How all states in Nigeria Got their names

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Imo

Just like many of the Nigerian states, Imo took its name from the popular river, Imo Mmiri.

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Jigawa

Jigawa takes inspiration from its distinctively golden-coloured soil.

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Kaduna

'Kadunas' is the plural form of crocodile in Hausa. The state therefore got its name from the many crocodiles in Kaduna River

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Kano

Kano was the name of a blacksmith from the Gaya tribe who settled in the area while sourcing for ironstone. The state was named after him.

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Katsina

The state was named after the wife of a popular local ruler known as Janzama. Her name was Katsina

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Kebbi

It is said that Kebbi was named after the Ka'abba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

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Kogi

Since the popular confluence in Nigeria is located in the state, Kogi is said to have been derived from 'kogin', the hausa word for river.

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Kwara

River Niger used to be called River Kwara by the Nupes at the Northern border of the state. The state was named after this.

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Lagos

In 1472, the first set of Europeans to set foot in Lagos were the Portuguese. Due to the many lagoons and rivers in the town, they named it Lagos, which is the Portuguese word for 'lakes'.

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Nasarawa

Nasarawa is a native word for 'victorious'. The state was named by the founder of Nasarawa kingdom, Makama Dogo

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Niger

This was named after the River Niger.

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Ogun

This state was also named after a river — Ogun River.

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Ondo

Ondo is a word used for settlers. The state was named after the settlers of the old Ondo Kingdom

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Osun

This state was also named after a river — the River Osun.

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Oyo

The state was named after the Old Oyo empire.

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