Anambra State is a Nigerian state, located in the southeastern region of the country. The state was created on 27 August 1991. Anambra State is bounded by Delta State to the west, Imo State and Rivers State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi State to the north.
The State’s Capital is Awka, while the State’s Largest City is Onitsha, regarded as one of the largest metropolis areas in Africa. In 1976, the state’s name was formed from the former East Central State. The state is named after the famous Omambala River.
Nicknamed the “Light of the Nation”, Anambra State is the 14th most populous state in the nation, although that has seriously been argued against as Onitsha, the state’s biggest and most populous urban area was discovered to be over 1.6 million in population as of 2022.
That said, in this article, we will take a quick look at some of the richest local governments in Anambra state. So, if this sounds like what you are interested in then this post is a must-read for you. Without wasting much of your time, let’s get started with what we have for today!
How Rich is Anambra State?
Many territories have big problems such as unemployment and low economic development, but there are such areas as Anambra State which the country can be proud of. Based on the 2018 report of the United National Global ‘poverty index,’ Anambra State became the second richest state following Lagos which has been named the first one.
It is believed that the poverty rate in Anambra State is one of the lowest in the country and is around just 11 percent. Secondly, the state is rich in oil and has about 4 million people, thus you can always find a job here and contribute to the local economic development as well as make your own living.
With that in mind, we are curious to know some of the richest local governments in this unique state which prides itself as the “Light of the Nation.”
Which is the Richest Local Government in Anambra State?
There are many local governments in Anambra State, including Nnewi, Awka, Onitsha, Anaocha, Ayamelum, Ekwusigo, etc. The state has about 23 local government areas. Since the whole state boasts many opportunities for developing and growing, the local industrial sector and private businesses stay strong on their feet and build cars, grow plants, manufacture various goods, etc.
The soils are arable in almost every corner of the state. Anambra has enough crude oil, ceramics, gas, and bauxite not just to survive but to be attractive to young people who dream about a good career and making enough money to support their families. So, what are the top 5 richest towns in Anambra State as of 2024?
Which is the richest town in Anambra State right now? Our selection of the most interesting cities in this area is based on our observations and on what people say. You’ll find out in the next section below. Continue reading!
Top 5 Richest Local Government in Anambra State
Here is a list of the top five (5) richest local governments in Anambra State as of the time of writing this blog post:
5. Awka
This is the capital of the state, and it has all the rights to be one of the richest local governments in Anambra State because it has all the possibilities to develop economically, build new jobs for citizens, and attract investments from all over Nigeria. The state’s capital generates billions of Naira all year round.
Awka is also the ‘heart’ of the country’s carving and metalwork industry. The place has several impressive higher educational institutions (both private and federal) that are known to graduate successful medical workers, businesspersons, and scientific geniuses.
4. Onitsha
It’s not a secret that Onitsha’s markets are known and loved by many Nigerians. People travel here from all across the country, from its deepest and furthest corners, and from neighboring states to make purchases and pour a lot of money into the local economy. Onitsha is famous all over Africa as the top market in the Western part of the continent. No wonder, this is one of the richest towns in Anambra State in 2024.
3. Ekwusigo
This place can also be called one of the top 5 richest local governments in Anambra State because Ekwusigo is a big urban city with enough natural resources to stay wealthy, become an industrial center, and remain one of the state’s commercial hearts.
Being the fourth urban town after the richest Nnewi, Onitsha, and Awka, this area is attractive to residents from across the state and Nigeria. Consisting of 9 villages, Ekwusigo has several resorts, many hotels, a big park, educational institutions, and other places for people to enjoy.
That is why a lot of people are happy to live and work here.
2. Ebenebe (Awka North)
While this town is very small and has around 45,000 people living there, it is located close to Awka. Thus, it can also be called one of the richest places in Anambra State because people from the capital Awka are only 25 km away. Ebenebe is favored by farmers and business people.
It is known as one of the top producers of staple crops and animals in the state. This makes it a big trading and agricultural center of Anambra. Now you know why the state is called the ‘Light of the Nation’ This is because of its abundance of local natural resources and fertile lands, giving Anambra residents additional chances to be rich, educated and stay proud of themselves.
1. Nnewi
Why do we believe that Nnewi is the richest town in Anambra state? Think about all the billionaires who originate from this small city, and you will also agree with this fact. So many famous and financially successful people were born or raised in Nnewi town that it has been easily considered to become the city of black billionaires.
Who can we recollect? Let us name a few of the wealthiest people from here. They are Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, Cosmas Maduka, Cletus Ibeto, Innocent Chukwuma, Ifeanyi Ubah, and many others. More so, many people call Nnewi the ‘Japan of Africa’ due to its rich people, developed industry, and famous plants.
Wrap Up
While there are so many rich towns, cities and local governments in Anambra State the five areas mentioned above make it to the top 5 richest local government areas in the state. And without a doubt, these places have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Eastern state over the years.
You may also be surprised to know that these areas have produced more billionaires in naira than most parts of Nigeria. This is likely due to Anambra State’s status as a popular business hub, with many entrepreneurs and businesspeople calling it home. It’s clear that Anambra State is an economic powerhouse in Nigeria.
