United Nigeria Airlines Marks 35 Years of States Created in 1991, Hails Economic Impact

United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has joined in commemorating the anniversary of several states created in 1991, describing their establishment as a landmark development that has helped drive economic growth, deepen regional development and bring opportunities closer to millions of Nigerians.

The airline particularly celebrated the states created during the August 1991 restructuring exercise under the military administration of former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), saying the states have grown into important centres of agriculture, manufacturing, energy, trade and commerce.

On August 27, 1991, the number of states in Nigeria increased from 21 to 30 following the creation of Abia, Adamawa, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi and Osun States, among others during the restructuring period.

Taraba State had earlier been created on August 1, 1991 from the former Gongola State, while Yobe State was subsequently carved out of Borno State, creating new administrative and economic centres across the country.

Speaking on the significance of the anniversary, the Chief Commercial Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Mr Adedayo Olawuyi, said the creation of the states represented a vision of decentralising development and ensuring that more Nigerians could participate in the country’s economic and social progress.

He said the states created during the period had, over the years, developed distinct economic strengths and become important contributors to Nigeria’s overall development.

“These 10 states represent something beautiful and profound. They were born from a vision of bringing Nigeria closer to its people, of saying to every corner of this nation: ‘Your voice matters. Your development matters. Your dreams matter,'” Olawuyi said.

According to him, the states have since fulfilled important roles in different sectors of the economy, ranging from manufacturing and commerce in the South-East to agriculture in the northern region and energy production in the Niger Delta.

“Since their creation, these states have developed into key economic drivers. Abia and Enugu, for instance, have emerged as manufacturing and trade corridors in the Southeast, while Delta has been pivotal to energy production in the Niger Delta.

“Edo is Nigeria’s leading palm oil-producing state, and across the North, Taraba, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kebbi, and Yobe are agricultural epicentres, complemented by Kogi’s position as a transit link connecting Nigeria’s geographic regions,” he said.

Olawuyi said the aviation sector also had a critical role to play in supporting the economic aspirations of the various states by improving connectivity and enabling people and businesses to access opportunities more quickly.

He explained that air transport was not merely about moving passengers between airports, but also about supporting commerce, investment, tourism, education and family relationships.

“In all of this, aviation remains central to sustaining these economies. When we fly a businesswoman from Enugu to expand her manufacturing business, we’re supporting the dreams that these states were created to nurture.

“When we unite families for celebrations in Benin or enable traders and students to reach new opportunities in Delta, we are promoting the vision behind the creation of these states,” Olawuyi added.

Taraba, which was created on August 1, 1991 and has Jalingo as its capital, has developed into an important agricultural centre, with its economy supported by farming and natural resources.

The state, according to the airline, continues to contribute to Nigeria’s agricultural production and food security.

Abia State, carved out of the former Imo State with Umuahia as its capital, has emerged as a notable centre of manufacturing, entrepreneurship and commerce in the South-East.

The state is widely associated with a vibrant network of small and medium-scale enterprises and has continued to strengthen its position as an important commercial hub.

Adamawa State, also created from the former Gongola State, has established itself as a major agricultural production centre, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s food supply chain.

Its large agricultural potential has made it an important part of efforts to boost domestic food production.

Delta State, created from the former Bendel State, has become one of Nigeria’s most important centres for oil and gas production.

With Asaba as its capital and Warri as one of its major commercial cities, the state occupies a strategic position in the country’s energy industry and contributes substantially to the economy.

Edo State, also carved out of the former Bendel State with Benin City as its capital, has maintained an important position in agriculture and the oil and gas sector. The state is also recognised for its historical and cultural significance as well as its commercial activities.

Enugu State has developed into a major commercial and industrial destination in the South-East, with Enugu city serving as an important centre for business and trade.

The state’s strategic position has also continued to support economic interaction within the region.

Jigawa State, created from Kano State with Dutse as its capital, has built a largely agrarian economy, supplying agricultural produce to markets across Nigeria and beyond.

Similarly, Kebbi State, created from the former Sokoto State with Birnin Kebbi as its capital, has developed as an important centre for agriculture and cross-border commercial activities.

Kogi State, created from parts of the former Kwara and Benue States with Lokoja as its capital, occupies a particularly strategic geographical location.

Situated around the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue, the state serves as an important link between different parts of the country and has significant potential in transportation, logistics and commerce.

Osun State, created from the former Oyo State with Osogbo as its capital, is known for its rich Yoruba cultural heritage, growing commercial activities and contribution to the economy of South-West Nigeria.

Yobe State, with Damaturu as its capital, has also developed as an important agricultural centre in the North-East, contributing to food production and other economic activities in the region.

United Nigeria Airlines said the anniversary was an opportunity not only to celebrate the creation of the states but also to recognise the progress they have made and their contributions to Nigeria’s development.

The airline maintained that stronger transportation networks, particularly efficient air connectivity, would remain essential to unlocking further investment and economic opportunities across the states.

It added that by connecting major cities and bringing people closer to business opportunities, aviation could continue to support the original vision behind the creation of the states – a Nigeria in which development and opportunity are more accessible to people across every region.