7 Facts About Ondo State Ahead of 2024 Governorship Election

7 Facts About Ondo State Ahead of 2024 Governorship Election

  • Ondo State, created in 1976, is a key agricultural hub in Nigeria, known for its diverse landscapes and rich mineral resources
  • The state is predominantly inhabited by Yoruba subgroups and features a vibrant urban center in Akure, the state capital
  • As the 2024 governorship election approaches, understanding Ondo's unique characteristics and economic potential is crucial for voters and stakeholders

As the 2024 governorship election approaches in Ondo State, it's essential to understand the region's unique characteristics and significance.

Legit.ng looked at seven key facts about Ondo State that highlight its rich history, diverse economy, and vibrant culture.

Everything you need to know about Ondo State ahead of the 2024 governorship election
Everything you need to know about Ondo State ahead of the 2024 governorship election. Photo credit: X/Impo53
Source: Twitter

1. Historical Background

Ondo State was created in 1976 from the former Ondo Province of the Western State. It is strategically located in western Nigeria, bordered by Kwara and Kogi to the north, Edo to the east, Delta to the southeast, Osun and Ogun to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.

Read also

Ondo 2024: 7 facts about Sola Ebiseni, Labour Party's governorship candidate

2. Geography and Environment

The state features diverse landscapes, including mangrove-swamp forests near the Bight of Benin, tropical rainforests in the central region, and wooded savannas on the gentle slopes of the Yoruba Hills in the north. This variety supports a rich biodiversity and numerous agricultural activities.

3. Agricultural Hub

Agriculture is the backbone of Ondo State's economy. It is Nigeria's leading cocoa-producing state, with other significant crops including cotton, tobacco, rubber, timber, rice, yams, corn, coffee, taro, cassava, vegetables, and fruits. Traditional industries such as pottery, cloth weaving, tailoring, carpentry, and blacksmithing also thrive here.

4. Mineral Resources

Ondo State is rich in mineral deposits, including kaolin, pyrites, iron ore, petroleum, and coal. These resources present significant opportunities for industrial development and economic growth.

5. Urban Development

The state capital, Akure, is rapidly evolving into a commercial and industrial hub. It hosts a federal university of technology and is known for its vibrant urban life. The Ikogosi hot spring and the historic Idanre Hills are notable tourist attractions.

Read also

Power of carbon market: Private sector leaders chart path for sustainable development in Africa

6. Political Structure

Ondo State operates under a democratically elected government, with a governor and a House of Assembly. The electoral system uses a modified two-round system, requiring candidates to secure a plurality of votes and over 25% in at least two-thirds of the local government areas to win in the first round.

7. Cultural and Religious Diversity

The state is predominantly inhabited by Yoruba subgroups, including the Idanre, Akoko, Akure, Ikale, Ilaje, Ondo, Ese Odo, and Owo peoples. There are also Ijaw communities in the southeastern swamps. The majority of the population practices Christianity, with minorities adhering to Islam and traditional Yoruba religions.

Ondo State's rich cultural heritage, economic potential, and strategic location make it a significant player in Nigeria's political and economic landscape.

As the 2024 governorship election approaches, these facts provide valuable insights into the state's dynamics and future prospects.

Facts about the top 4 candidates

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that as Ondo state prepares for a crucial governorship election on Saturday, November 16, voters are getting ready to head to the polls.

Read also

Four Nigerians win elections in US and Australia: Owolewa, Adeyina, Mobolade, and Barry make history

The Independent National Electoral Commission reports that there are over 2 million registered voters, with a significant portion being young people, making up 35.4% of the electorate.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Basit Jamiu avatar

Basit Jamiu (Editor) Basit Jamiu is a journalist with more than five years of experience. He is a current affairs and politics editor at Legit.ng. He holds a bachelor's degree from Ekiti State University (2018). Basit previously worked as a staff writer at Ikeja Bird (2022), Associate Editor at Prime Progress (2022), and Staff Writer at The Movee (2018). He is a 2024 Open Climate Fellow (West Africa), 2023 MTN Media Fellow, OCRP Fellow at ICIR, and Accountability Fellow at CJID. Email: basit.jamiu@corp.legit.ng.

Tags: