This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2017) |
Oyigbo, Obigbo | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 4°52′41.02″N 7°7′41.99″E / 4.8780611°N 7.1283306°E | |
Country | Nigeria |
State | Rivers State |
Date created | 1991 |
Seat | Afam |
Government | |
• Local Government Chairman | Nwaogu Akara (PDP) |
• Deputy Local Government Chairman | Juliana Ngozi Okorie (PDP) |
• Local Government Council | Ward 1: Kenneth Ogbuokwe (PDP) Ward 2: Nwogu Ihejika (PDP) Ward 3: Kenneth Enyeribeokere (PDP) Ward 4: Ekeke L. Nkemjika (PDP) Ward 5: Rejoice Nwankwo (PDP) Ward 6: John Chinedu Moses (PDP) Ward 7: Mrs Adele Goodness Nneoma (PDP) Ward 8: Felix Nwogu (PDP) Ward 9: Oyegorom G. Chukwudi (PDP) Ward 10: Amache Nwakanma (PDP) |
Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
National language | Igbo |
Oyigbo also known as Obigbo is a Local Government Area located in Rivers State, Nigeria. It is a town,[1] 30 kilometers from the Port city of Port Harcourt, 25km from the city of Aba. It's predominantly inhabited by the Asa people an indigenous Igbo people who are also found in Ukwa west L.G.A in Abia state and the Ndoki people who are also found in Ukwa East L.G.A of Abia state and Ukanafun L.G.A of Akwa ibom state
Sir Precious Oforji was elected Chairman of the Oyigbo LGA in 2008.[2] EZE Mike Nwaji was enthroned as the crowned traditional king of Obigbo in 1998.[3] The towns and villages in Oyigbo Local Government area include : Obigbo district; Asa, Komkom, Obeama, Obigbo, while for the Ndoki district they include Afa Uku, Afam, Afam Nta, Azusogu, Egberu, Mgboji, Mrihu, Obeakpu, Obeta, Obumku,Okoloma, Okponta, Umuagbai, Umuosi.[3]
Owing to the geographical location of Oyigbo, there was a contention between the neighboring States, Rivers State and Abia State as to which of the States should rightfully own the Oyigbo Local Government Area. After several deliberations between the two States involved, there was an agreement that Oyigbo should remain as a part of Rivers State.[4]
Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) operates an oil well in the LGA.[5] Eastern Network Gas Pipeline (Alscon pipeline) passes through Oyigbo in the north.[6]: 5 Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and the Rivers State Government under Gov. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi pledged to work together to restore production activities at the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC operated at Oyigbo Gas Plant.[7] On November 1, 2013, citing considerable health and safety risk to people, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC), JV shut down Oyigbo gas plant over encroachment on the right-of-way of gas pipelines.[8]
On June 28, 2015, SPDC JV's announced that its Afam VI located in Okoloma village of Oyigbo had delivered 20 million MWh of electricity into the national grid and created over 150 jobs.[9]
Oyigbo LGA is rich in deposits of crude oil and natural gas with several oil mining corporations operating in the area which contribute to the economy.[10] The LGA is a hub for fishing with the rivers and tributaries that constitute the area's hydrosphere being rich in seafood[citation needed]. Other notable economic activities in Oyigbo LGA include farming, trade, and crafts making.[11]
Oyigbo accommodates a number of businesses in her locality. A good number of establishments owned by individuals and government can be found in Oyigbo.[12] These establishments include but are not limited to hotels, industries, commercial shops, among others.
The average temperature of Oyigbo LGA is 25 degrees Celsius, and the region is home to numerous rivers and tributaries. According to estimates, the LGA has an average humidity level of 79% and an average wind speed of 12 km/h.[13][14][15]