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Aba, Nigeria

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Aba is a huge, busy city in southeastern Nigeria. It sits right on the west bank of the Aba River. Many important roads meet in this city. These paths lead to other places like Port Harcourt, Owerri, and Umuahia. Aba is a major part of Abia State. It is surrounded by many small towns and villages. As of 2016, about 2,534,265 people lived there. This makes it the largest city in its part of the country.

The city is a famous center for trade and making things. Many people visit to buy goods at large markets. The Ariaria International Market is the second largest in all of Nigeria. People there trade textiles, palm oil, and even plastics. Aba is also well known for its skilled craftsmen. They make many beautiful things by hand. The city also has factories that make cement and cosmetics.

Aba has a long and interesting history. The Ngwa clan of the Igbo people first started it as a market town. In 1901, the British set up a military post there. Later, a railway was built to connect Aba to Port Harcourt. This train helped move goods like palm oil and palm kernels. In 1929, a famous protest called the Women's War happened here. This was a revolt by Igbo women against new tax rules.

Religion plays a big part in daily life in Aba. Many people belong to different Christian churches. The city is a center for spreading these beliefs in the region. For example, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints started its first stake in Africa here in 1988. There is even a special temple located in the city. You can also find mosques in Aba. The largest one is the Hospital Road Mosque.

Life in Aba is full of energy and movement. Many people use buses and tricycles, called Keke, to get around. Sports are also very important to the people living there. The most popular team is Enyimba F.C., known as The Peoples Elephant. They are a very successful football club with many trophies. The weather stays warm and tropical most of the year. It rains often, which helps keep the land green.

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