Delta State sits along Nigeria’s southern coast, with Asaba as its capital, set on the east bank of the River Niger. It was created on 27 August 1991, when the old Bendel State was split into Edo and Delta.
The state borders Edo to the north and west, Anambra and Rivers to the east, Bayelsa to the southeast, and Ondo to the west, with the Bight of Benin along its southern edge.
The Urhobo and Isoko together form the largest population block, followed by the Anioma group, which includes the Ika and Ukwuani peoples, and the Itsekiri, based mostly around Warri. Ijaw and Okpe communities live along the coast and rivers.
Oil and gas drive the economy here, as they do in much of the Niger Delta, with wells and flow stations scattered through the state. Farmers away from the oil fields grow oil palm, yam, and cassava, and fishing supports many riverside towns.
Nana’s Palace in Koko preserves the home of a 19th century Itsekiri trader who resisted British control of the river trade. The River Ethiope, said to be one of the deepest inland waterways in Africa, runs through Abraka, and the Niger Bridge at Onitsha and Asaba, finished in 1965, was for decades the only road crossing of the lower Niger.
Footballer Jay-Jay Okocha and comedian Bovi both come from Delta, along with businessman Tony Elumelu, former governor James Ibori, and novelist Ben Okri.
Asaba (Rural) is a community in Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, distinct from the state capital Asaba, which sits across the LGA line in Oshimili South.
Asaba is the capital of Delta State and the administrative center of Oshimili South Local Government Area, founded in 1884 and home to Stephen Keshi Stadium and Asaba International Airport.
