Enugu State is one of the historical states in the South East that is bordered to the north by the states of Benue and Kogi, to the east by Ebonyi State to the south by Abia state, and to the west by Anambra State.
Enugu state, best regarded as the coal city, is a beautiful state with a rich culture occupied by predominately the Igbos. Also, they are regarded as one of the top contributors to the nation’s GDP due to their natural resources and contribution to Agriculture.
Our today post would be looking at the local governments in Enugu state believed to be the wealthiest based on their contribution to the nation’s wealth.
Top 10 Richest Local Governments in Enugu State
Below are the richest local government in Enugu state and sources of wealth.
1. Enugu Local Government
Enugu is the capital of the prestigious state, and it is the richest local government in Enugu state. Apart from being a beautiful city at night and a city tourists like to visit in eastern Nigeria, it boasts various commercial outlets including the African car manufacturing company and the most popular beer producer, Innoson Group of Company and Nigeria Breweries PLC, respectively.
What is Enugu Known For:
It contains various manufacturing companies like:
- Innoson Group Company
- Anammco
- Juhel Nigeria Ltd
- Nigerian Breweries Plc
Tourist centers like
- Enugu Museum
- Enugu Gulf Club
- Opi Lake complex (The seven connected lakes of the reptiles)
2. Igbo-Etiti Local Government
Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area is one of the functioning and richest local governments in Enugu state headquartered in Ogbede town; It consists of 12 villages; Aku, Ikolo, Idume Ohodo, Diogbe, Ukehe, Ekwegbe, Umuna, Umunko, Ozalla, Ochima, & Ohebedim.
What is Igbo Etiti is Known For:
They are predominately farmers and palm oil producers. They are also known for producing the Igbo snack called “Okpa”, which is known as Bambara nut cake in English.
3. Awgu Local Government
Awgu Local Government Area is functioning and one of the richest local governments in Enugu state headquartered in Awgu town; it consists of smaller communities such as Amoli, Awgu, Agbogugu, Agbudu, Awgunta, and others.
What is Awgu Known For:
- It contains the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp.
- They are predominately farmers that cultivate mostly yams, cocoyam, cassava, etc.
- They also engage in palm wine extraction and quarrying activities in the town.
- They are also involved in livestock farming.
4. Nkanu East Local Government
Nkanu-East Local Government Area is a historical town headquartered in Amagunze comprising smaller and not fully advanced communities of Ihuopkara, Ogbahu, Oruku, Amauzam, Amechi-Idodo, Nara, Akpawfu (Akpofu), Owo, Nkerefi, Nomeh, and Ugbawka.
What is Nkanu East Known For:
- It is famous for its traditional masquerade called Ombaa
- Special wine tapping (Akwuru Apawfu)
- Cultivation of all types of palm oil produce (palm cannel, nut, and oil)
- Subsistence farming
5. Orji-River Local Government
Oji-River Local Government Area is one of the richest local governments. It comprises several communities such as Achi-Uno, Inyi, Ugwuoba, Akpugo-Eze, Oji-River (Urban), and Awlaw.
What is Oji-River Known For:
- The oldest and largest running leprosy rehabilitation settlement in the southeast.
- Oji River Power thermal plant
- Oji Rivre police college
- Mining activities (coal)
6. Udenu Local Government
Udenu Local Government Area consists of several communities and towns, such as Ezima-Agu, Obollo-Etiti, Obollo-Eke, Amolla, Igugu, Ezima-Uno, Obollo-Afor, Aba, Imilike-Uno, Umundu Orba, Agbodu, and Imilike-Agu.
What is Udenu Known For:
Udenu is known for its agricultural activities and mixed cropping. They also engage in mixed farming.
7. Nsukka Local Government
Nsukka Local Government Area is the most populated local government and among Nigeria’s top 3 richest local governments. It consists of towns such as; Nsukka, Ede-Oballa, Eha-Alumona, Umuabor, Okutu, Opkuje, Obukpa, Opi, Opi-Agu, Okpuje, Opi-Agu, Edem, Okpaligbo, Ibagwani, etc.
What is Nsukka Known For?
- Nusukka is the site of the historical and oldest university in Nigeria, The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- They are known for various commercial activities like trading, manufacturing, and food processing.
8. Igbo Eze North Local Government
Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area is headquartered in Enugu-Ezike and consists of Umuozzi, Ezzodo, Etteh, and Esodo.
What is Igbo Eze North Known For:
It contains a vibrant trade sector that hosts several markets like the Afor market, Eke-ozzi, and the Orie Umu-ozzi market
- Hunting
- Craftsmanship
- Farming activities (yam, cocoyam, cassava, and vegetables)
9. Ezeagu Local Government
Ezeagu Local Government Area is one of the richest local governments in Enugu state, consisting of communities such as; Aguobuowa, Olo, Umana Ndiagu Aguobu-Umu, Iwollo-Oghe, and more.
What is Ezeagu Known For?
Ezeagu is known greatly for its agricultural activities and palm oil production.
10. Udi Local Government
Udi is one of the richest local governments in Enugu state, located in the valley part of many hills in Udi.
Udi has five major clans which are Egede, Ogbluo, Ugwunye, Affa, and Akpakume-Nze
What is Udi Known For:
Udi is famously known for its hilly type of topography,
The Udi hills
The popular Awhum waterfall
Which Town Is The Richest in Enugu State?
Enugu being the capital of Enugu state is the richest town in the state. It is known for its resourcefulness and tourist centers which provide at least 27% of the state’s economic power. Apart from being the state’s capital of Enugu, the town is also home to Innoson Group Company where Nigeria-made cars are produced, Anammco, Juhel Nigeria Ltd, and the popular Nigerian Breweries Plc which provides thousands of jobs to citizens.
Who Is The Richest Man in Enugu State?
Senator Ike Ekweremadu is currently the richest man in Enugu state. Known to be a prominent politician in Nigeria, Ekweremadu is currently estimated to be worth 98 million dollars making him the richest man in Enugu state today.
However, recently, senator Ekweremadu was found guilty by the UK Court for organ trafficking and has since been under UK security, and as such we cannot determine if he is still the richest man in Enugu state.
Which local government is the largest in Enugu State?
According to the 2006 Census in Nigeria, Enugu North has about 243,000 population making it the largest local government in Enugu state. This population still stands true date as every source confirms that Enugu North is still the largest local government in Enugu state.
Read Also:
Richest Local Government In Cross River State
Conclusion
Enugu state is one of the eastern states fascinating and fulfilling to visit. You can visit Enugu State for a memorial vacation, and you won’t regret it.
