The Concept of State Government – Basic 4 Social Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

What is the State Government?

The State Government takes care of an entire state. It is bigger than the Local Government but smaller than the Federal Government. It’s like the “middle” government!

Nigeria’s States

• Nigeria has 36 states
• Each state has its own government
• Each state has a capital city
• Examples: Lagos State, Kano State, Rivers State

Who Leads State Government?

The Governor 👔

• Number one leader of the state
• Lives in Government House
• Elected every 4 years
• Makes important decisions

Deputy Governor 🤝

• Helps the Governor
• Acts when Governor is away

Commissioners 📋

• Like ministers for the state
• Each handles different areas:
  1. Education Commissioner
  2. Health Commissioner
  3. Works Commissioner

State Assembly 🏛️

• Makes laws for the state
• Has elected members
• Approves state budget

What State Government Does

1. Education 📚

• Builds secondary schools
• Pays teachers’ salaries
• Provides textbooks
• Manages state universities

2. Health 🏥

• Builds state hospitals
• Provides ambulances
• Runs health programs
• Manages general hospitals

3. Infrastructure 🏗️

• Builds major roads
• Provides water supply
• Manages state electricity
• Builds bridges

4. Security 🚔

• Works with police
• Ensures state safety
• Manages traffic control
• Handles emergencies

5. Transportation 🚌

• Provides state buses
• Builds motor parks
• Manages airports (some states)
• Controls traffic laws

State Symbols

Every state has:

• State flag

• State motto
• State anthem
• Capital city

How State Government Gets Money

• Federal allocation
• State taxes
• Natural resources
• Business licenses

Remember!

State Government is like a big parent taking care of all the Local Governments in the state!

EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. Nigeria has _______ states.
2. The _______ is the leader of a state.
3. State Government builds _______ schools.
4. Each state has a capital _______.
5. The Deputy Governor helps the _______.

B. True or False:

1. Nigeria has 50 states. _______
2. Governors are elected every 4 years. _______
3. State Government builds primary schools only. _______
4. Each state has its own flag. _______
5. Commissioners help the Governor. _______

C. Match:

D. Circle what State Government provides:

• Secondary schools
• Birth certificates
• State hospitals
• Street lights
• Major roads
• Refuse collection
• State universities
• Market stalls

E. List:

Name 3 states in Nigeria you know:

F. Short answers:

1. Who is your State Governor?
2. What is the capital of your state?
3. Name one thing State Government built in your area.

G. Complete:

State Government is bigger than _______ Government but smaller than _______ Government.

H. Think and Write:

If you were a Governor, what would you do for school children?

I. Activity:

Fill in information about your state:

• My state: _____________
• State capital: _____________
• One thing I like about my state: _____________