Ogun State which is also referred to as “the Gateway State,” is a state in southwest Nigeria. The state is regarded as one of Nigeria’s main manufacturing centres and has a significant concentration of industrial estates. It is a significant Nigerian state with a vibrant culture and history. On February 3rd, 1976, General Murtala Mohammed/Obasanjo created the state from the old western region. The Ogun River, which cuts straight through the state from north to south, inspired the state’s name. There are 20 local government areas in the state.
Some interesting facts you might like to know about Ogun State are the following:
1. The State Name
Ogun State was named after the Ogun River, which runs across the state from north to the south.
2. The State Capital
The state capital, Abeokuta, had its own laws, a police force, and a civil service and was well-organized during the colonial period. She was an independent nation for 20 years and 11 months before the British combined her with the rest of Nigeria.
3. Ethnic Groups
The Egba, the Ijebu, the Remo, the Egbado, the Awori, and the Egun are the six principal ethnic groups of Ogun state. The state also has subgroups like Ikale, Ketu, Ohori, and Anago which are also present.
4. The State Of The First
The first local government district in Nigeria, “Abeokuta South,” the first church in Nigeria, “St. Peter’s Anglican Church,” and the first hospital in Nigeria, “Sacred Heart Hospital,” are all located in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
5. The Ijebus
Early in the 14th century, the Ijebus in the state were the first Yoruba speakers to interact with Europeans. They were the first Yorubas to create “Owo Eyo”, or cowry shell money, which was accepted across the Yorubaland kingdom before being supplanted by “Pandora”, or legal tender coins when the Europeans arrived.
6. Political History
Ogun state has produced the majority of Nigeria’s political leaders from the South-West region. All South-Westerners who were once the President or Head of State of the country (Obasanjo, Shonekan) all hail from Ogun State. Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, the first premier of the Western region, was also from Ogun State.
7. Educational History
Ogun State is the only state in Nigeria with two state-owned universities, and it has the most higher education institutions per capita. The first university of education in Nigeria is located in Ogun State.
8. Tourist Attractions
The shrine of Bilikisu Sungbo in the Oke-Eri village, Ijebu-Ode, Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Ebute-Oni and the Iwopin Boat Regatta in Ogun Waterside, and the Oyan Dam in Abeokuta North are just a few of the tourist sites in Ogun State.
9. Notable Personalities
Obafemi Awolowo, MKO Abiola, Mike Adenuga, Olusegun Obasanjo, Wole Soyinka, Fela Kuti, and Tunde Bakare are just a few of the noteworthy individuals from the gateway state.
10. Agricultural Contributions
According to a May 2016 CNBC Africa article, Ogun State has emerged as Nigeria’s new industrial centre and is thought to be the nation’s most industrialised state. Nigeria’s output of chicken products is heavily influenced by Ogun State. In addition, Ogun state is the only place where the well-known Ofada rice is grown. The town of Ofada is where the rice is cultivated.
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