Abuja
Abuja is Nigeria’s federal capital territory. A team under the direction of Justice Akinola Aguda chose it as Nigeria’s new capital in 1976 as an alternative to Lagos, which experienced severe traffic congestion. Abuja, located north of the confluence of the Benue and Niger rivers, is centrally located, earning it the moniker “Center of Unity.” Nigeria’s Niger, Plateau, and Kogi states formed the city, which covers around 8,000 square kilometers.
The Gwari, Gwandara, and Bassa peoples originally inhabited it, and Zaria’s ruling Hausa family built it about the fifteenth century. The Fulani jihadists of the nineteenth century did not control the majority of the territory encompassing the new Federal Capital Territory. Despite many raids, the area now known as Abuja was never truly “Islamicized,” as the topography aided the anti-Fulani resistance.
However, with the introduction of colonialism, the territory came under the governmental control of the Sokoto caliphate. Although the majority of its residents practiced African traditional religion, many later converted to Islam and Christianity during the colonial era. Abuja’s vegetation is mostly guinea savanna. Farmers make up more than 85 percent of the traditional population. The city maintained its prominence until Nigeria selected it as its new capital. December 1991 saw the transfer of Nigeria’s center of power to the city.
This occurred following the attempted overthrow of General Ibrahim Babangida on April 22, 1990, by Major Gideon Okar and his companions. The coup attempt resulted in an attack and partial devastation of Dodan Barracks, Nigeria’s then seat of authority in Lagos. The desire to leave Lagos as soon as possible must have been a result of the coup’s instillation of fear. The rush that accompanied this exodus accelerated the creation of Abuja’s new capital city.
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The quantity of resources dedicated to it, combined with the speed of work, resulted in one of the world’s fastest-developing state capitals. The construction of the city, twice the size of Lagos, aimed to house 3.1 million people. The design of Abuja from the outset aimed to promote greater unity among Nigerians. All city residents may be entitled to citizenship in the Federal Capital Territory.
It also provided an opportunity for the authorities to address Lagos’ shortcomings, such as persistent accommodation and transportation congestion. Throughout the 1990s, Abuja experienced a significant influx of people from all over the country. This was primarily due to the relocation of most government ministries to the city. Civil servants and a rapidly expanding commercial community primarily populate the city today.
Nigeria’s restoration to democratic governance in April 1999 strengthened Abuja’s position as a hub of unity. The confluence of politicians from across the country has finally resolved the issue of its approval. Abuja is one of Africa’s most beautiful cities. The primary settlement hubs are Bwari, Garki, Gwagwa, Gwgwalada, Karo, Kubwa, and Kuje.Â
Abuja’s relatively new structures, contemporary architectural styles, extensive road network, and numerous parks and gardens enhance its beauty.
Aside from the numerous federal government ministries and offices and the growing number of business establishments, other notable features of Abuja include the presidential villa (Aso Rock), the Economic Community of West African States Secretariat, the International Conference Center, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, three five-star hotels (NICON, Sofital, and Sheraton), the University of Abuja, and the National Assembly Complex.
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