United Nigeria Airlines Celebrates 1991 States, Says They Have Become Key Drivers Of Nigeria’s Economy 

United Nigeria Airlines, UNA, has commemorated the creation of 10 states in August 1991, describing the exercise as a defining moment that unlocked new economic potential across Nigeria.

On August 27, 1991, the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, increased the number of states from 21 to 30. Taraba was created earlier on August 1, 1991, followed by Abia, Adamawa, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, and Osun on August 27. Yobe State was created shortly afterwards, bringing the total to 30 and establishing new economic and administrative hubs across the country.

Speaking on the milestone, United Nigeria Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, Adedayo Olawuyi, said the creation of the states was about inclusion and 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 stated.

He noted that 34 years later, the states have grown into major economic drivers in their respective regions.

According to Olawuyi, Abia and Enugu have emerged as manufacturing and trade corridors in the Southeast, while Delta remains pivotal to energy production in the Niger Delta. Edo has become Nigeria’s leading palm oil-producing state.

Across the North, Taraba, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kebbi, and Yobe have developed into agricultural epicentres, while Kogi’s strategic location at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers makes it a critical transit and logistics link connecting Nigeria’s geographic regions.

“In all of this, aviation remains central to sustaining these economies,” he added. “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.”

UNA highlighted the contributions of each state since creation:

– Taraba – Carved out of Gongola on August 1, 1991, with Jalingo as capital. Now a key centre for agriculture and mineral resources, contributing to food security and industry.

– Abia – Created August 27 from Imo, with Umuahia as capital. Has grown into one of Nigeria’s manufacturing hubs and a centre of innovation.

– Adamawa – Created August 27 from Gongola. A major agricultural production centre vital to Nigeria’s food supply chain.

– Delta – Created August 27 from Bendel, with Asaba and Warri as major cities. The hub of Nigeria’s energy sector and a significant revenue contributor to national development.

– Edo – Created August 27 from Bendel, with Benin City as capital. A leading player in oil, gas and agriculture, especially palm oil.

– Enugu – Created August 27. An industrial hub and trade centre in the Southeast, with Enugu city serving as a major commercial destination.

– Jigawa – Created August 27 from Kano, with Dutse as capital. An agrarian economy supplying products to national and international markets.

– Kebbi – Created August 27 from Sokoto, with Birnin Kebbi as capital. A centre for agriculture and cross-border trade.

– Kogi – Created August 27 from parts of Kwara and Benue, with Lokoja as capital. Its confluence location makes it a strategic logistics link.

– Osun – Created August 27 from Oyo, with Osogbo as capital. Known for rich Yoruba culture and thriving commercial activities.

– Yobe – Created shortly after August 27 from Borno, with Damaturu as capital. Has developed into an important agricultural centre.

United Nigeria Airlines said it remains committed to connecting these states and supporting the economic vision that inspired their creation, by providing safe and reliable air travel that links businesses, families and opportunities across Nigeria.