BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has celebrated the creation of states in 1991, saying they have played an important role in driving economic growth and development across Nigeria.
The airline, in a statement marking the anniversary, said the creation of the states was a major moment in Nigeria’s history as it brought government and development closer to the people.
On August 27, 1991, the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida increased the number of states in Nigeria from 21 to 30, creating Abia, Adamawa, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi and Osun.
Taraba had earlier been created on August 1, 1991, while Yobe was created shortly afterwards.
The Chief Commercial Officer of UNA, Adedayo Olawuyi, said the creation of the states had helped unlock economic opportunities in different parts of the country.
“These 10 states represent something beautiful and profound. They were born from a vision of bringing Nigeria closer to its people, of saying to every corner of this nation: ‘Your voice matters. Your development matters. Your dreams matter,’” he said.
Olawuyi said many of the states had since become important centres for agriculture, manufacturing, trade, energy and transportation.
He noted that Abia and Enugu had developed into major manufacturing and trading centres in the Southeast, while Delta had become a key player in Nigeria’s energy industry.
He added that Edo was a major producer of palm oil, while Taraba, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kebbi and Yobe had developed strong agricultural economies.
According to him, Kogi’s location has also made it an important link for the movement of people and goods between different parts of Nigeria.
Olawuyi said aviation was critical to keeping these economic activities connected.
“In all of this, aviation remains central to sustaining these economies. When we fly a businesswoman from Enugu to expand her manufacturing business, we’re supporting the dreams that these states were created to nurture,” he said.
“When we unite families for celebrations in Benin or enable traders and students to reach new opportunities in Delta, we are promoting the vision behind the creation of these states.”
Taraba, carved out of the former Gongola State with Jalingo as its capital, has grown into an important agricultural and mineral resources centre.
Abia, created from Imo State with Umuahia as its capital, has developed into a major manufacturing and innovation centre, while Adamawa, also carved out of Gongola State, remains an important agricultural producer.
Delta, created from the former Bendel State with Asaba as its capital and Warri as a major commercial city, plays a significant role in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and contributes substantially to national revenue.
Edo, also created from Bendel State with Benin City as its capital, is an important player in agriculture, oil and gas, trade and commerce.
Enugu has developed into a major commercial and industrial centre in the Southeast, while Jigawa has built an economy largely driven by agriculture.
Kebbi is known for agriculture and cross-border trade, while Kogi’s strategic location at the meeting point of the Niger and Benue rivers has made it an important transportation and logistics corridor.
Osun, created from Oyo State with Osogbo as its capital, is known for its cultural heritage and commercial activities.
Yobe, created from Borno State with Damaturu as its capital, has also developed agriculture as a major part of its economy.
UNA said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the contributions of the states and the people living and doing business in them to Nigeria’s economic development.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
