South-south Geopolitical Zone in Nigeria (Modern) – Basic 3 History Lesson Note (First Term)

What We Will Learn Today

• The states in the South-South zone
• The different peoples and their origins
• Modern developments in the South-South
• Important people from the zone today

The South-South Zone States

The Six States:

• Rivers State (Capital: Port Harcourt)
• Delta State (Capital: Asaba)
• Bayelsa State (Capital: Yenagoa)
• Akwa Ibom State (Capital: Uyo)
• Cross River State (Capital: Calabar)
• Edo State (Capital: Benin City)

Special Features:

• Near the Atlantic Ocean
• Has many rivers and creeks
• Rich in oil and gas
• Has forests and farmlands

Origins of South-South Peoples

Major Ethnic Groups:

1. Ijaw People

• Origin: Oldest people in the Niger Delta
• Where: Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States mainly
• How they lived: Fishing, farming, and trading by rivers
• Language: Ijaw language
• Traditional job: Fishermen and boat makers

2. Efik and Ibibio People

• Origin: Ancient people of Cross River area
• Where: Cross River and Akwa Ibom States
• How they lived: Trading with Europeans long ago
• Language: Efik and Ibibio languages
• Traditional job: Traders and farmers

3. Edo People

• Origin: Descendants of the great Benin Kingdom
• Where: Edo State mainly
• How they lived: Great kingdom with powerful kings
• Language: Edo language
• Traditional job: Artists, craftsmen, and traders

4. Urhobo and Isoko People

• Origin: Niger Delta ancient settlers
• Where: Delta State mainly
• How they lived: Farming and fishing communities
• Language: Urhobo and Isoko languages
• Traditional job: Farmers and fishermen

5. Ogoni People

• Origin: Ancient Rivers State people
• Where: Rivers State
• How they lived: Small farming communities
• Language: Ogoni language
• Traditional job: Farmers and palm wine tappers

Modern South-South Development

Oil and Gas Industry:

• Discovery: Oil was first found in 1956 at Oloibiri in Bayelsa
• Major cities: Port Harcourt became “oil city” of Nigeria
• Companies: Shell, Mobil, Chevron have offices there
• Jobs: Many people work in oil and gas companies

Important Modern Cities:

Port Harcourt (Rivers State):

• Nickname: “Garden City” and “Treasure Base”
• Importance: Center of Nigeria’s oil industry
• Features: Big port, international airport, universities

Calabar (Cross River State):

• Nickname: “Canaan City”
• Importance: Tourism and cultural center
• Features: Beautiful carnival, clean city, historic sites

Warri (Delta State):

• Importance: Major oil refining center
• Features: Big port for oil export

Uyo (Akwa Ibom State):

• Nickname: “Land of Promise”
• Features: Modern stadium, good roads, clean environment

Modern South-South People

Famous Leaders:

• Dr. Goodluck Jonathan: Former President of Nigeria (Bayelsa State)
• Chief Melford Okilo: Former Governor and elder statesman
• Senator Godswill Akpabio: Former Governor of Akwa Ibom
• Donald Duke: Former Cross River Governor, made Calabar beautiful

Business Success Stories:

• Aliko Dangote: Has big businesses in the zone (cement, oil)
• Jim Ovia: Founder of Zenith Bank
• Pascal Dozie: Successful banker and businessman
• Many oil company workers who became successful

Entertainment Stars:

• Ini Edo: Famous Nollywood actress from Akwa Ibom
• Genevieve Nnaji: Popular actress (though Igbo, works in Lagos/South-South)
• Sound Sultan: Musician from Delta State
• Traditional musicians who play Ijaw, Efik, and other cultural music

Modern Economy and Resources

What the Zone Produces:

• Crude oil: Most of Nigeria’s oil comes from here
• Natural gas: Used for cooking and electricity
• Fish: From rivers, creeks, and the Atlantic Ocean
• Palm oil: From palm trees in forests
• Rubber: From rubber trees
• Timber: Wood from forests

Modern Industries:

• Oil refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri
• Petrochemical companies
• Fishing industries
• Tourism (especially in Calabar)
• Banking and financial services

Modern Challenges and Solutions

Challenges:

• Oil spills that affect farming and fishing
• Gas flaring that pollutes the environment
• Youth unemployment despite oil wealth
• Infrastructure needs improvement in some areas

Solutions and Progress:

• Government programs to clean up oil spills
• Youth empowerment programs for jobs
• Better roads and schools being built
• Tourism development to create more jobs

What We Learned

• The South-South zone has six states rich in oil and gas
• Different peoples like Ijaw, Efik, Edo, and others have ancient origins
• The zone became important when oil was discovered in 1956
• Modern cities like Port Harcourt and Calabar are major centers
• The zone produces most of Nigeria’s oil wealth and has great potential

EXERCISES

1. Fill in the blanks:

1. The South-South zone has __________ states.
2. Oil was first discovered in __________ in Bayelsa State.
3. Port Harcourt is called the “__________ City.”
4. __________ was a former President from Bayelsa State.

1. Match the state with its capital:

1. Rivers State → Calabar
2. Cross River State → Port Harcourt
3. Edo State → Uyo
4. Akwa Ibom State → Benin City

1. True or False:

1. The South-South zone is rich in oil and gas. ( )
2. The Ijaw people are the newest people in the Niger Delta. ( )
3. Calabar is known for its beautiful carnival. ( )
4. The zone has only forests and no rivers. ( )

1. Choose the correct answer:

1. Oil was first discovered in Nigeria in (1956 / 1960 / 1970).
2. The Edo people are descendants of (Oyo / Benin / Ife) Kingdom.
3. Port Harcourt is in (Delta / Rivers / Bayelsa) State.
4. The South-South zone is near the (Sahara / Atlantic Ocean / Lake Chad).

1. Answer these questions:

1. Which ethnic group are the oldest people in the Niger Delta?
2. What are the main resources found in the South-South zone?
3. Why is Port Harcourt called the “oil city” of Nigeria?
4. Name two modern challenges facing the South-South zone.

1. Complete the information:

Rivers State:

• Capital: __________
• Nickname: __________

Cross River State:

• Capital: __________
• Famous for: __________

1. Think About It: If you lived in the South-South zone, what job would you like to have there? Why?

Zone of Wealth: The South-South zone shows how natural resources can bring both opportunities and responsibilities!