Enugu

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Location of Enugu in Nigeria

Enugu is the capital city of Enugu State, Nigeria. It has a very large population of about 2 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." Slogan: Perpetual Apex Pride.

1 Education and Communications
2 History & Politics
3 Economy
4 Transport
5 Agriculture
6 Miscellanea
7 Health Care
8 Sources and External links

[edit] 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, Enugu Rangers.

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.

[edit] 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.

The main indigenous people of the city are Ogui Nike who live in the areas surrounding Hotel Presidential, Obiagu and Ama-Igbo areas as well as Ihewuzi and Onu-Asata areas. There are others like the Awkunanaw people living mainly from Achara Layout and Uwani areas, Ngwo people who migrated from Ngwo Uno in Udi area, as well as other Nike indigenes living mainly around Abakpa, Iji-Nike and Emene areas of the state capital.

[edit] Economy

Enugu is nicknamed "the Coal City". 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.

The city's economy has been diversified in recent years, and is largely dominated by trading, commerce, and small-scale industry. When you fly into Enugu today, 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. 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 from within and outside Nigeria.

Many of the people of Enugu sell goods at road side or in one of many of Enugu's open markets. Some of the more popular markets in Enugu are Ogbete Market, Artisan Market, and New Market. At these markets, one can purchase local foods and produce, clothing and fabrics, as well as hand-made crafts and jewelry.

[edit] Transport

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

Sosoliso Airline (http://www.sosolisoairline.com) is a Nigerian airline which was originally based in Enugu, but now has its main offices in Lagos (the former capital of Nigeria and location of Murtala Mohammed International Airport). Sosoliso flights travel from Enugu to Abuja and from Owerri to Abuja daily. Sosoliso has 3 flights in and out of Enugu everyday except Saturdays. Sosoliso also flies from Port-Harcourt to Abuja 3 times daily and from Lagos to Owerri daily. Sosoliso flies to Port-Harcourt twice Monday to Thursday.

While in Enugu, the mainstay of transportation is by taxi cab or by okada, which are motorcycles. Riding by okada tends to cost about half the price of travelling by taxi.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Miscellanea

Enugu is home to the world renowned Enugu Rangers Football club

[edit] Health Care

While in Enugu, health care services can be obtained at ESUT (Enugu State University of Science and Technology) Teaching Hopsital, UNTH (University of Nigeria, Enugu, Teaching Hospital), Park Lane General Hospital, Niger Foundation Hospital, or Royal Hospital, Enugu. One can also find several small clinics throughout the state depending on the location of stay.