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By Chinelo Obogo
United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has commemorated the creation of 10 states in August 1991, describing it as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history.
On August 27, 1991, the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) increased the number of states from 21 to 30. Taraba was created on August 1, 1991, followed by Abia, Adamawa, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, and Osun on August 27. Yobe State was created shortly afterwards, establishing new hubs across the country.
Reflecting on the milestone and why United Nigeria Airlines chose to celebrate, the Chief Commercial Officer, Adedayo Olawuyi, said that the creation of these states has helped unlock more economic potential across the nation. “These 10 states represent something beautiful and profound. They were born from a vision of bringing Nigeria closer to its people, of saying to every corner of this nation: ‘Your voice matters. Your development matters. Your dreams matter.’
“Since their creation, these states have developed into key economic drivers. Abia and Enugu, for instance, have emerged as manufacturing and trade corridors in the Southeast, while Delta has been pivotal to energy production in the Niger Delta. Edo is Nigeria’s leading palm oil-producing state, and across the North, Taraba, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kebbi, and Yobe are agricultural epicentres, complemented by Kogi’s position as a transit link connecting Nigeria’s geographic regions.
“In all of this, aviation remains central to sustaining these economies. When we fly a businesswoman from Enugu to expand her manufacturing business, we’re supporting the dreams that these states were created to nurture. When we unite families for celebrations in Benin or enable traders and students to reach new opportunities in Delta, we are promoting the vision behind the creation of these states.”
On August 1, 1991 Taraba was carved out of Gongola State with Jalingo as its capital. The state has developed into an important centre for agriculture and mineral resources, contributing to Nigeria’s food security and industrial production.
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Abia was created on August 27, from Imo State with Umuahia as the capital, and over time, has emerged one of Nigeria’s manufacturing hubs and a centre of innovation. Adamawa State, also created on August 27 from Gongola State has established itself as an agricultural production centre which plays a vital role in Nigeria’s agricultural food supply chain.
Delta State, created on August 27, 1991, from Bendel State with Asaba and Warri as major cities, has become the centre of Nigeria’s energy sector. The state generates substantial revenue that supports development across the nation.
Edo State, also created on August 27, 1991, from Bendel State with Benin City as its capital is a a very crucial player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, while Enugu State, created on August 27, 1991, from the has established itself as an industrial hub and trade centre in the Southeast. The state capital, Enugu, serves as a major commercial and business destination.
Jigawa State, created on August 27, 1991, from Kano State with Dutse as its capital, is an agrarian economy that supplies agricultural products to national and international markets while Kebbi State, created on August 27, 1991, from Sokoto State with Birnin Kebbi as its capital, has developed as a centre for cross-border trade and agriculture.
Kogi State, created on August 27, 1991, from parts of Kwara and Benue States with Lokoja as the capital, occupies a unique position as the confluence point of Nigeria’s major rivers. This strategic location has made it an important logistics link connecting Nigeria’s geographic regions.
Osun State, created on August 27, 1991, from Oyo State with Osogbo as its capital, is known for its rich Yoruba culture and thriving commercial activities and Yobe State, created on August 27, 1991, from Borno with Damaturu as its capital, has developed as an important agricultural centre.
