Abakaliki

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Location of Abakaliki in Nigeria

1 Politics
2 Infrastructure
3 Economy
4 Natives
5 Shopping

[edit] Politics

Abakaliki is the capital city of the present-day Ebonyi state in southeastern Nigeria. The inhabitants are primarily members of the Igbo tribe. Large presence of the Hausa/fulani, Yoruba and other Nigerian communities also reside mainly within the state capital city.

[edit] Infrastructure

Abakaliki lies at the intersection of the Enugu, Afikpo and Ogoja roads. Abakaliki was formerly known for its Guinea worm pandemic. However, years of sustained provision of a portable water programme for the public have eradicated Guinea worm cases from the state. Abakaliki hosts many quarry factories, rice mills, large markets, gold course, and luxurious hotels. Ebonyi State University main 'KAS' campus is located in the city with other temporary campuses in nearby Presco and Ishekie. Plans for a new build central campus on the outskirts of the city are currently underway. Several new private factories, especially food processing industries, have taken advantage of the State government's tax holiday and other incentives to establish in the state capital.

[edit] Economy

Abakaliki is also the food basket of southern Nigeria. The city has been a leading producer of processed rice, yam, and cassava for decades. Newer technology recently introduced have enabled the modernisation of the city's rice mill complex for improved quality of rice processing. Following the creation of Ebonyi state in 1996 and its role as the administrative capital, the infrastructure and population of Abakaliki is ever on the increase. The huge incentives and tax holiday offered by Ebonyi state government to all major private investors have brought about a marked increase in new businesses in Abakaliki city. The city hosts a fertilizer blending plant. Abakaliki is also a haven of peace with little or no violent crime in the city. Abakaliki also hosts a Federal medical center, which has largely contributed to the affordability of public healthcare delivery in the city and the state. The Nkaliki poultry complex in Abakaliki is reputed to be among the largest poultry complex in the country. Just in the outskirts of the city lies one of the largest untapped limestone deposit zones in the country, measuring more than 2000 square kilometers. The Federal and state governments have recently granted licenses to private companies to establish cement companies within the area. In line with the Federal government economic reform programmes they have made the country self sufficient in cement production.

[edit] Natives

Abakaliki has produced several great academicians and scientists, many of whom are still in service today in several federal and state owned institutions.

[edit] Shopping

In Abakaliki, there are numerous shopping facilities including the main market at the interscetions of Gunner and New Market Roads. In the Nigerian Yellow Pages, one can find a list of all such shopping centers or any other business establishement where one can get things required for daily living.