Abeokuta

About Abeokuta

Abeokuta is the capital city of Ogun State, which is located in southwestern Nigeria. It is situated on both banks of the Ogun River, near a group of rocky outcrops in a wooded savanna; 77 kilometres (48 mi) north of Lagos by railway, or 130 kilometres (81 mi) by water. As of 2006, Abeokuta (comprising the two local government areas of Abeokuta North and South) had a combined population of 449,088. Its estimated population as at 2022 based on this definition was 735,000 inhabitants, although the city limits has sprawled into the neighbouring LGA of Odeda since the last enumeration exercise.

Abẹokuta lies in fertile country of wooded savanna, the surface of which is broken by masses of grey granite. It spreads over an extensive area, being surrounded by mud walls 29 km (18 mi) in extent. Palm oil, lumber, natural rubber, yams, rice, cassava, maize, cotton, fruits, and shea butter are the chief articles of trade. It is a key export location for cocoa, palm products, fruits, and kola nuts. Both rice and cotton were introduced by the missionaries in the 1850s and have become integral parts of the economy, along with the dye indigo.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA. Photography via Wikimedia Commons.