be the largest state in the country. It covers the territory of 76.363 square kilometres. It is one of the richest states in Nigeria with a total GDP of the region of $6.002 billion, per capita of $1.480. Still, it`s not the most populated state in the country. The total population is around 4,000,000 people. It has two major hydroelectric power stations the Shiroro Dam and the Kainji Dam. The state is occupied by three main ethnic groups which include the Nupe ethnic group, the Hausa and the Gwari.
- Adamawa: Adamawa is located in the Northeastern part of the country. Due to the frequent attack from Boko Haram terrorists, Adamawa state’s economy has been crippled as a result of its citizens running away from the state because of safety. This has affected the state negatively to a poverty level of 74.2%.
- Kebbi: Kebbi is a state in north-western Nigeria. Its capital is Birnin Kebbi. Kebbi State was formerly a part of Sokoto State and it was created in 1991. The state is arguably one of the places in the north that is safe. Another interesting advantage of living in Kebbi State is the low cost of living enjoyed by residents. They have been reported to be one of the leading producers of rice.
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