Ihiala is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria, headquartered at the town of Ihiala on the border with Imo State. Located near coordinates 5.85° N, 6.85° E, the LGA covers approximately 310 km² and recorded a 2006 census population of 302,277, with a 2022 projection near 430,800. the township postal code is 431116, with neighbouring towns using codes from 431116 to 431125.
Towns and Villages
The LGA contains the following named settlements:
| Settlement | Settlement | Settlement |
|---|---|---|
| Amorka | Azia | Ihiala |
| Isseke | Lilu | Mbosi |
| Okija | Orsumoghu | Ubuluisiuzor |
| Uli |
Geography
Ihiala sits on the rolling plains of southern Anambra at 70–150 m elevation, bounded north by Nnewi South and Ekwusigo, west by Ogbaru, south by Imo State and east by Orumba South. The Ulasi-Orashi river system drains the LGA. Soils are red ferralitic and support extensive oil-palm cultivation.
Demographics
The 2006 census recorded 302,277 residents; the 2022 projection is 430,800. The Ihiala-Igbo sub-group is the dominant indigenous community, with strong diaspora ties across Nigerian commercial cities. Igbo and English are the working languages.
Economy and Local Life
Okija is the LGA’s largest commercial centre and hosts the famous Okija deity shrines that drew national attention in 2004. Uli was the wartime Biafran airstrip of 1968–70, a critical landmark in Nigerian history. Trade in palm oil, cassava and timber sustains the rural economy, while Madonna University at Okija has anchored a small higher-education economy.
Administrative Divisions
Ihiala contains ten autonomous communities: Ihiala (the headquarters), Amorka, Azia, Isseke, Lilu, Mbosi, Okija, Orsumoghu, Ubuluisiuzor and Uli.
History
Ihiala LGA was created in 1976 during the Murtala Mohammed–Obasanjo administration with Ihiala town as the headquarters. The wartime airstrip at Uli served as the principal Biafran lifeline during the Nigerian Civil War. Madonna University, Nigeria’s first private university, was founded at Okija in 1999.
Getting There
The Onitsha–Owerri expressway runs through the LGA from north to south, with both Ihiala and Okija sitting directly on the road. Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport (Owerri) is 25 km south; Akanu Ibiam International (Enugu) is 100 km north-east.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ihiala?
Ihiala is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria, on the border with Imo State and headquartered at Ihiala town.
What is the population of Ihiala?
The 2006 census recorded 302,277 residents. The 2022 projection is 430,800.
What towns are in Ihiala?
Ihiala contains ten towns: Ihiala (headquarters), Amorka, Azia, Isseke, Lilu, Mbosi, Okija, Orsumoghu, Ubuluisiuzor and Uli.
What is the postal code of Ihiala?
Ihiala postal codes range from 431116 (Ihiala town) to 431125 across the LGA’s ten towns.
What is Ihiala famous for?
Ihiala hosts Madonna University at Okija (Nigeria’s first private university, founded 1999) and the wartime Biafran airstrip at Uli, which served as the Biafran lifeline during the 1967–70 civil war.
When was Ihiala LGA created?
Ihiala LGA was created in 1976 during the Murtala Mohammed–Olusegun Obasanjo administration, with its headquarters at Ihiala town.
See a wrong or missing town? Report a problem with this list