History of Delta State at a glance Find out the biggest commercial city in Delta State

History of Delta State at a glance
Find out the biggest commercial city in Delta State

By Ezekiel Kagbala (FPR)

The area called Delta State was once an integral part of the old Western Region of Nigeria. It became an autonomous entity on August 27, 1991 after having been part of the old Midwestern State (1963 1976) and the defunct Bendel State (1976 1991).

Delta State was created from the then Bendel State 27th August 1991 by the then regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. Delta State is named after the delta region of the River Niger. It's capital is Asaba.

Warri is the biggest commercial city in the state. Other major towns are Agbor, Ughelli, Oleh, Ozoro, Oghara, Sapele, Koko, Burutu, Okpanam and Ogwashi-ukwu. Delta State can be considered a miniature version of Nigeria, with various ethnic groups. 

Delta State shares common boundaries with Edo and Ondo States to the north west, Imo and Anambra to the north east, Rivers and Bayelsa States to the south east. In the south west and south it has approximately 122 kilometres of coastline bounded by the Bight of Benin on the Atlantic ocean.

Delta State started with twelve local government areas. These were split further into nineteen local governments on September 27, 1991, and to twentyfive LGAs in 1997. Asaba, located at the northern end of the state, is the capital. A master plan for Asaba Capital Territory, with an estimated area of 762 sq. km and designed to transform Asaba into a modern metrop olis, is being pursued by the state government.

Location:

Location: Delta State lies roughly between longitudes 5°00 and 6°45'E and latitudes 5°00 and 6°30'N. It has a total land area of 16,842 sq. km. The states bordering Delta State are Edo to the north, Ondo to the northwest, Anambra to the east and Bayelsa and Rivers to the southeast. On its southern flank is 160 km of the coastline of the Bight of Benin.