being proudly Nigerian begins with knowing why you should be proud
There haven't always been 36 states
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At independence in 1960, Nigeria had just one state organised as three Regions: Northern, Western, and Eastern. In 1963, a new Mid-Western Region was carved out of the western region. In 1967, the regions were replaced by 12 states through a military decree. In 1976, 7 new states were created. Two new states were established in 1987, followed by another nine in 1991, bringing the total to 30. In 1996, the last 6 states were created to arrive at 36 states. The Federal Capital Territory was established in 1991.
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The map below shows all 36 states. Each of these states, has a capital which is an important centre and also has its own motto, which you can see below the map.
STATES
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Nigeria is one country - but if you look closer it is made up of 36 states and a federal capital territory (Abuja) and if you look at these states even closer you will see 774 local government areas spread around these states.
Abia
Capital : Umuahia
Motto : God’s Own State
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Capital : Yola
Motto : Land of Beauty Sunshine and Hospitality
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Akwa Ibom
Capital : Uyo
Motto : Land of Promise
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Anambra
Capital : Awka
Motto : Home of All
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Bauchi
Capital : Bauchi
Motto : Pearl of Tourism
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Bayelsa
Capital : Yenogoa
Motto : Glory of All Lands
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Benue
Capital : Makurdi
Motto : Food Basket of the Nation
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Borno
Capital : Maiduguri
Motto : Home of Peace
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Cross River
Capital : Calabar
Motto : The People’s Paradise
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Delta
Capital : Asaba
Motto : Finger of God
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Ebonyi
Capital : Abakaliki
Motto : Salt of the Nation
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Edo
Capital : Benin-City
Motto : Heart Beat of Nigeria
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Ekiti
Capital : Ado-Ekiti
Motto : Fountain of Knowledge
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Enugu
Capital : Enugu
Motto : Coal City State
Gombe
Capital : Gombe
Motto : Jewel in the Savannah
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Imo
Capital : Owerri
Motto : Eastern heartland
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Jigawa
Capital : Dutse
Motto : The New World
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Kaduna
Capital : Kaduna
Motto : Centre of Education
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Kano
Capital : Kano
Motto : Centre of Commerce
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Katsina
Capital : Kastina
Motto : Home of Hospitality
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Kebbi
Capital : Birni-Kebbi
Motto : Land of Equity
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Kogi
Capital : Lokoja
Motto : The Confluence State
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Kwara
Capital : Ilorin
Motto : State of Harmony
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Lagos
Capital : Ikeja
Motto : Centre of Excellence
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Nasarawa
Capital : Lafia
Motto : Home of Solid Minerals
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Niger
Capital : Minna
Motto : The Power State
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Ogun
Capital : Abeokuta
Motto : Gateway State
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Ondo
Capital : Akure
Motto : Sunshine State
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Osun
Capital : Osogbo
Motto : Land of Virtue
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Oyo
Capital : Ibadan
Motto : Pace Setter State
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Plateau
Capital : Jos
Motto : Home of Peace and Tourism
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Rivers
Capital : Port-Harcourt
Motto : Treasure Base of the Nation
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Sokoto
Capital : Sokoto
Motto : Seat of the Caliphate
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Taraba
Capital : Jalingo
Motto : Nature’s Gift to the Nation
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Yobe
Capital : Damaturu
Motto : Pride of the Sahel
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Zamfara
Capital : Gusau
Motto : Farming is our Pride
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Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
Abuja
Motto : Centre of Unity
TIME TO THINK
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Why do you think Nigeria was divided into states?
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How do you think the names of the different states were chosen?