The South South region- commonly referred to as 'Niger Delta'- is arguably the richest and maybe the most blessed region in Nigeria. This is informed by the fact that majority of the crude oil resources upon which the nation's economy is driven, is derived from different states across this region. Nevertheless, the region is not just about crude oil alone as mineral and natural resources like rubber, timber, plywood, clay, iron-ore, limestone, etc are spread in abundant proportions in the component states.

However, amidst the vast resources of the Niger Delta, the peaceful ambience of its environs has often been interjected by varying degrees of uprisings- most notably 'militancy' and the recent infernal acts of blowing pipelines...nonetheless, all these have not made the Niger Delta lose its uniqueness and colour.

We shall now take a glimpse at each of the states in the South South region:

South South states: Akwa Ibom; Bayelsa; Cross River; Delta; Edo; Rivers.

AKWA IBOM

Akwa Ibom was carved out from Cross River state on the 23rd of September, 1987. The 'Land of promise' has it is fondly called, is currently the highest producer of petroleum resources in the nation; accounting for around 31.4% of Nigera's crude oil production. The state boasts of a wide range of good road networks and good infrastructures. Akwa Ibom is bounded by Cross River State to the east; Rivers and Abia states to the west and the Atlantic ocean to the south. With a population that is well over five (5) million, the state stands as one of the most populous states in the Niger Delta.
Some other facts
Governor: Udom Gabriel Emmanuel
Capital: Uyo
No. of LGAs: 31
Land area: 7, 081sq km
Tourist Attraction Centres: Ibom Plaza; Ibeno Beach; National Museum of Colonial history; Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Center; Amalgamation House; Lord Lugard's Residence.
Mineral Resources: lead, zinc, clay, limestone, lignite, coal, laterite, gravel, crude oil, silver nitrate.
Local delicacies: Edikang Ikong; Afang soup; Ekpang Nkukwo (Cocoyam porridge); Afere Ikon; Afia Efere Ebot; Asa Iwa (Cassava porridge); Asa Akpakpa (Corn porridge); Edesi Isip; Anyan Ekpang.
Ethnic groups: Annang; Ibibio; Oron; Andoni; Okkobor; Edet; Ibeno.

BAYELSA

Having been brought out from Rivers state on the 1st of October, 1996, Bayelsa could be regarded as the most nascent state in the Niger Delta. The state is deeply embedded in the south south region as it is bordered by Rivers state on the west; Delta state on the east and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. Furthermore, the state can be adjudged to be an island as it is completely encircled by water. With a population of about 1.9 million, it is the least populated of the south south states.
Some other facts
Governor: Henry Seriake Dickson
Capital: Yenagoa
No. of LGAs: 8
Land area: 9, 415.8 sq km
Tourist Attraction Centres: Oxbow Lake; Peace Park; Isaac Adaka Boro Monument; Oloibiri oil Museum; Mangrove Museum; Akassa Lighthouse; Edumanom Forest Reserve.
Mineral Resources: clay, gypsum, manganese, limestone, uranium, lignite, crude oil.
Local delicacies: Kekefiyai, Ignabeni, Dirima Berima, Obudu, Pulou fiai, Podo podo (cocoyam porridge), Kiri-Ignia
Ethnic groups: Ijaw, Kolokunu, Ekpetiama, Igbriran, Atissa, Biseni.

CROSS RIVER


Cross River state was originally created in the year 1967. The state is bounded northerly by Benue state; westerly by Ebonyi and Abia states; easterly by Cameroon and southerly by the Atlantic ocean and Akwa-Ibom state.
The 'people's paradise' is indeed a 'home of beauty' and this is seen in the picturesque landscapes present in the state. Cross River state has come to be the cynosure of all eyes and it could be forgivable to have considered this paradise, 'the most civilized' state in the south south. The different colourful festivals/carnivals- the Christmas Festival- further projects this state to the world.
Some other facts
Governor: Benedict Ayade
Capital: Calabar
No. of LGAs: 18
Land area: 20, 156sq km
Tourist Attraction Centres: Obudu cattle Ranch and Obudu Mountain Resort; Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary; Kwa Waterfalls; Agbokim Waterfalls; Tinapa Business Resort; Cross River National Park, Calabar slave Park.
Mineral Resources: kaolin, brine, crude oil, gravel, iron-ore, barite, feldspar, granite, limestone.
Local delicacies: Unam Ntong, Editan soup, Afia Efere soup, Ayan Ekpang, Ukwogho Etidot soup, Ukang Ukom, Edikang Ikong, Atama soup.
Ethnic groups: Efik, Bekwarra, Ejagham, Boki, Yala, Yakurr, Bahumono, Adim, Ekoi, Ekajuk, Bachere.

DELTA


Delta state is one of the states with a considerable high amount of crude oil output in the region. The state was created on the 27th of August, 1991 with Air Commodore Luke Chijiuba Ochulor (rtd.) being her first administrator. The state has a mix of core natives; Yoruba-like natives (Itsekiri and Olukumi) and the Igbo-like natives (Anioma) but the most dominant tribe in Delta state is the Urhobo ethnic group as it makes up about 50% of its population- the total being over four (4) million. Although the state capital is Asaba; Warri- which is the commercial base- appears to be the most popular city in the state: this might also be down [in part] to the fact that this very city has produced many top entertainers...Alibaba, Akpororo, Eric Arubayi and so on...plus as the saying goes: 'Warri no dey carry last'.
Geographically, Delta state is bounded by Edo and Ondo states to the north and west; Anambra, Imo and Rivers states to the northeast; Bayelsa state to the southeast and the Bight of Benin to the south.
Aside from being an oil-producing state; vast agricultural activities are engaged in and the land is also blessed with timber, plywood and rubber.
Some other facts
Governor: Arthur Okowa Ifeanyi
Capital: Asaba
No. of LGAs: 25
Land area: 16,842sq km
Tourist Attraction Centres: Araya Bible site; Abraka Turf and Country Club; River Ethiope water source; Otuogu Beach; Living history Museum; Kwale Game Reserve; Okpuzu Fall; Mongo Park Building.
Mineral Resources: kaolin, silica-sand, tar sand, iron-ore, decorative rocks, crude oil.
Local delicacies: Ofe Akwu, Ukhodo, Owgho soup, Ogbono soup, Usi (Starch), Oghwevwri, Iriboto, Okpariku.
Ethnic groups: Anioma, Isoko, Itsekiri, Izondjo, Ukwani, Urhobo.

EDO STATE


Edo state is one of the two states- the other being Delta- to have emerged from old Bendel state in 1991. The state is believed to be what is left of the majestic Benin Kingdom of the 15th century. This is a state with a rich cultural heritage and this could be seen in the transcendence of artifacts and relics down different generations. The state is known for its arts and crafts- bronze casting and woodworks and it is even commonplace to see the women of this land gorgeously adorning varying styles of beadworks. This is one state where the monarch is highly revered and accorded great honour.
The state could be said to be on the extreme of the Niger Delta- as it is the closest to the west- and being an 'inland' state; it is away from the coastline. The land is bordered by Kogi state on the north and east; Delta state in the south and Ondo state in the west.
Some other facts
Governor: Godwin Obaseki
Capitall: Benin
No. of LGAs: 18
Land area: 17, 802sqkm
Tourist Attraction Centres: Okomu National Park; Ogba Zoological Garden; Benin City Museum; Benin City Wall & Moat; NIFOR Estate; Gelegele Fountain; Somorika Hill; Casters & Crafts Center; Oba's Palace.
Mineral Resources: crude oil, limestone, marble, iron-ore, gold, clay, bitumen, crude oil, dolomite phosphate.
Local delicacies: Ogi soup, Omoebibi (Black soup), Omi Ukpoka (corn soup), Pepper rice, Owo soup, Umwonmwen, Ikhiavbor (Okro soup).
Ethnic groups: Ishan, Etsako, Bini, Ebirra, Okpamheri, Owan, Uneme, Igbanke, Ijaw, Emai.

RIVERS STATE


Rivers state is one of the two oldest states of the region- it was created along with Cross River State [upon the schism of the eastern region] in year 1967. The state [with a population of over 6.5 million] is most populous state in the Niger Delta. Rivers State definitely has a stake in the annals of Nigeria's oil exploration history as crude oil was first discovered in Oloibiri- although this settlement is now in Bayelsa. And in terms of industrialization; the state could be adjudged the 'most industrialized' in the region and could even stand as a major force or competitor with Lagos in the years to come.
The state is the furthermost southern state and its landmass is well punctuated by rivers, mangrove swamps and tropical rainforest. Rivers state is bounded by Imo, Abia and Anambra states to the north; Bayelsa and Delta states to the west; Akwa Ibom state to the east and the Atlantic ocean to the south.
Some other facts
Governor: Nyesom Wike
Capital: Port-Harcourt
No. of LGAs:
Land area: 11,077sqkm
Tourist Attraction Centres: Finima Beach; Biseni Forest; Upper Orashi Forest Reserve; Isaka Holiday Resort; Bonny Island; The Nature Park; Isaac Boro Garden Park; Rivers state Museum.
Mineral Resources: silica-sand, crude oil, clay, marble, lignite.
Local delicacies: Onunu, Odu fulo, Buru fulo.
Ethnic groups: Kalabari; Okrika; Ogoni; Ikwerre; Ibani; Opobo.

In conclusion, it is obvious that the Niger Delta is a land of vast resources and beautiful topography however years of exploration [of crude oil] has left the ecosystem of most of its communities in abjectness thus leaving the inhabitants in a hapless state. Therefore, it is necessary for the government- federal and state- to fashion out an effective way of speeding the development of the component states.