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Ebonyi State

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Ebonyi is a state in the South-East part of Nigeria. It is one of the smaller states in the country. The state is the 33rd largest in area. It is also the 29th most populous state. About 2.9 million people lived there in 2016. The capital city of Ebonyi is Abakaliki. The state sits near several other places. Benue State is to the north and northeast. Enugu State is to the west. Cross River State is to the east and southeast. Abia State is to the southwest.

Nature makes the land look very different in different spots. The far south has thick transition forests. The rest of the state has a drier forest and savanna mix. Many rivers flow through this land. The Abonyi River flows through the south and gave the state its name. The Cross River and River Aloma flow along the eastern borders. Other rivers like the Asu and Eze Aku run through the middle. Small rivers like the Ichelle and Igbe mark the border with Benue.

Mary Immaculate conception
Mary Immaculate conception

The history of this land has many changes. Before 1960, this area was part of the Eastern Region. In 1967, the region was split into new parts. During the Nigerian Civil War, Ebonyi was part of Biafra. Later, the area became part of the East Central State. In 1976, the state was divided again. This created Anambra and Imo states. In 1996, the government created Ebonyi State. They took parts from Enugu and Abia states to make it.

Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Front gate
Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Front gate

Life in Ebonyi is often tied to the land. Farming is a very important job for many people. Farmers grow rice, yams, and cassava. They also grow maize, beans, and oil palm. Ikwo is a big place for rice. Izzi is known for yams. Some people in Ntezi make baskets by hand. Ebonyi is called "the salt of the nation." This is because of huge salt deposits. You can find salt at the Okposi and Uburu Salt Lakes.

Many people live and learn in Ebonyi. There are many schools for higher learning. Ebonyi State University is one major school. There are also many other colleges and universities. People speak many different versions of the Igbo language. Some people also speak the Korring language. The weather is usually warm and humid. It has a rainy season and a dry season. During the dry season, the Harmattan winds often blow.

Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Front gate
Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Front gate
Mary Immaculate conception
Mary Immaculate conception
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File:Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Front gate.jpg
Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Front gate.jpg
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