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64-755: Aviara is an Isoko kingdom in Delta State , southern Nigeria . The current king is H.R.M. Michael Efeareduo Ebobo - Imoh 1 (the Ovie of Aviara kingdom). Araya is located in Aviara clan in the Isoko region of Delta State, Nigeria. It is home to The Araya Bible Site which was linked to the 1914 birth of Cornelius Adam Igbudu , the late founder of the Anglican Adam Preaching Society . This Delta State , Nigeria location article

128-571: A stratified society , some clans are believed not to have had any centralized confederacies until the arrival of the British. Individual communities in the western Niger Delta also had chiefs and governments at the village level. For women, there are traditional rights of passage throughout life, marked with iria ceremonies . Funeral ceremonies, particularly for those who have accumulated wealth and respect, are often very dramatic. Traditional religious practices center around "Water spirits" in

192-641: A battle against the Europeans. Though a short lived victory, a huge precedent was set by way of this. King Frederick William Koko (Mingi VIII) of the Nembe-Brass Kingdom (1853–1898) led a successful attack on the British Royal Niger Company trading post in 1895. King Koko also took over 40 British people as hostages, whom he later allegedly ate . King Koko was offered a settlement for his grievances, but he  found

256-405: A canoe and fabrics like Ankara, Hollandis, or George, among other items. However, the cash portion of the dowry is not paid in full upfront. When the bride’s father passes away, the groom is expected to pay the remaining cash balance as part of his contribution to the funeral expenses. In this marriage system, children trace their lineage through either their mother’s or father’s side, allowing them

320-411: A distinct language and ethnic group for over 5,000 years. Agadagba-bou, the first ancient Ijaw city-state, existed for more than 400 years, lasting until 1050 CE. Due to internal conflict and violent weather patterns, this city-state was abandoned. Some of the descendants of this city-state created another in the 11th century called Isoma-bou, which lasted until the 16th century. This city-state, like

384-497: A distinguished look, often worn over a wrapper or trousers. The George wrapper , a long piece of luxurious fabric such as Hollandis or George , is tied around the waist and drapes elegantly to the ankles or knees, often adorned with intricate patterns. Men complete their look with a hat, such as a fedora or bowler, adding a touch of sophistication. They also carry a walking stick, typically made from wood and designed with intricate carvings, which adds an element of status. Coral beads in

448-515: A maritime people, many Ijaws were employed in the merchant shipping sector in the early and mid-20th century (pre-Nigerian Independence). With the advent of oil and gas exploration in their territory, some are now employed in that sector. Another major occupation is service in the civil service sector of the Nigerian states of Bayelsa and Rivers , where they are predominant. Extensive state-government sponsored overseas scholarship programs in

512-548: A member of the People's Democratic Party , was elected Governor and chief executive of Delta State in March 2023. His deputy is Monday Onyeme . The state has three National Senatorial Districts (South, North and Central). In 2011 and 2013, the elected senators were James Manager , Arthur Okowa Ifeanyi and Emmanuel Aguariavwodo who replaced Pius Ewherido who died in 2013 at National Hospital, Abuja. In 2015, Chief Ighoyeta Amori

576-454: A royal family. This additional dowry serves to compensate the bride's village for the loss of her children. Unlike many other ethnic groups, the Ijaws observe two distinct types of marriage. The first type of marriage, known as the small-dowry marriage, involves the groom making an initial payment to the bride’s family. This payment typically includes cash, traditional beads, and items such as

640-776: Is one of the richer and more developed ones in Nigeria and has the second-lowest incidence of extreme poverty (around 3% of the population against a national average of 31%) according to World Bank data from 2018. There are various solid mineral deposits within the state - industrial clay , silica , lignite , kaolin , tar sand , decorative rocks, limestone , etc. These are raw materials for industries such as brick making, ceramics , bottle manufacturing, glass manufacturing, chemical/insulators production, chalk manufacturing and sanitary wares , decorative stone cutting and quarrying , but these minerals are under-utilized. Delta state also has huge deposits of crude oil and

704-539: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Delta State Delta State is a state in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria . Named after the Niger Delta —a large part of which is in the state—the state was formed from the former Bendel State , on 27 August 1991. Bordered on the north by Edo State , the east by Anambra and Rivers states, and that south by Bayelsa State while to

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768-551: Is also one of the largest producers of petroleum products in Nigeria . Sales of petroleum products is what majorly drives its economy. Institutions of higher learning in Delta state include: Federal Highways are: Other major roads include Airports: Warri Airport or Osubi Airstrip, built by Shell Oil in 1999. Delta State has some historical, cultural and socio-political tourist centres that attract visitors from around

832-478: Is governed by an elected governor who works closely with members of the state's House of Assembly. The electoral system of each state is selected using a modified two-round system. To be elected in the first round, a candidate must receive the plurality of the vote and over 25% of the vote in at least two-thirds of the State local government Areas. If no candidate passes a threshold, a second round will be held between

896-652: Is now Delta State has been inhabited for years by various ethnic groups, including the Isoko and Eruwa in the centre of the state; Ukwuani in the east; the Ika , Enuani , and Olukumi in the northeast; the Anioma in the northwest; and the Ijaw , Itsekiri , and Urhobo , in the southwest. In the pre-colonial period, the now-Delta State was divided into various monarchial states like the Kingdom of Warri and Agbor Kingdom before

960-1063: The Diocese of Warri (1964) with 135 parishes under Bishop Anthony Ovayero Ewherido (2022), and parts of Bomadi (1991) under Bishop Hyacinth Oroko Egbebo (2009), both suffragans of the Archdiocese of Benin City . The Bendel Province of the Anglican Church of Nigeria under Archbishop Cyril Odutemu (2020) includes the Dioceses of Asaba (1977) led by Bishop Kingsley Chukwakanadu Obuh (2022), Ika (2001) led by Bishop Godfrey Ifeanyichukwu Ekpenisi (2018), Ndokwa (2008) led by Bishop Festus Nwafili (2023), Sapele (2009) led by Bishop Blessing Erifeta (2009), Ughelli led by Bishop Cyril Odutemu , Warri (1980) led by Bishop Christian Esezi Ide (2006) and Western Izon (2005) led by Bishop Victor Okporu (2021). Sheriff Oborevwori ,

1024-835: The Edo from neighbouring Edo state , as well as the Urhobo , and Ijaw . The Okpe is a dialect of the Urhobo language. The Okpe people occupy two local government areas ( Sapele and Okpe) in Delta Central. The Ijaws are a group of people related to the predominant people of neighbouring Bayelsa State , while the Olukumi are becoming culturally and linguistically extinct, due to acculturation and assimilation. The vast majority of inhabitants are Christian , with very few practicing traditional religions . The Catholic Church includes

1088-490: The Namatibi/Feni, Peletebite, Don, and Ojubulu attires . The Don outfit, in particular, holds royal significance. Historically, it was worn primarily by royals and high-ranking individuals. The Don ensemble was heavy on the body and featured an elaborate display of wealth, including a cache of jewels, expensive beads, gold studs, and other coral ornaments. This attire was completed with a stylish hat, further emphasizing

1152-470: The 1950s. The Ijaw people live by fishing supplemented by farming paddy - rice , plantains , Cassava , yams , cocoyams , bananas and other vegetables as well as tropical fruits such as guava , mangoes and pineapples ; and trading. Smoke-dried fish, timber , palm oil and palm kernels are processed for export. While some clans (those to the east- Akassa , Nembe , Bille, Kalabari , Nkoro , Okrika , Andoni and Bonny ) had powerful kings and

1216-462: The 1970s and 1980s have also led to a significant presence of Ijaw professionals in Europe and North America (the so-called Ijaw diaspora). Another contributing factor to this human capital flight is the abject poverty in their homeland of the Niger Delta , resulting from decades of neglect by the Nigerian government and oil companies in spite of continuous petroleum prospecting in this region since

1280-826: The Ahoda regions in Rivers State. The second is the  Eastern Ijaw (Ijo) found in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. They include Kalabari ( Abonnema , Buguma, Degema etc.), Okirika, Ogu , Opobo , Port Harcourt South, Bonny , Finima, Nkoro, Andoni , and Obolo people (part of Andoni) ), who can also be traced to Akwa Ibom State, near the border with Rivers State. Third is the Western Ijaw (Ijo) , found in Delta, Ondo and Edo states. They can be found in Ondo state due to migrations many years prior. The Arogbo Ijaws and

1344-513: The Benin monarchy. 'Pere' means king in some of the Ijaw languages. T.T Clan The Ijaws were one of the first of Nigeria's peoples to have contact with Westerners and were active as go-betweens in the trade between visiting Europeans and the peoples of the interior, particularly in the era before the discovery of quinine , when West Africa was still known as the "White Man's Graveyard" because of

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1408-532: The Climate of Delta State is flooding. The ecological attributes of Delta State also include heavy rainfall, which makes the state, like other states in the Niger-Delta Nigeria to be regarded as lowland rainforest , freshwater swamp and mangrove swamp. Delta State has a mean rainfall of 36.9 mm, as well as an increase in rainfall which in the year 2015 resulted in inundation of farmlands in

1472-754: The Ilaje. The clan also shares border with the Arogbo Ijaw to the south of Ondo and the Furupagha Ijaw to the east across the Siloko River. The founding ancestors of the Arogbo were part of the same migration from Ujo-Gbaraun town. After a brief stop at Oproza, led by Eji and his younger brother, Perebiyenmo and sister, Fiyepatei, they went on to Ukparomo (now occupied by the towns of Akpata, Opuba, Ajapa, and Ukpe). They stayed here for some time, about

1536-574: The Niger River for 17 km and the Forçados River for 198 km, and on the southern extreme is the Bight of Benin which covers about 160 kilometres of the state's coastline . Delta State is generally low-lying without any remarkable hills. The state has a wide coastal belt inter-laced with rivulets and streams, which form part of the Niger Delta . An important characteristic of

1600-455: The Niger river, and around tribute to ancestors . Marriages among the Ijaw clans are vibrant, lively, and share many cultural similarities. The Ijaw traditional wedding ceremony is a grand celebration that showcases the beauty and diversity of Ijaw culture. The marriage process typically culminates in the payment of a bridal dowry, which increases if the bride comes from a different village or

1664-624: The Western Apoi tribe of the Ijaw people live in Ondo State, Nigeria. The tribe (also called Ijaw Apoi or Apoi) consists of nine settlements: Igbobini, Ojuala, Ikpoke, Inikorogha, Oboro, Shabomi, Igbotu, Kiribo and Gbekebo. The Apoi inhabited higher ground than most of the other Ijaw tribes. They speak the Yoruba language and Ijaw. They are bordered to the north by the Ikale and to the west by

1728-753: The area became a part of the British Oil Rivers Protectorate in 1884. In the early 1900s, the British incorporated the protectorate (now renamed the Niger Coast Protectorate ) into the Southern Nigeria Protectorate which later amalgamated into British Nigeria . However, colonial forces did not gain permanent control of modern-day Delta State until the 1910s, due to the uprisings of the Ekumeku Movement . Notably, Delta has one of

1792-482: The blouse. The headgear, usually a stiff fabric head tie, is an essential part of the outfit, worn in various stylish formations to complement the blouse and wrappers. Like the men, women wear coral beads—necklaces, bracelets, and earrings—that denote both beauty and social status, completing the look. In addition to the Etibo, George, and other common attire, the Ijaw people also wear special traditional garments such as

1856-479: The early 800s BCE. The timeline that the archaeological excavations provide offers about 3,000 years of evidence of Ijaw history and presence in the Niger Delta. There has been much argument about which tribe in Nigeria is the oldest. The Ijaws started inhabiting the Niger Delta region of what is now Nigeria as far back as 800 BCE, thus making them one of the world's most ancient peoples. They have existed as

1920-409: The endemic presence of malaria , fever and heat. Some of the kin-based trading lineages that arose among the Ijaws developed into substantial corporations which were known as " houses "; each house had an elected leader as well as a fleet of war canoes for use in protecting trade and fighting rivals. The other main occupation common among the Ijaws has traditionally been fishing and farming. Being

1984-586: The far south. The other important geographical features are the River Niger and its distributary, the Forçados River , which flow along Delta's eastern and southern borders, respectively; while fellow Niger distributary, the Escravos River , runs through Warri and the coastal areas are riddled with dozens of smaller Niger distributaries that make up much of the western Niger Delta . Much of

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2048-403: The father's family. However, this form of marriage rarely practiced. A distinctive feature of the Ijaw traditional wedding ceremony is the bride’s expectation to remain composed and unemotional until she is fully satisfied with the gifts presented by the groom and his family. During this rite, the groom showers the bride with money and valuable items, and she only smiles once she is content with

2112-572: The few parts of now-Nigeria to have been under French control as the UK leased the enclave of Forcados to France from 1903 to 1930. After independence in 1960, the area of now-Delta was a part of the post-independence Western Region until 1963 when the region was split and the area became part of the Mid-Western Region . In 1967, the Igbo -majority former Eastern Region attempted to secede as

2176-405: The form of necklaces and bracelets (called Ibolo ) are often worn as accessories, symbolizing wealth and social standing. Ijaw women's traditional attire is equally stunning. The blouse is a loose-fitting, long-sleeved garment that is often richly embroidered. Paired with it are wrappers, typically two pieces made from Ankara, Hollandis, or George fabrics , which can be matched or contrasted with

2240-579: The former group of languages being Izon , which is spoken by about nine million people. There are two prominent groupings of the Ijaw language. The first, termed Central Izon (Ijaw) consists of central Ijaw speakers: Tuomo Clan , Egbema, Ekeremor , Sagbama (Ogobiri-Mein) , Bassan , Apoi , Arogbo , Boma (Bumo), Kabo (Kabuowei) , Ogboin, Tarakiri, and Kolokuma-Opokuma. Nembe , Kalabari , Ibani , okrika , Ogbia , Brass and Akassa (Akaha) dialects represent South-eastern Ijo (Izon). Buseni , Epie and Okordia dialects are considered Inland Ijo. It

2304-425: The freedom to choose which heritage, culture, and traditions they wish to follow as they grow older. They can identify with both parents' ethnic backgrounds and live with either family. This form of marriage is the most common and widely practiced across all Ijaw clans. The second type, known as the large-dowry marriage, involves a significantly higher dowry, and in this case, the children are considered to belong to

2368-523: The gifts. This tradition serves as a test of the groom’s love and commitment, as he must prove his ability to provide for her and make her happy. It also serves as a challenge to the bride, demonstrating that she is not easily swayed by material wealth and values her dignity and pride. Another important aspect of the Ijaw wedding celebration is the Bibife , a feast hosted by the bride's family. This event includes lively music, dancing, and performances, marking

2432-522: The globe. Some of these sites of tourism include: Delta State is known to have produced several sportsmen and women, notably Stephen Okechukwu Keshi , Sunday Ogochukwu Oliseh , Austin Jay-Jay Okocha , Wilson Oruma , Efetobore Sodje Blessing Okagbare , Jonathan Akpoborie , and Ogenekaro Etebo . Ijaw people They have long lived in locations near many sea trade routes, and they were well connected to other areas by trade as early as

2496-508: The government. Each trader purchased as many enslaved people as possible, valuing ability over genetic kinship as most enslaved people's families were split apart and not valued for their rich culture and heritage. Because an able enslaved person could inherit the business of a trader with no heir, it was possible to have (non-Ijaw) leaders who had been born into slavery; such a leader was King Jaja of Opobo . The Ijaw People bought slaves from Igboland , including Jubo Jubogha , an Igbo man, who

2560-460: The joyous union of the couple and celebrating their new life together. The traditional attire of the Ijaw people reflects both elegance and cultural significance, incorporating rich fabrics and intricate accessories that showcase their heritage. For Ijaw men, the Etibo shirt serves as the main garment, typically made from materials like linen, cotton, or brocade. Its high neck and embroidery give it

2624-501: The lack of development in host communities. Delta State covers a landmass of about 18,050 km (6,970 sq mi), of which more than 60% is land. The state lies approximately between 5°00' and 6°45' E and 5°00' and 6°30' N. It is geographically located in Nigeria's Midwest , bounded in the north and west by Edo State for 350 km (218 miles), the east by Anambra , and Rivers States for about 93 km and about 50 km respectively, southeast by Bayelsa State across

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2688-537: The last, was founded in the Central Delta Wilberforce Island region. The Wilberforce Island region remains the most Ijaw-populated area of Nigeria. The Ijaws are believed by some to be the descendants of an autochthonous people or an ancient tribe of Africa known as the Oru; the Ijaws were originally known by this name (Oru). These were believed to be the aboriginal people of West Africa and

2752-460: The late 14th and early 15th centuries. In their languages, they often refer to themselves using the endonym Izon . The Izon or Ijaw People have lived in the Niger Delta region since before the fifth millennium BCE, and they were able to keep a separate identity because they lived where the agriculturally dependent Benue-Kwa groups were unable to penetrate. Some of the earliest archeological findings of Ijaw tribes have been dated to as far back as

2816-657: The length of the reign of two Agadagbas ( military priest-rulers of the shrine of Egbesu ). They then moved to the present site of Arogbo. From this place descendants spread out to found the Arogbo Ibe. The Isaba, Kabo, Tuomo, Kumbo, Ogulagha, Patani, and Gbaramatu peoples of Delta state are also part of the Western Ijo subgroups. In Edo state, the Ijo first settled in an area called Ikoro. Their traditional rulers are called Peres and Agadagbas, and are thought to predate

2880-561: The liberation of the Mid-West, Nigerian forces committed the Asaba massacre against ethnic Igbos in Asaba . At the war's end and the reunification of Nigeria, the Mid-Western Region was reformed until 1976 when it was renamed Bendel State . In 1991, Bendel State was split with the north becoming Edo State and the south becoming Delta State. Economically, Delta State is based around the production of crude oil and natural gas as one of

2944-465: The main oil-producing states in the country. Key minor industries involve agriculture as the state has substantial oil palm , yam , and cassava crops along with fishing and heliciculture . In large part due to its vast oil revenues, Delta has the fourth highest Human Development Index in the country; however, disputes between oil companies and local communities along with years of systemic corruption have led to hostilities that are often tied to

3008-453: The most predominant people inhabiting the state and currently about 3.3 million spanning across 13 local government areas, followed by Ukwuani , Ika and Aniocha-Oshimili ( Igboid / Igbo ) people of Delta State with a population of about 1.8 million spanning across 9 Local government areas who are sometimes referred to as the Anioma people . The Itsekiri speak a language very closely related to Yoruba but have been culturally influenced by

3072-519: The region of Niger/Benue. Before the arrival of Europeans, the Ijo people had about 51 different clans and were trading amongst themselves. Their settlements in the Bini region, lower Niger and the Niger Delta were aboriginal (i.e. being the first). They are known to be exceptional sea people. In the 12th century, the number of Ijaw states grew, and by the 16th century, the Ijaws formed a number of powerful kingdoms with strong central rule. The Ijaw economy

3136-432: The rich history, cultural pride, and social standing that the Ijaw people continue to uphold. Although the Ijaw are now primarily Christians (65% profess to be), with Roman Catholicism , Zion Church , Anglicanism and Pentecostalism being the varieties of Christianity most prevalent among them, they also have elaborate traditional religious practices of their own. Traditionally, the Ijaws hold celebrations to honour

3200-529: The southwestern coastline. Of the 36 states , Delta is the 23rd largest in the area and twelfth most populous with an estimated population of over 5.6 million as of 2016. Geographically, the state is divided between the Central African mangroves in the coastal southwest and the Nigerian lowland forests in most of the rest of the state as a small portion of the Niger Delta swamp forests are in

3264-712: The state of Biafra and invaded the Mid-Western Region in an attempt to capture Lagos and end the war quickly; Biafran forces were halted and eventually pushed back but briefly declared the captured Mid-Western Region (including now-Delta State) as the Republic of Benin . During the occupation there were widespread hostilities between the Biafran forces and the mainly non-Igbo inhabitants of now-Delta State with Biafran forces committing atrocities against ethnic Hausa , Urhobo , and Ijaw people; similarly, upon

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3328-416: The state's nature contains threatened dwarf crocodile , Grey parrot , African fish eagle , mona monkey , and African manatee populations along with potentially extirpated populations of African leopard and Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee . Offshore, the state is also biodiverse as there are populations of Lesser African threadfin , crabs , and blue mussel along with various cetacean species . What

3392-470: The state. 2015 was also the year the state had the highest rainfall, amounting to 3183.6 mm. In the year 2007, the state had the lowest rainfall over the 11-year period, amounting to an annual rainfall of 2030.58 mm. While January has the lowest rainfall in the state, in July, rainfall is very high at 423.2 mm. Delta State was defined out of the former Bendel State on 27 August 1991. The state

3456-578: The terms unacceptable. After some reprisal attacks by the British, his capital was ransacked. King Koko fled, and so was deposed by the British. He died in exile in 1898. The Ijaws speak nine closely related Niger-Congo languages , all of which belong to the Ijoid branch of the Niger-Congo tree. The primary division between the Ijo languages is that between Eastern Ijo and Central Ijo, the most important of

3520-476: The top candidate and the next candidate to have received a plurality of votes in the highest number of local government Areas. Delta State is predominantly inhabited by the Urhobo , Anioma , Isoko , Uvwie , Okpe , Ijaw , Ukwuani , Ika , Enuani , Igbo , Itsekiri and the Olukumi people . The population of other groups in the state are negligible. The Urhobo-Isoko are basically the same people and are

3584-408: The wearer's elevated status. The Don dress was not just a garment, but a powerful symbol of power, prestige, and the cultural heritage of the Ijaw people. Together, these attires not only display the Ijaw people’s taste for elegance but also emphasize the importance of social hierarchy, beauty, and tradition within their culture. The different garments and accessories worn by both men and women reflect

3648-403: The west is the Bight of Benin which covers about 160 kilometres of the state's coastline . The state was initially created with 12 local government areas in 1991, but was later expanded to 19 and now has 25 local government areas . Its capital city is Asaba which is located along the River Niger on the northeastern end of the state, while the state's economic center is the city of Warri on

3712-551: Was a virgin land in the heart of the two constituent divisions that constitutes the Northwestern Lower Niger. Delta state was once integrated in the Mid Western state from 1963 to 1976 and later Bendel state, from 1976 to 1991. The name " Bendel " (Ben-Del) was coined from the old Benin and Delta Provinces of Western Region-Delta to reflect the integration of Benin and Delta provinces. The State government

3776-457: Was actualized following agitations for the realization of a separate distinct state by the peoples of the old Delta Province. There was yet another state request proposed as "Anioma State " comprising the Asaba and Agbor Divisions of the old Midwest region. The then Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida , recognized Delta state but chose " Asaba " a prominent town within the "Northwestern Lower Niger" as capital city. The proposed capital

3840-420: Was bought by the Ijo people of Bonny. He later earned his way out of slavery and was renamed Jaja. Historically, various Ijaw clans engaged in the practice of acquiring slaves from Igboland for purposes such as gifting to newlyweds and showcasing wealth. However, the Ijaw's approach to slavery differed from many other cultures. They permitted slaves to earn their freedom after a specified period of service, and it

3904-419: Was common for Ijaw men to marry enslaved women, granting them freedom through marriage. This practice facilitated social mobility and led to some Ijaw clans having remote Igbo ancestry due to these unions. Overall, the Ijaw's relatively limited participation in the slave trade reflects a more integrated and complex relationship between the two cultures. The Nembe Ijo people were the first Ijaws to fight and win

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3968-1138: Was discovered in the 1980s that a now extinct Berbice Creole Dutch , spoken in Guyana, is partly based on Ijo lexicon and grammar . Its nearest relative seems to be Eastern Ijo, most likely Kalabari. The Ijaw People can be grouped into three. The first, which is termed as Central Ijaw (Ijo) , consists of Central Ijaw languages and subgroups: Ogbia subgroup and language, Epie-Atisa (Epie) subgroup and language, all part of Ijo people in  Bayelsa. The centeal Ijaw Language, spoken by people in Ekeremor, Sagbama (Kumbo), Amassoma, Apoi, Arogbo, Boma (Bumo), Kabo (Kabuowei), Olodiama, Ogboin, Tarakiri, and Kolokuma-Opokuma, Tungbo, Tuomo, etc. all in Bayelsa. Nembe Language, spoken by people in Nembe , Brass , and Akassa (Akaha) in Bayelsa. Abua language, spoken by Abua/Odual people in Rivers State. Other Central subgroups are Biseni People, Akinima, Mbiama, Engeni and some subgroups in

4032-567: Was elected Senator of Delta Central but his election was annulled and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege sworn in as Senator of Delta Central, James Manager retained his position and Chief Peter Nwaoboshi was elected Senator of Delta North. The Executive , Legislative and Judicial Chambers are housed in Asaba with a government house annex in Warri . Delta State consists of 25 Local Government Areas (shown with 2006 population figures): Indigenous ethnic groups of Delta State listed by LGA: The state

4096-510: Was predominantly supported by fishing, and each clustered group claimed a specific culture and autonomy from the others. They were among the first people in Nigeria to come in contact with Europeans, the earliest explorers arriving in the early 15th century. After contact with European merchants around 1500 CE, communities began trading in enslaved people as middlemen while they also traded in palm oil . Traders who amassed wealth within this business market found themselves parading power over

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