Rivers State

Rivers State, also known as Rivers, is a state in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria (Old Eastern Region). Formed in 1967, when it was split from the former Eastern Region, Rivers State borders include Imo and Anambra to the north, Abia and Akwa Ibom to the east, and Bayelsa and Delta to the west.The State capital, Port Harcourt, is a metropolis that is considered to be the commercial center of the Nigerian oil industry.

With a population of 5,198,716 as of the 2006 census and 7,492,366 in 2023, Rivers State is the 7th most populous state in Nigeria. Rivers State is a diverse state that is home to many ethnic groups: Igbo, Ijaw, Ogoni, Ikwerre, Ogba, Ekpeye, and Kalabari. The state is particularly noted for its linguistic diversity, with 28 indigenous languages and dialects being said to be spoken in Rivers State, these include Igbo languages, Ijaw, Ikwerre and Ogoni,. Rivers State is the 26th largest state by area, and its geography is dominated by the numerous rivers that flow through it, including the Bonny River.

The economy of Rivers State is dominated by the state's booming petroleum industry. Although the rise of the oil industry has led to increased revenue for the state government, mismanagement and corruption have prevented the state from rapid development and meaningfully tackling poverty. During the 2000s, Rivers State saw a rise in the number of cult killings committed within the state. In 2019, Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike declared Rivers State to be a Christian state.

Rivers State is considered one of the fastest-growing states in terms of modern infrastructure and urbanization in the country.