Awka
Awka (Igbo: Ọka) is the capital city of Anambra State, Nigeria. The city was declared capital on 21 August 1991, after the creation of Anambra and Enugu state, which moved the capital from Enugu to Awka (an administrative center since pre-colonial times). The city has an estimated population of 301,657 as of the 2006 Nigerian census. The both LGAs of Awka South and North had a estimated population of 430,200 in 2022. The city is located at 199.1 kilometres (123.7 mi), by road, directly north of Port Harcourt in the centre of the densely-populated Igbo heartland in South-East Nigeria.
Awka Capital Territory
Ọka Anambra State Capital City | |
|---|---|
Municipality | |
| Awka | |
From top to left to right: Unizik Gate, State House, Works Road, Awka Aerial view, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Access Road. | |
| Nickname: Awka City | |
| Motto: Sires of Smiths | |
Awka Capital Territory Location in Nigeria | |
| Coordinates: 6°12′25″N 7°04′04″E | |
| Country | Nigeria |
| State | Anambra State |
| LGA | Awka North, Awka South |
| Awka District LGA | Awka City
Awka, Amawbia, Adazi-Nnukwu, Agulu and Abagana OthersLGA Anaocha, Awka North Awka South, Dunukofia, Idemili North, Idemili South and Njikoka. |
| Awka Capital Territory | Territory
Core Areas Awka, Amawbia, and Umuokpu Linkage Adazi-Nnukwu, Agulu, ABBA, Abagana, Nri Kingdom, Amansea, Enugwu-Ukwu, Enugwu-Agidi, Isiagu, Isu-Aniocha, Mgbakwu, Nawfia, Nawgu, Nibo, Nimo, Nise, Okpuno and Umuawulu. |
| Settled | 9th Century |
| Incorporated City | 19th Century |
| Declared Capital | 21 August 1991 |
| Founded by | Nri Hegemony |
| Government | |
| • Type | State, Traditional, City Planner |
| • Body | Constitutional Monarchy, Executive Chairman |
| • Governor | Chukwuma Soludo |
| • Constitutional Monarchy and Traditional | Ézè Ụzụ, Igwe Gibson Nwosu |
| • Executive Chairman | Hon. Mbonu Uzoma Awka North Mr. Leo Nwuba Awka South |
| • Anambra Central Senatorial District Awka | Uche Ekwunife |
| • City Planner/ Management | Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) |
| Area | |
| • Municipality | 202 sq mi (522 km2) |
| • Water | 5 sq mi (12 km2) |
| • Urban | 419 sq mi (1,084 km2) |
| • Metro | 550 sq mi (1,425 km2) |
| Population (2022) | |
| • Municipality | 430,200 |
| • Density | 2,100/sq mi (820/km2) |
| • Urban | 2,171,900 |
| • Urban density | 5,200/sq mi (2,000/km2) |
| • Metro | 5,000,000 (estimated) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
| Climate | Aw |
| Website | https://awkatimes.com |
The West-East Federal highway links Lagos, Benin City, Asaba, Onitsha, and Enugu to Awka and several local roads link it to other important towns such as Oko, Ekwulobia, Agulu, Enugwu-Ukwu, Abagana and Nnewi.
Strategically, Awka is located midway between two major cities in Northern Igboland, Onitsha and Enugu, which has played a significant role in its choice as an administrative center for the colonial authorities and today as a base for the Anambra State government.