Abia | Neighbourhood Guide

Abia State is located in the southeastern part of Nigeria. It was created on August 27, 1991, from part of the former Imo State during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. The state’s capital is Umuahia, while its largest city is Aba, known for its industrial and commercial activities.

Abia State is bordered by Imo State to the west, Enugu State to the east, Rivers State to the south, and Ebonyi State to the north. The state is predominantly characterized by lowland plains, except for the northwestern part, which has hills and highlands.

Abia State is home to various ethnic groups, with the dominant ones being the Igbo people. The major languages spoken in the state are Igbo and English. The Igbo culture is richly expressed in various aspects of life, including art, music, dance, and traditional festivals.

Abia State has a diverse economy. The city of Aba is known as a major commercial and industrial hub in Nigeria. It is renowned for its vibrant small-scale and informal manufacturing industries, including textiles, garments, shoes, leatherworks, and metal fabrication. Aba is often referred to as the “Japan of Africa” due to its industrial activities. Agriculture is also significant in the state, with crops such as oil palm, cocoa, yam, rice, and cassava being cultivated.

Abia State has several higher educational institutions, including the Abia State University in Uturu, which is the state’s premier university. There are also other institutions like the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Umudike and the Abia State Polytechnic in Aba.
The state has a few notable tourist attractions. The National War Museum in Umuahia showcases artifacts and history from the Nigerian Civil War. Other attractions include the Azumini Blue River, Arochukwu Long Juju Slave Route, Ogbunike Caves, and the Umuagbai-Nigeria Naval War Memorial, among others.

THE NEIGHBOURS
The people of Abia State are predominantly of Igbo descent, with the Igbo being the major ethnic group in the state. The Igbo people have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, industriousness, and strong sense of community. Traditionally, the Igbo society is organized around extended family units and lineage systems. They have a diverse range of cultural practices, including masquerade festivals, traditional dances such as the Ekpe and Mmanwu, and art forms like wood carving, pottery, and weaving.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The people of Abia State are known for their resilience and enterprising nature. Many engage in various economic activities, including trade, agriculture, and craftsmanship. The state, particularly the city of Aba, is renowned for its vibrant commercial activities, with a significant number of its residents involved in small-scale manufacturing and trading. Religion plays a significant role in the lives of the people of Abia State. Christianity, particularly the Catholic and Protestant denominations, is widely practiced, although traditional religious practices also have a presence in some communities. The people of Abia State are known for their warm hospitality and strong communal bonds. Cultural celebrations, social gatherings, and traditional ceremonies provide opportunities for people to come together, showcase their heritage, and foster unity within the communities.
THE LIFESTYLE
The people of Abia State take pride in their appearance and often dress in colorful traditional attires for special occasions, festivals, and cultural ceremonies. Traditional clothing such as the wrapper (george or akwete) and the blouse (blouse) for women, and the isiagu or a traditional Igbo cap (okpu agu) for men, are commonly worn. Cuisine: The cuisine of Abia State reflects Igbo culinary traditions. Staple foods include fufu (made from cassava or yam), pounded yam, garri (processed cassava flakes), and various soups such as egusi, ogbono, and vegetable soups. The people also enjoy local delicacies like abacha (African salad), nkwobi (spicy cow foot), and ukwa (breadfruit).
THE MARKET
Ariaria International Market: Located in Aba, Ariaria International Market is one of the largest and busiest markets in West Africa. It is known for its textile and garment industry, with a wide range of fabrics, clothing, shoes, and accessories available. The market also offers a variety of goods, including electronics, household items, foodstuffs, and raw materials for manufacturing. Ekeoha Shopping Center: Situated in Aba, Ekeoha Shopping Center is a popular market where traders sell a wide range of products, including clothing, footwear, electronics, household items, and foodstuffs. It is a bustling hub for both wholesale and retail trade. Ahia Ohuru (New Market): Located in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, Ahia Ohuru is a vibrant market known for its diverse offerings. It features a variety of stalls and shops selling agricultural produce, food items, household goods, clothing, and crafts. The market is known for its lively atmosphere and is a favorite shopping destination for residents and visitors. Uratta Market: Situated in Aba, Uratta Market is a well-known trading hub specializing in the sale of second-hand clothes (popularly called ""okrika"" in Nigeria). It is a go-to place for affordable and fashionable clothing items, attracting shoppers from within and outside Abia State. Timber Market: Also located in Aba, the Timber Market is renowned for its timber-related activities. It is a major hub for the trading of timber and wood products, including planks, boards, furniture, and other wooden materials. The market attracts buyers, sellers, and craftsmen from various parts of the country. These markets not only serve as economic centers but also reflect the entrepreneurial spirit and trading culture of the people of Abia State. They are vibrant hubs where a wide variety of goods can be found, making them essential destinations for shopping and commerce in the region.
YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
Abia State is renowned for its exquisite handicrafts. The city of Aba, in particular, is famous for its shoemaking industry. Visitors can explore the local markets and workshops to witness skilled craftsmen creating beautiful shoes, bags, and other leather products. The attention to detail and craftsmanship are impressive. Abia State boasts a rich cultural heritage that can captivate visitors. The Igbo people of Abia State have a vibrant culture expressed through art, music, dance, festivals, and traditional ceremonies. Experiencing traditional dances such as Ekpe, Mmanwu, and Abigbo, as well as attending cultural festivals like the Ahiajoku Festival and New Yam Festival, can leave a lasting impression.