Asaba, Delta State
|
Asaba Àhàbà Ahaba |
|
|---|---|
| City | |
| Nickname(s): Ani Mmili | |
 Asaba
|
|
| Coordinates: 6°11′52.23″N 6°43′42.48″E / 6.1978417°N 6.7284667°ECoordinates: 6°11′52.23″N 6°43′42.48″E / 6.1978417°N 6.7284667°E | |
| Country |
 Nigeria
|
| State | Delta State |
| LGA(s) | Oshimili South |
| Area | |
| • Total | 268 km2 (103 sq mi) |
| Population (2006 census) | |
| • Total | 149,603 |
| • Estimate (2011) | 176,060 |
| • Density | 560/km2 (1,400/sq mi) |
| Climate | Aw |
Asaba (Igbo: Àhàbà) is a city strategically located on a hill at the western edge of the Niger River, overlooking its sister city, Onitsha, across the Niger Bridge. It is the capital of Nigeria's Delta State. A fast developing urban area, Asaba had a population of 149,603 as at the 2006 census, and a metropolitan population of over half a million people.
Ahaba in Igbo language is from Ahabagom, meaning "I have chosen well", a quote from the founding father (Nnebisi) of Asaba.
The city of Asaba was once the colonial capital of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate. It was founded in 1884. Between 1886 and 1900, it hosted the Royal Niger Company, which the British authorities set up to stimulate trade and the exportation of goods to England. That company has grown today into the UAC Nigeria PLC. Scottish explorer William B. Balkie, when signing a trade treaty with Igbo chief Ezebogo in Asaba on August 30, 1885, remarked "After our salutations, I spoke of friendship, of trade, and of education, and particularly enlarged upon the evils of war, and the benefits of peace, all of which was well received".
Owing to Asaba's influential history and geography, and current strategic political and economic influence in Nigeria, Asaba is generally known as the regional capital of the Anioma area. The clamour for creation of Anioma state has been going on for decades.
Asaba is situated on a terrace of the lower Niger River, overlooking the point where the Anambra River flows into it. Beyond the river banks, on the high plains which are far more extensive than the river basins, secondary forest vegetation flourishes. The historic Niger River is a trans-African link beginning from West Africa and down into the Atlantic Ocean. Asaba forms a connector between western, eastern and northern Nigeria through the Niger River from the north and via the Asaba Niger Bridge, an east-west link and a Nigerian landmark.
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