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Delta State, named after the Niger Delta, was formed on the 27th of August in 1991 when the old Bendel State was split into two halves, Edo State and Delta State.
The State, initially created with 12 local government areas, is bordered on the north by Edo State, east by Anambra and Rivers States, south by Bayelsa State and west by the Bight of Benin.
The 12 local government areas were later expanded to 19 and now 25, with the State capital located in Asaba.
Here are quick facts to know about Delta State at 33
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- Then Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, recognized Delta as a State in 1991 and chose Asaba as its capital.
- Of the 36 States in Nigeria, Delta is the 23rd largest in terms of area and twelfth most populous with an estimated population of over 5.6 million as of 2016.
- Delta State covers a landmass of about 18,050 sq km (6,970 sq mi), of which more than 60% is low-lying land with no remarkable hills.
- Delta has the fourth highest Human Development Index in Nigeria
- It is the second highest crude oil producing State in Nigeria, after Akwa Ibom State
- The State is predominantly inhabited by Okpe, Urhobo, Anioma, Isoko, Uvwie, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Ukwuani, Ika, amongst others
- The vast majority are Christian, with very few practising traditional religions.
- Delta has three Senatorial Districts: Delta South, Delta North and Delta Central.
- Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is the first person to become Governor of the State after serving as Speaker of the State House of Assembly
- The Executive, Legislative and Judicial Chambers are housed in Asaba with a Government House annex located in Edjeba
List of Administrators and Governors of Delta State
- Luke Chijiuba Ochulor – Military Administrator – 1991 to 1992
- Felix Ibru – Governor – 1992 to 1993
- Abdulkadir Shehu – Acting Administrator – November 1993 to December 1993
- Bassey Asuquo – Administrator – 1993 to 1994
- Ibrahim Kefas – Military Administrator – 1994 to 1996
- John Dungs – Military Administrator – 1996 to 1998
- Walter Feghabo – Military Administrator – 1998 to 1999
- James Ibori – Governor – 1999 to 2007
- Emmanuel Uduaghan – Governor – 2007 to 2015
- Ifeanyi Okowa – Governor – 2015 to 2023
- Sheriff Oborevwori – Governor – 2023 (Incumbent)