Abia

Abia State is a state in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It was created on 27 August 1991 from part of Imo State and is named after the Abia River. The state's capital is Umuahia, while its largest commercial city is Aba, a major center for manufacturing and trade.

It is predominantly inhabited by Igbo people, and the Igbo language is widely spoken alongside English. The population is mainly Christian, with traditional beliefs and other faiths represented. The state is known for its cultural festivals and a rich Igbo heritage.

Economically, Abia relies on manufacturing in Aba—textiles, leather goods and other crafts—complemented by agriculture in rural areas, including yam, cassava, palm produce and livestock. The Ariaria International Market in Aba is one of the largest markets in West Africa and a key economic hub.

Notable places include Arochukwu in the eastern part of the state, famous for its ancient caves and the historic slave route; Umuahia, the capital; and various nature and cultural sites. The state also hosts several higher education institutions such as Abia State University, Uturu, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

Abia operates a state government under a democratic framework, with a governor and a unicameral house of assembly. It participates in the Nigerian federation with representation at the federal level and a variety of local government areas across its territory.