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103-722: A greater part of the city state is still referred to as Opobo in Rivers State . Opobo is made up of several islands and communities which is in Opobo-Nkoro Local Government Area in the South South Senatorial District of Rivers State Nigeria. The communities include, Opobo Town, which is its headquarters, Queenstown, Kalasunju, Oloma, Ayaminimah, Iloma, Minimah, Okpukpo, Iwoma, Ekereborokiri, Kalaibiama, Epelema, Ozuobulu, Muma Down Below, Inokiri and Abazibie. Some parts of

206-600: A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base which is the location of the only other airport used by commercial airlines Aero Contractors, Caverton Helicopters and Bristow Helicopters for domestic flights, two seaports (FOT Onne , Port Harcourt Wharf). The city has three stadiums, the Sharks Stadium , the Yakubu Gowon Stadium located in Elekahia and Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium located at Omagwa. Port Harcourt

309-456: A "Delta People's Republic". The rebellion persisted for twelve days but was resisted by the Federal and the old Eastern Nigeria government. On 27 May 1967, under the administration of General Yakubu Gowon , Decree No. 14 was issued, allowing the creation of Rivers State. From then on, complaints about political marginalisation, environmental degradation and economic pauperisation remained among

412-563: A 4.99% annual change. The area that became Port Harcourt in 1912 was before that of a farmland of the people of Rebisi (Ikwerre). The colonial administration of Nigeria created the port to export coal from the collieries of Enugu located 243 kilometres (151 mi) north of Port Harcourt, to which it was linked by a railway called the Eastern Line, also built by the British . Port Harcourt's economy turned to petroleum when

515-465: A greater silt and clay foundation and is more susceptible to perennial inundation by river floods. The floodplain's total thickness rises to about 45m in the northeast and over 9m in the beach ridge barrier zones to the southwest. On coastal sand ridges, the soils are mostly sandy or sandy loams. Various crops are supported including coconut , oil palm , raffia palm and cocoyam . The drier upland region of Rivers State covers 61% of landmass while

618-421: A modified two-round system. To be elected in the first round, a candidate must receive the plurality of votes and over 25% of the vote in at least two-thirds of the state local government areas. If no candidate passes the threshold, a second round will be held between the top candidate and the next candidate to have received a plurality of votes in the highest number of local government areas. The executive branch

721-503: A multi-cultural, multi-tribal region, Rivers State has much to offer in its diversity of people. The area that makes up the modern state has been inhabited in one way or the other since the last year of the first millennium . The earliest known settled communities in what is now Rivers State include the Riverine Ijaw ; Ogoni , Ikwerre people and other Igboid groups on the mainland. Today, over 26 distinct groups are recognized by

824-521: A per capita income of $ 5,949 (PPP). The state is famous for its vast reserves of crude oil and natural gas. It was perhaps the richest and most important section of the African zone of the British Empire. Rivers State has two major oil refineries, two major seaports, airports, and various industrial estates spread across the land. More than 60% of the country's output of crude oil is produced in

927-750: A significant improvement over a meagre 30 megawatts during the late nineties. Its energy sector is protected by the government through legislation and funding. It is overseen by the ministries of Power , Energy and Natural Resources . The state's oil-refining capacity is the biggest in the country, with more than 340,000 barrels of crude oil per day. There's a vast untapped potential in the state for solar power. Interest in solar energy has been increasing but not much has been invested. Up to now, energy production has been insufficient to meet demand, resulting in frequent power outages, slow manufacturing and low business performance. Transportation within Rivers State

1030-499: A taxi or rental car at the authorized vehicle area. Companies like Europcar , Avis and Hertz have offices near the airport. In addition, the Port Harcourt Air Force Base is located in the state capital. It gained popularity as a commercial destination due to the closure of the international airport. After that airport reopened, most airlines abandoned the base. However, it still has some destinations since

1133-498: Is Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital . Founded in 1925, the 375-bed facility provides general and specialist medical and surgical services along with a range of diagnostic and support services. Between 2009 and 2013, the Rivers State government commissioned two additional hospitals. This includes Kelsey Harrison Hospital and the Rivers State Dental and Maxillofacial Hospital . Some other notable hospitals in

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1236-548: Is Ezebunwo Ichemati . Port Harcourt's primary airport is Port Harcourt International Airport , located on the outskirts of the city; the NAF base is the location of the only other airport and is used by commercial airlines Aero Contractors and Air Nigeria for domestic flights. The port was built in 1912, but not given a name until August 1913, when the then Governor of Nigeria, Sir Frederick Lugard , named it "Port Harcourt" in honor of Lewis Harcourt, 1st Viscount Harcourt , then

1339-460: Is a state in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria (Old Eastern Region). Formed on 27 May 1967, when it was split from the former Eastern Region , Rivers State borders include Imo and Anambra to the north, Abia and Akwa Ibom to the east, and Bayelsa and Delta to the west.The State capital, Port Harcourt , is a metropolis that is considered to be the commercial center of

1442-556: Is also known for its vibrant late-night activities and entertainment scene. There are several public houses , lounges, clubs, dance bars and restaurants spread out around the city. Partyers and revellers tend to spend a chunk of their night time at New GRA , where most of the bars and high-end nightclubs are located. Uptempo and club-friendly music can be heard in nearly every corner of the city at night. There have been increases in sex-oriented businesses including strip clubs and brothels. Port Harcourt city has produced great musicians in

1545-529: Is annulled by a competent court of law or by a two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly. The incumbent governor is Siminalayi Fubara a member of the People Democratic Party, who heads the council of Rivers State. Fubara was sworn in on 29 May 2023. He is the 7th Democratic governor of the state and the 16th overall governor of River State The legislative authority in Rivers State is held by

1648-623: Is considered one of the fastest-growing states in terms of modern infrastructure and urbanization in the country. Rivers State, named after the many rivers that border its territory, was part of the Oil Rivers Protectorate from 1885 till 1893 when it became part of the Niger Coast Protectorate . In 1900, the region was merged with the chartered territories of the Royal Niger Company to form

1751-984: Is considered unhealthy for everyone and E.P.A advises residents of such areas to avoid heavy and prolonged exertion, and move activities indoors. "For a 15-month period ending in June [2018] ... air quality was in the unhealthy range on 240 days, with 85 days ranking very unhealthy, and 13 days as hazardous ." The increased deterioration of ambient air quality led to a state protest in February 2017. There were experiences of black soot settling in nostrils, on cars, floors, roofs, windows, bathtubs, bathrooms, kitchen sinks and household furniture surfaces resulting in frequent cleaning of affected surfaces and places. potable, domestic and rainwater were equally affected. Abuloma, Iwofe, Rupokwu, Okrika , and Woji were mostly affected with other areas such as Rumuigbo, Eleme, and Oyigbo Local Government Councils, as well as Ogoni. The covering of

1854-427: Is covered with a layer of black soot. Official PM2.5 information from the state's environmental commissioner, Roseline Konya , states a high reading of 270 micrograms per cubic meter for air pollution in the city from a 2016 sampling. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) index air quality index (AQI), a reading of 0 – 50 is good, readings between 200 – 300 which Port Harcourt falls under

1957-542: Is headed by the Governor , assisted by the Deputy Governor , both elected for a term of 4 years (maximum of 2 terms). The governor appoints commissioners responsible for each of the ministries and appoints the heads of parastatals and the state-owned bodies with specific regulatory or administrative duties. In some cases, a governor may be replaced or removed for example, through death, impeachment or if an election

2060-613: Is highly congested as it is the only major city of the state. In 2009, a law was passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Amaechi's administration to spread development to the surrounding communities as part of the effort to decongest the Port Harcourt metropolis. The Greater Port Harcourt region, spans eight local government areas that include Port Harcourt, Okrika , Obio-Akpor , Ikwerre , Oyigbo , Ogu–Bolo , Etche and Eleme . Its total population

2163-759: Is home to one of the most popular soccer clubs in Nigeria and Africa, the Rivers United F.C. In September 2019, the-governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, unveiled plan to launch a football academy in cooperation with the Spanish giants, the Real Madrid football club. The academy was to be known as the Real Madrid Academy . 18 months later, the academy was commissioned by the governor and the national sports minister, Sunday Dare. Port Harcourt

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2266-489: Is less pronounced in Port Harcourt. Port Harcourt's heaviest precipitation occurs during September with an average of 367 millimetres or 14.45 inches of rain. December on average is the driest month of the year, with an average rainfall of 20 millimetres or 0.79 inches. Temperatures throughout the year in the city are relatively constant, showing little variation throughout the course of the year. Average temperatures are typically between 25 and 28 °C (77.0 and 82.4 °F) in

2369-469: Is located in Trans Amadi, Abuloma . Port Harcourt is a major industrial centre as it has a large number of multinational firms as well as other industrial concerns, particularly business related to the petroleum industry. It is the chief oil-refining city in Nigeria and has two main oil refineries located at Eleme. Both refineries process around 210,000 barrels of crude oil a day, both operated by

2472-619: Is located to the east of the Kingdom of Bonny . Bonny and Opobo are of the same origin, both associated with the Ndoki people . an Igbo subgroup. Jubo Jubogha rose from slavery to lead the Anna Pepple chieftaincy house of Bonny. In 1870, Jubo first arrived in what is now Opobo, having moved there due to a civil war in Bonny between his followers and those of Chief Oko Jumbo , the leader of

2575-570: Is mainly land and water-based. The industry has the Ministry of Transport as its chief regulating body. Apart from roads and waterways, there are functional airdromes that provide out-of-state transport. The seaports contain harbors where ships can dock and transfer people or cargo to or from land. Federal highways are A2 the Elele-Alimini-Patani East-West Rd from Elele to Bayelsa State at Mbiama, A3 east as

2678-563: Is punishable with a fine of up to ₦10,000. The 1067 mm Cape Gauge Eastern Railway Line north from Port Harcourt to Aba in Abia State, built 1913–16, restored 2009–15. Both domestic and international flights are available from Port Harcourt International Airport . Airlines such as Lufthansa , Air France , Qatar Air , Ethiopian Airlines , Med-View , Air Peace and Cronos link the state to destinations including Frankfurt , Paris , Lagos and Malabo . Passengers can easily get

2781-513: Is the 25th largest state by area , and its geography is dominated by the numerous rivers that flow through it, including the Bonny River . The economy of Rivers State is dominated by the state's booming petroleum industry. Although the rise of the oil industry has led to increased revenue for the state government, mismanagement and corruption have prevented the state from rapid development and meaningfully tackling poverty . Rivers State

2884-503: Is the Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation (RSBC). As of December 2013, more than 5 local FM stations some of which were privately owned by media conglomerates Silverbird Group, South Atlantic Media, Globe Broadcasting and Communications and The Multimesh Company were already commercially licensed. There is an international airport, Port Harcourt International Airport on the outskirts of the city,

2987-474: Is the first and only private polytechnic established in the state. Media in Port Harcourt consists largely of print, online blogs, social media and broadcast. Information is generally disseminated to the public through radio, television, newspapers, magazines and the Internet. The government owns a number of the existing communications media, although, some private media is permitted. As a regulatory authority,

3090-402: Is the leading hub for medical services in Rivers State . Many healthcare facilities including hospitals and research facilities are located in Port Harcourt. The city has a prominent tertiary health institution University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) is situated on East West Road. Government hospitals are widely favoured and caters to a larger pool of patients. One of the oldest

3193-541: Is the tallest building in the Southeast and South-South geopolitical zones combined. Port Harcourt is primarily composed of coastal Ikwerre , Ijaw , Obulom , and Ogoni peoples. As in other cities in the country's south, the predominant religion of Port Harcourt is Christianity . Roman Catholics make up a significant portion of the Christian population. There are scores of churches, parishes and priests within

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3296-415: The Bonny River and is located in the oil rich Niger Delta region . As of 2023, Port Harcourt's urban population is approximately 3,480,000. The population of the metropolitan area of Port Harcourt is almost twice its urban area population with a 2015 United Nations estimate of 2,344,000. In 1950, the population of Port Harcourt was 59,752. Port Harcourt has grown by 150,844 since 2015, which represents

3399-654: The Central Powers in German Kamerun . After the discovery of crude oil in Oloibiri in 1956, Port Harcourt exported the first shipload from Nigeria in 1958. Port Harcourt became the center of the Nigerian oil economy and it subsequently reaped benefits of its associations with the petroleum industry by undergoing modernization and urbanization . Port Harcourt's growth is further due to its position as

3502-563: The Government of Rivers State are also located in the city. They include Rivers State University , Kenule Beesor Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic (Former Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori), Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic , Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology . The notable private institutions are Catholic Institute of West Africa and Eastern Polytechnic . The latter

3605-506: The Ijaw groups , such that a separate Bayelsa State was carved out of Rivers State by the military government of Sani Abacha on 1 October 1996 and Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State was created on the same day to include communities such as Umuru in Ofeh. Rivers State is a predominantly low-lying pluvial state in southern Nigeria, located in the eastern part of the Niger Delta on

3708-399: The Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development from April 2013 to June 2015. The Rivers State government consists of elected representatives and appointed officials. The state government has executive and legislative branches, with an independent judiciary . At the local level, elected officials are responsible for local government areas. The governor of the state is selected using

3811-495: The Nigerian National Assembly . Those chosen are grouped into 3 senators representing Rivers South East , Rivers West , Rivers East and 13 representatives representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro, Obio/Akpor, Oyigbo/Tai/Eleme, Port Harcourt II, Etche/Omuma, Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru, Okrika/Ogu–Bolo, Khana/Gokana, Port Harcourt I, Ahoada West/Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni, Abua–Odual/Ahoada East, Ikwerre/Emohua, Degema/Bonny. Since

3914-593: The Nigerian oil industry . With a population of 5,198,716 as of the 2006 census and 7,234,973 in 2023, Rivers State is the 8th most populous state in Nigeria. Rivers State is a diverse state that is home to many ethnic groups : Ijaw , Ogoni , Ikwerre , Ogba , Ekpeye , and Kalabari . The state is particularly noted for its linguistic diversity , with 30 indigenous languages and dialects being said to be spoken in Rivers State, these include Ekpeye, Ikwerre, Ijaw (Okrika, Ibani, Kalabari) and Ogoni . Rivers State

4017-738: The Port Harcourt Catholic diocese . The central church is the Corpus Christi Cathedral Parish in D-line . The city is also home to other Christian denominations such as Anglicans , Methodists , Baptists , Presbyterians , Jehovah's Witnesses and members of Evangelical and Pentecostal groups. A very small number of residents adhere to the Islamic faith. The Port Harcourt Book Festival , formerly known as Garden City Literary Festival remains one of

4120-487: The Port Harcourt Refining Company . Rivers State is one of the wealthiest states in Nigeria in terms of gross domestic product and foreign exchange revenue from the oil industry, crude oil being its principal export earner. Microapartment architecture is quite common in certain parts of Port Harcourt. The Point Block of Rivers State Secretariat is an icon of the city. An 18-story building, it

4223-559: The Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications is responsible for overseeing the entire broadcasting system, as well as promoting competition and ensuring the provision of qualitative services throughout the city. Since English is much more popular in the country's urban areas, media content such as publications, news, radio and television programmes are available mostly in the English language. In print media,

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4326-413: The Rivers State government , each with its own language, lifestyle, and cultural heritage. Multilingualism is a part of everyday life for the population of Rivers State and most of Nigeria. English, inherited from colonial rule is common and widely spoken in various forms in different localities. Some indigenous Riverians are also bilingual, speaking a mixture of English or Pidgin English with one of

4429-820: The Secretary of State for the Colonies . The Okrika word for the city is Hakoti Kiri or Parakot . The native Obulom name for the city is Obomotu , lit.   ' Big House ' . Port Harcourt was founded in 1912 by Frederick Lugard , governor of both the Northern Nigeria Protectorate and the Southern Nigeria Protectorate . Its purpose was to export the coal that geologist Albert Ernest Kitson had discovered in Enugu in 1909. The colonial government caused

4532-400: The biodiversity and ecological functions of natural habitats . In most places, the dominant vegetation usually consists of Elaeis guineensis which has the highest productivity amongst all recognized oleaginous crops. The riverine part of the state has three hydro-vegetation zones such as beach ridge , salt water and fresh water. Each zone has its characteristics and composition, with

4635-694: The trade name Ja-Ja . Jubo Jubogha was never on good terms with the Annang and the Ibibio the east, as he declared himself as the middleman in palm oil trading, thus asking them to stop trading directly with the Europeans. This resulted in a war (the Ikot Udo Obong War) between Jubo and the Annang and Ibuno people as recorded by Nair. In 1887, he was deceived when he was told to go and negotiate with

4738-417: The 1950s. In 1954, it cleared about $ 54 million worth of imports and exports, while the shipping facilities at Calabar cleared $ 11 million worth of goods. The majority of Riverians obtain their water for household use from vendors. There are also those who extract their water from private boreholes and wells and incur costs for the investment, maintenance, spare parts, pumping, and in some cases treating

4841-555: The 1980s. The main city of Port Harcourt is the Port Harcourt City in the Port Harcourt local government area , consisting of the former European quarters now called Old GRA and New Layout areas. The urban area (Port Harcourt metropolis), on the other hand, is made up of the local government area itself and parts of Obio-Akpor and Eleme accordingly. Port Harcourt, which is the current capital of Rivers State,

4944-551: The Atlantic Ocean. Opobo is two meters above sea level and the very close interfaces between the sea water. Opobo is located about 80 kilometres (50 mi) from Port Harcourt and has been accessible by sea and air and only recently by land. Opobo is divided into 14 sections ("polo"), made up of 67 War Canoe Houses. The 14 sections are Adibie, Biriye, Diepiri, Dapu, Dappa Ye Amakiri, Epelle, Fubarakworo, Iroanya, Jaja, Kalaomuso, Ukonu, Kiepirima, Owujie, and Tolofari. Opobo

5047-908: The Imo River) to the north, Akwa Ibom to the east across the Imo River and Bayelsa and Delta to the west across the Niger River for about 50 km. On the south, it is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean . Its topography ranges from flat plains, with a network of rivers to tributaries. Rainfall is generally seasonal, variable, as well as heavy, and occurs between March and October through November. The wet season peaks in July, lasting more than 290 days. The only dry months are January and February having little to no effect. Total annual rainfall decreases from about 4,700 mm (185 in) on

5150-585: The Port Harcourt Enugu Expressway to Abia State and A231 north from A3 in Port Harcourt 42 km via Igwuruta and Omagwa to A2 in Elele. Other major roads include Taxicabs , buses and ferries dominate public transport. They are usually inexpensive and are often used for multi-passenger pick-ups. Commercial vehicles in Port Harcourt maintain sky blue, white and sky blue livery . Operating without these government-approved colours

5253-702: The Queen of the United Kingdom by the British. He was captured upon his arrival on the consul's flagship, and was sent into exile in Saint Vincent in the West Indies thereafter. The following are a few of Opobo's unique customs: Breaking any of these rules attracts a fine of N7,000 each or a serious punishment by the community heads. A certified wife who has not been initiated into womanhood with

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5356-802: The Revenue Courts, the Sanitation Courts, the Mobile Courts and Ports Related Offences Courts. It is governed mainly by the Chief Judge of the High Court of Justice. There are about 26 serving judges in the High Court of Justice, which comprises 10 Judicial Divisions including Port Harcourt , Ahoada , Degema , Nchia, Bori , Omoku , Isiokpo, Okrika , Okehi, and Oyigbo . Elections are conducted every 4 years in which Riverian voters will directly elect 16 representatives to

5459-690: The advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, the People's Democratic Party has usually held a majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives . Port Harcourt Port Harcourt ( Pidgin : Po-ta-kot or Pi-ta-kwa) is the capital and largest city of Rivers State in Nigeria. It is the fifth most populous city in Nigeria after Lagos , Kano , Ibadan and Benin . It lies along

5562-529: The airport is closer to the centre than the main airport. Seaports handle much more diversified import cargo activities than airports. The Port of Onne is one of the largest and busiest seaports in the country. Its mobile harbour cranes are one of the biggest in Africa, with a lifting capacity of 208 metric tonnes. Another important seaport is the Port of Port Harcourt . It was the second-largest port in Nigeria in

5665-498: The appropriate initiation ceremony, known as the Egerebite and Bibite , is not allowed to tie a special wrapper called 'George'. Such a woman would also be denied many other rights: there are sacred places that she cannot enter and she will not be entitled to mix freely with women that have been initiated. In fact, she can be traditionally disgraced by the other women in the community at any time. The rulers of Opobo were: Rivers State Rivers State , also known as Rivers ,

5768-940: The city and found out to be 11 times higher than WHO specifications for PM2.5 and PM10. This non-compliance was tackled by shutting down the Chinese Government Company (CGC), H&H Engineering Company, and AUC Asphalt Company located in the Aluu community, found to be the location of high volume discharge of emissions thereby contravening environmental regulations. Illegal refineries, burning of tires, gas flaring , liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations and processes, petro-chemical companies and refineries were other suspected sources of soot pollution . Some of Port Harcourt's more popular and well-known residential areas are known as Port Harcourt Township (or just "Town"), GRA (Government Reserved Area) phases 1–5, Elekahia, Rumuomasi, D-line , Elelenwo , Eliozu, Iboloji , Ogbunabali, Rumuola, Rumuigbo, Mgbuoba, Diobu , Woji, Amadi Flats, Umuchitta, Rumuokoro and Borikiri . The main industrial area

5871-411: The city are Meridian Hospital and Rehoboth Specialist Hospital which are private. The Port Harcourt Water Supply and Sanitation Project aims at delivering sustainable water supply to the people of Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor local government areas. The project is the first phase of the rehabilitation of the old Port Harcourt water supply system and its extension to new areas of the city. It involves

5974-459: The city state are now in Akwa Ibom State : Egwenga and Opukalama, in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State. Opobo's geologic setting is similar to the coastal and estuarine settlements of the Niger Delta region. It is located at the mouth of the Imo River, one of the main estuaries that break the Nigerian coastline. The approximate geographical co-ordinates of the kingdom are 04°34'N latitudes and longitude 07°12'E, located about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from

6077-579: The city's most important and popular events since its inception in 2008. Established by the government of Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi , the yearly gathering improves local literacy levels, promotes reading habits among denizens, and benefits exhibitors seeking a wider audience. Throughout its annual run, Port Harcourt Book Festival has hosted renowned publishers such as Heinemann , Learn Africa Plc, Africana First Publishers and EPP Books Services. The festival currently continues to draw writers, literary connoisseurs, booksellers and publishers from every walk of life to

6180-432: The city. The yearly temperature in Port Harcourt is 26.55 °C (79.79 °F) and it is -2.91% lower than Nigeria's averages. Rivers typically receive about 330.36 millimeters (13.01 inches) of precipitation and has 304.91 rainy days (83.54% of the time) annually. Residents of the city have been experiencing particle ( soot ) pollution since the last quarter of 2016. Residents state their clothes and everything outside

6283-424: The city. In July 2012, UNESCO , IPA , IBF and IFLA named Port Harcourt the World Book Capital for the year 2014, making her the 14th city in the world to be selected as World Book Capital and the first in Black Africa. The city also features in Looking for Transwonderland , one of the first volumes of travel writing written by a Nigerian, Noo Saro-Wiwa . Aside from being the oil capital, Port Harcourt

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6386-466: The coast, to about 1,700 mm (67 in) in the extreme north. It is 4,698 mm (185 in) at Bonny along the coast and 1,862 mm (73 in) at Degema . For Port Harcourt , temperatures throughout the year are relatively constant with little variation throughout the seasons. Average temperatures are typically between 25 and 28 °C (77 and 82 °F). Some parts of the state still receive up to 150 mm (6 in) of rainfall during

6489-417: The colony of Southern Nigeria . The state was formed in 1967 with the split of the Eastern Region of Nigeria. In 1996 the state lost territory to form Bayelsa State . In the early days of the colonial period , several protection treaties were signed between various indigenous communities and the British colonial government . Between 1941 and 1952, agitation for the creation of Rivers Province began with

6592-454: The commercial center and foremost industrial city of the former Eastern Region ; its position in the Niger Delta; and its importance as the center of social and economic life in Rivers State. After the Republic of Biafra seceded from Nigeria in 1967 Port Harcourt fell to Nigerian forces on 19 May 1968. From an area of 15.54 km (6.00 sq mi) in 1914, Port Harcourt grew uncontrolled to an area of 360 km (140 sq mi) in

6695-444: The creation of a new city to be called Greater Port-Harcourt City. The new city is to be located at the outskirt of Port Harcourt close to the Port-Harcourt International Airport . The total coverage area for the Greater Port Harcourt city development is about 1,900 km (730 sq mi) spanning eight local governments in Rivers State , including Ogu Bolo, Eleme, Ikwerre , Etche, Obio Akpor, Okrika. The Authority ( GPHCDA )

6798-420: The creation of specialized institutions for service delivery. Key agencies include the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RWSSA), the Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation (STWSSA), the Port Harcourt Water Corporation (PHWC), and the Rivers State Water Services Regulatory Commission. Port Harcourt Water Corporation (PHWC) was established pursuant to the Water Sector Development Law #7 of 2012 to replace

6901-433: The creek belt, Ogoni languages - about 5 of them are spoken across the southern parts of the state, Igboid group of language is spoken in the Northern Areas of the Rivers State. Languages of Rivers State listed by LGA: Rivers State has maintained its importance as a leading supplier of wealth to the nation for centuries. In 2021, the state ranked 2nd nationwide with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $ 51.529 billion and

7004-415: The dry period. Relative humidity rarely dips below 60% and fluctuates between 90% and 100% for most of the year. The land surface of Rivers State can be divided into three zones: freshwater swamps, mangrove swamps and coastal sand ridges. The freshwater zone extends northwards from the mangrove swamps . This land surface is generally less than 20m above sea level. As a lower Niger floodplain , it contains

7107-777: The first shipment of Nigerian crude oil was exported through the city in 1958. Through the benefits of the Nigerian petroleum industry , Port Harcourt was further developed, with aspects of modernization such as overpasses , city blocks , and taller and more substantial buildings. Oil firms that currently have offices in the city include Shell and Chevron . There are a number of public and private tertiary institutions in Port Harcourt. These institutions include Rivers State University , University of Port Harcourt , Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic , Ignatius Ajuru University , Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology , Madonna University , PAMO University of Medical Sciences , National Open University of Nigeria . The current mayor

7210-596: The forest is very shady and as a result a wide variety of shade tolerant forbs (e.g. Nephrolepis biserrata , Culcasia scandens , Laportea spp., Chromolaena odorata , Aframomum melegueta and Costus afer ) and various sedges form thickets on the forest floor. By dry season, a large cushion of litter cover the floor because of increase in abscission rate of some plants such as Musanga cecropioides , Hallea ledermannii , Calamus deeratus , Gmelina arborea , Raphia spp. and Elaeis guineensis . Mammals , reptiles and amphibians are also found in

7313-476: The forest, the emergents include Symphonia globulifera , Cleistopholis patens , Uapaca spp., Musanga cecropioides , Hallea ledermannii , Terminalia spp., Anthostema aubryanum , Tectona grandis and Elaeis guineensis . The understory is composed mainly of Calamus deeratus , Alchornea cordifolia , Monodora tenuifolia , Harungana madagascariensis , Strophanthus preussii , Rauvolfia vomitoria and Raphia spp. The interior of

7416-797: The formation of the Ijo Rivers People's League . By 1953, the Council of Rivers Chiefs was birthed as a replacement body for the League, the same year, another organization, the Calabar Ogoja Rivers (COR) State Movement became existent. The Council of Rivers Chiefs was later renamed in 1954 to Rivers Chiefs and People's Congress and in 1956, the organization became known as the Rivers Chiefs People's Conference. Until 1958, hopes of an independent state resonated with

7519-468: The former Rivers State Water Board and to ensure the provision of potable drinking water and waste water treatment services. The corporation formally took off in September 2014 with the recruitment of the pioneer managing director, Kenneth Anga with a mandate to convert it to a self-sustaining public service corporation. Under the leadership of former Governor Chibuike Amaechi , plans was announced for

7622-415: The freshwaters encompassing the upper and lower floodplains of the Niger Delta . Finima Nature Park is a protected area and forest reserve on Bonny Island covering an area of approximately 10 km (3.9 sq mi). The park's vegetation has progressively developed into a high forest considering the form from which it began in 1999. There are two storeys that can be distinguished from outside

7725-550: The haze of soot in most parts of the city has resulted in visibility impairment by PM2.5, soil, and water deposition, and disruption in ecosystem diversity. This also made the city dwellers spend more time indoors than outdoors. Residents in cities such as Rumosi and Rumuodumanya in Obio/Akpor Council have relocated to other safe cities leading to a decline in business activities. The Ministry of Environment took action by analysing air samples from various sites in

7828-438: The highest nationwide. Rivers State has a rich cultural heritage, and its people are friendly and known for their hospitality. The state has 23 distinct ethnic groups including Ekpeye, Ogba, Kalabari, Ikwerre and Ogoni amongst others. It is on record that Port Harcourt is the second biggest commercial, agriculture and busiest airport & seaports in Nigeria. Rivers state has two seaports situated in Port Harcourt and Onne. As

7931-463: The highest number of inhabitants of any local government area, while Ogu–Bolo and Omuma had the lowest. The total area of the state was 11,077 km (4,277 sq mi) and the density was 635.89 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,646.9/sq mi). According to the world population review (Population of cities in Nigeria), the capital city of Rivers state, Port Harcourt is ranked 4th on

8034-479: The largest-circulated daily newspaper published in Port Harcourt is The Tide . It is state-supported and has an online version. Another popular newspaper is the weekly tabloid National Network which is owned by local politician Jerry Needam . Additionally, other noteworthy papers like The Neighbourhood published by Nativity Communications Company and The Newswriter published by Writers House have begun competing for market presence and are both headquartered in

8137-542: The likes of Rex Lawson during jazz, highlife and old skool days. Several institutions of tertiary education in Port Harcourt offer a wide range of professionally accredited programmes and qualifications. Most of these institutions are publicly funded, while others are run by private entities. The University of Port Harcourt was ranked sixth in Africa and first in Nigeria by Times Higher Education in 2015. The federal government owned university has its main campus at Choba district. Universities and colleges administered by

8240-462: The list. Rivers State has a higher literacy rate compared to most states in the South South geopolitical zone. Its male literacy as of 2006 was 52.3% while the female literacy rate was 47.7%. In the same survey, it ranked as 26th most extensive and the 6th most populous of all the states of Nigeria. A 2015 estimate put the number of residents of Rivers State at over 7 million, nearly triple

8343-467: The main revenue source of the country. In a sample survey carried out by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, about 40% of the rural inhabitants were committed to farming in 1983. Rivers State is one of the leading states in the production of yam , cassava , cocoyam , maize , rice and beans . About 39% (760,000 hectares) of the state's total land mass, particularly in

8446-412: The metropolis. Radio is an important mass medium in these parts. Not only has it become a strong source of news and entertainment, it is also wide reaching and has proved a cheap means to reach a mass audience. Many of Port Harcourt's radio stations are in private hands with just a few are state owned. Radio Rivers , founded 1981 offers programs in English and various indigenous languages. Its operator

8549-547: The misgivings of these autochthons. The Willink Commission initiated the conception of the Niger Delta Development Board (NDDB). The purpose was to tackle the problems of underdevelopment, however, this failed to rise to the expectations of the masses. After much discontent, some of the people attempted to take the extralegal route to achieve their goals. In February 1966, Isaac Boro , Sam Owonaro and Nottingham Dick alongside their supporters proclaimed

8652-493: The native languages. This is partly due to the frequent exposure of the younger generations to foreign dialects, especially in the country's largest cities. Excluding Pidgin, all other ones spoken in the state belong to either Benue–Congo or Ijoid and Ogoni Languages within the Niger–Congo language family . The Benue–Congo is subdivided into Cross River , Igboid , and Edoid groups. The Ijoid languages are predominant around

8755-420: The north west of Ahoada and west of Upper Orashi Forest have also been designated an Important Bird Area. The forest has an area of 219 km (136 mi) within which mammals like red-bellied monkey and yellow-backed duiker are found along with raffia palms and some woody broadleaved species such as Symphonia globulifera and Ficus spp. The state has many rivers. Notable rivers include: Over

8858-475: The number recorded in 1991. According to the National Bureau of Statistics projection, the population in the state was 4% of the total population of the country. Data of 2010–2015 showed life expectancies for male, 54 years and female, 57 years were very low. General mortality rate was 60 per 1000, under-5 mortality rate was 90 and maternal mortality rate was 889 per 100,000 live births, one of

8961-512: The oceanward extension of the Benue Trough . The inland part of the state consists of tropical rainforest , and towards the coast, the typical Niger Delta environment features many mangrove swamps . Rivers State has a total area of 11,077 km (4,277 sq mi), making it the 26th largest state in Nigeria. Surrounding states are Anambra for four km, Imo for about 122 km), and Abia for 87 km (54 miles, partly across

9064-573: The park. The common mammals are mona monkeys and pygmy hippopotamuses . Among the reptiles and amphibians are snakes and crocodiles , turtles , frogs , lizards , and skinks . One of the world's Ramsar Convention -listed wetlands , Upper Orashi Forest , is a 252 km (97 sq mi) protected area in Ahoada West . It has been identified by BirdLife International as an IBA because of its importance to global populations of grey parrots and other birds. The Biseni Forest in

9167-545: The people of Diobu to cede their land, and in 1912 the building of a port-town was started. Other villages that were later absorbed into the city included Oroworukwo, Oromeruezimgbu, Nkpogu, and Rumuomasi; In the creeks to the south of the original port were the fishing camps and grounds of the Wakirike - Ijaw group. During the First World War , Port Harcourt was used as a point for military operations against

9270-484: The period from 1991 to 2006, the total population of Rivers State increased by close to 3 million people. The last official census showed that 5,198,716 people were living in the state, of whom 2,673,026 were male and 2,525,690 were female. Adults and adolescents aged 15 to 64 years accounted for 61% of the population in the state. Children below the age of 15 accounted for 36% of the population, and those aged 65 years and above, another 3%. Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor had

9373-534: The population. A number of towns and villages with iron-contaminated H 2 O have resorted to treating one chemical contaminant with another. Most of the water collection in low-income urban residential areas is done by women. In 2008, NDHS reported that 26% of adult females collect drinking water more than adult male counterparts at 21%. In order to improve access to safe, reliable, affordable, and sustainable water supply services, USAID , through its Sustainable Water and Sanitation in Africa program collaborated with

9476-492: The region and lingered consistently in the minds of its natives. During the constitutional conference that year, the country's nationhood was affirmed while an agreement was reached on some measures to mitigate the fears of the ethnic minorities in the area. Around this time, the COR State Movement had broken away to press their case. Thereafter, the British launched a commission led by Sir Henry Willink to look into

9579-551: The rehabilitation and upgrade of the stations in Rumuola, increasing its current capacity to 187,000 m (6,603,843 cu ft) per day. In Rivers State, Water sector and utility reforms were initiated in 2009 and included the enactment of the Rivers State's Water and Sanitation policy 2012 and the enactment of the Rivers State Water Sector development law #7of 2012. The policy and Law provided for

9682-518: The rival Manilla Pepple chieftaincy family . The king named his new state after Amanyanabo Opubo "Pepple" Perekule the Great, a Pepple king in Bonny that had reigned there from 1792 to 1830. Jubo Jubogha became involved in palm oil trading with Europeans. He started a trading post at Opobo Town, close to Ikot Abasi and 4 miles southwest of the Opobo river. Due to his dealings with them, he soon acquired

9785-485: The riverine areas, with a relief range of 2m to 5m, take up 39%. Due to its geographical location, Rivers State has always played an important role in the natural history of Nigeria, having been found to host a vast array of wildlife and plants. Its tropical rainforests are home to more species than all other local biomes combined thanks to its climate and canopy structure. Some of the upland forested areas have seen disruption from human activity, impacting negatively on

9888-431: The riverine areas. The state provides valuable seafood such as crabs , oysters , shrimps and sea snails among others. Vertebrates like birds , mammals and reptiles are also found in the region. Energy, and especially electricity is the key factor for economic growth. Rivers State has one of the nation's highest per capita energy consumption rates. As of 2012, it had a power generation capacity of 400 megawatts ,

9991-479: The state House of Assembly , which is made up of elected representatives from all constituencies of the state. Its functions at the state level are relative to those of the National Assembly at the federal level, creating laws for the good governance of the state, as well as acting as a check and balance on the powers and actions of the state's Chief Executive. The House of Assembly consists of three times

10094-583: The state. Other natural resources found within its boundaries are silica, glass sand and clay. Prior to the discovery of oil in commercial quantity in 1951, Agriculture was the primary occupation of the people of Rivers State. Around the 19th century when the Industrial Revolution reached its peak in England, the area was then referred to as Oil Rivers Protectorate , this was due to its abundant palm oil and kernel which basically constituted

10197-607: The total number of seats which the state has in the House of Representatives. The judicial branch of the state government has sole authority and responsibility for the interpretation and application of the state's laws as well as the adjudication of disputes or controversies. It consists of eight courts: the High Court of Justice, the Magistrates Courts, the Customary Courts, the Juveniles Courts,

10300-477: The upland area, is suitable for cultivation. Major cash crops produced are oil palm products , rubber , coconut , raffia palm and jute . Other crops grown for food include vegetables , melon , pineapples , mango , pepper, banana and plantain . The fishing industry is an important sector in Rivers State. Besides being lucrative, fishing is also a favourite pastime activity. There are approximately 270 species of fish existing; with many artisanal fishermen in

10403-449: The water. Several others receive their domestic water from rainwater catchments , nearby streams or rivers. In the oil-bearing communities, many residents have easy access to basic infrastructure systems, although, most of the facilities are nonfunctional. In large urban localities such as Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor , Port Harcourt Water Corporation handles the provision of urban water supply and wastewater management services for 15% of

10506-798: Was established by law in April 2009 with a mandate to facilitate the implementation of the Greater Port Harcourt master plan and build the new city. The Authority is led by an administrator, Dame Aleruchi Cookey Gam, supported by a pioneer management team comprising the Secretary to the authority and Board, Silva Opusunju, Director Finance Aaron Obelley, Director Administration (Permanent Secretary) MI Tella, Director Public Affairs Kenneth Anga, Director Legal Justice Nwobike, Director Projects Edmund Altraide, Director Development Control Sir Ngozi Worgu. The Greater Port Harcourt city hosted several of

10609-530: Was estimated at 2,000,000 as of 2009, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in Nigeria. But that number has greatly increased according to recent studies. Port Harcourt features a tropical monsoon climate ( Köppen : Am ) with lengthy and heavy rainy seasons and very short dry seasons . Only the months of December to February truly qualify as dry season months in the city. The harmattan , which climatically influences many cities in West Africa ,

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