Enugu

Location of Enugu in Nigeria

Enugu is the capital city of Enugu State, Nigeria. It has a very large population of about 5 million (2005 census estimate) living in the vast city and its suburbs. The people of Enugu belong to the Igbo ethnic group, which is one of the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria. The name Enugu comes from the two Igbo words enu Ugwu, or "top of the hill."

Contents

1 Education and Communications
2 History & Politics
3 Economy
4 Transport
5 Agriculture
6 Miscellania
7 Sources and External links

Education and Communications

Enugu has three main tertiary institutions: the Enugu State University of Science & Technology (ESUT); the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC); and the Institute of Management & Technology (IMT). It also boast some of the best secondary schools in the country notably the Federal Government College and the University secondary school. Among the city's television and radio stations are Nigerian Television Authority's network affiliate (NTA Enugu); Enugu State Broadcasting Service Television (ESBS-TV), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) network affiliate station (Radio Enugu), and Cosmo FM 93.5 (a radio station alleged to be owned by the current state governor). Prominent Hotels in the city include the Presidential Hotel, Enugu, Zodiac Hotels Enugu, Modotel Enugu, and the Nike Lake Resort Hotel. The main stadium, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, has a capacity of 25,000 and a first division professional league team, Rangers Football Club.

The city of Enugu is comprised of a number of areas, amongst which are Abakpa Nike, Trans Ekulu, Emene, the Government Reservation Area or G.R.A., Iva Valley, Ogui, Coal Camp, Uwani, Akwunanaw, Independence Layout, Timber Shed, Ogui New Layout, Obiagu, Artesan, New Haven, City Layout, Achara Layout, Golf Estate, Ebeano Estate, Loma Linda Estate and Uwgu Eron.

The main high streets in Enugu are Okpara Avenue where most of the bank main branches are located, Chime Avenue, Ogui Road, Zik Avenue, Agbani Road, Abakpa Nike Road, Abakaliki Road, Airport Road, Emene Road, Presidential Road and Rangers Avenue. The city has the only dual carriage underground tunnel road in Nigeria.

History & Politics

Enugu was originally the capital of the Eastern Region from Nigeria's independence in 1960 until 30 May 1967, when it was declared the first capital of the short-lived nation of the Republic of Biafra; on 28 September 1967 Enugu was captured by Nigerian troops, so the next Biafran capital became Umuahia.

After the end of the Nigerian Civil War (in 1970), the old Eastern Region was divided into a number of states, and Enugu became the capital of Anambra State.

In 1991, the military dictatorship of Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida divided the old Anambra State into two new states, Enugu State and Anambra State. Enugu remained as the capital of the newly-created Enugu State, while Awka was named as the capital of the new Anambra State.

Economy

In the early 1900s, it became a major center for coal mining discovered in the Udi plateau. The Biafran war brought widespread devastation which forced a decline in coal production from damage or destruction of equipment.Today, although coal mining is no longer the major source of income, very small quantities are railed south to Port Harcourt for export. Enugu is nicknamed "the Coal City". The city's economy has been diversified in recent years, and is largely dominated by trading, commerce, and small-scale industry. When you fly today into Enugu,you find no reminders of the capital city that bore the brunt of the military activities in the Nigerian civil war.Enugu is indeed a lovely place.Life moves slower here than the other big cities elsewhere in Nigeria. The array of fine resorts and hotels which have sprung up around the city, the natural serenity of its environment and a near absence of violent crimes have made Enugu a first choice destination for tourists and holiday makers from within and outside Nigeria.

Transport

Enugu is located on the main narrow gauge railway line from Port Harcourt.

The city's large airport which is one of the oldest airports in Nigeria have suffered considerable neglect and adverse politics to deny it an international status.

Agriculture

The former Eastern Region was once famed for producing half the worlds total out put of palm kernels.Since the Biafran war,production have markedly declined.Largely because the plantations and processing equipment were either damaged or destroyed.The production of other important cash crops as cocoa,cashew nuts,rice, cassava and yam also tumbled after the civil war and the immediate oil boom years.Consequently,the area called the present Enugu state which was once self sufficient net exporter in agricultural produce must now import food. The present state government have made increased agricultural production a cardinal priority in its anti-poverty crusade.There is emphasis on rural development with provision of electricity,portable water,decent schools and health facilities in order to stem the tide of the rural-urban migration which starves the farms of able bodied work force.Incentives and soft loans have also been granted to farmers through various coporative societies.Fertilisers,tractors hire service and other farm inputs have also been made more easily accessible and affordable to farmers.Undoubtably,these modest domestic policies of the government have jump started the hitherto moribound agricultural sector in the state.While effort to attract commercial farmers to make agriculture florish profitably once more in the state is also been pursued.

Miscellania

Enugu is home to the world renowned Enugu Rangers Football club

Sources and External links

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