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Ekiti

“Fountain of Knowledge”

Capital Ado-Ekiti
Zone South West
LGAs 16
Population 3,500,000
2026 Budget ₦415.6B
🏠 16 LGAs 📄 Budget 🕐 History 🏂 Tribes 📍 Postal Codes

About Ekiti

Ekiti State is located in the South-West region of Nigeria and is widely known as the Fountain of Knowledge due to its high concentration of academic institutions and emphasis on education. The state is largely hilly and scenic with a peaceful environment.
Historical Background
The Ekiti people are a distinct subgroup of the Yoruba nation, occupying the highland interior of what is today southwestern Nigeria. Their name derives from the Yoruba word "Okiti" meaning hills or hillocks, a direct reference to the granite inselbergs and undulating terrain tha… Read full history →

Explore Ekiti State

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16 LGAs
Local Govts
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State Budget
2026: ₦415.6B
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State History
Created 1996
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Tribes
Ethnic groups
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State Map
Interactive map
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Postal Codes
All LGA codes
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Officials
Governor & reps
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Elections
Gov election history

Quick Facts — Ekiti

Official nameEkiti
Capital city Ado-Ekiti
Slogan / MottoFountain of Knowledge
Geo-political zone South West
Local govt areas 16 LGAs →
Population (census) 3,500,000
Population density 551 / km²
Total area 6,353 km²
First governor Brigadier Oluwole Rotimi (as military administrator)
2026 budget ₦415.6B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Ekiti

The capital city of Ekiti State is Ado-Ekiti. It is the seat of the Ekiti State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Ekiti State has 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own elected council and chairman responsible for grassroots governance, primary education and community infrastructure.
According to the National Population Commission, Ekiti State has a population of 3,500,000. The state capital Ado-Ekiti is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 551 persons per km².
Ekiti State is in the South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.
Ekiti State was created in 1996. The first governor was Brigadier Oluwole Rotimi (as military administrator). Learn more on the Ekiti State History page.
The Ekiti State budget for 2026 is ₦415.6B. See the full breakdown on the Ekiti State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Ekiti State covers a total land area of 6,353 km². With a population density of 551 people per km².

Economy of Ekiti

The economy of Ekiti State is mainly driven by agriculture, education, and small-scale trade. Key agricultural products include cocoa, yam, cassava, and rice. The state also benefits significantly from its large student and academic population.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 3.5 million. The state is predominantly Yoruba with a strong cultural identity and high literacy rate compared to many other states in Nigeria.
3,500,000
Population
6,353
Area km²
551
Per km²
16
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Ekiti

Ekiti State is known for its beautiful landscapes, hills, and waterfalls. Popular attractions include Ikogosi Warm Springs, Arinta Waterfalls, and Fajuyi Memorial Park. Traditional festivals and Yoruba cultural heritage are also widely celebrated.

Local Government Areas in Ekiti

16 LGAs

Ado Ekiti
HQ: Ado Ekiti
308,621
Population

Contains Ado Ekiti, the state capital. Home to Ekiti State University and major state government institutions.

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Efon
HQ: Efon-Alaaye
65,000
Population

Known for the Efon people and cocoa farming. Small LGA in southern Ekiti bordering Osun State.

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Ekiti East
HQ: Omuo-Ekiti
87,000
Population

Known for cocoa, kola nut and the Omuo kingdom. Agricultural LGA in central Ekiti.

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Ekiti South West
HQ: Ikere-Ekiti
163,000
Population

Home to Ikere, known for the Ogoga of Ikere and Federal Polytechnic Ikere. Major educational town.

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Ekiti West
HQ: Aramoko-Ekiti
95,000
Population

Known for the Ekiti West kingdom and cocoa, kola nut farming. Granite quarrying is also significant.

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Emure
HQ: Emure-Ekiti
58,000
Population

Small LGA known for the Emure kingdom and cocoa farming. Borders Ondo State in eastern Ekiti.

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Gbonyin
HQ: Ode-Ekiti
105,000
Population

Known for cocoa, yam and kola nut farming. The Ode kingdom is an important traditional institution.

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Ido-Osi
HQ: Ifaki-Ekiti
96,000
Population

Known for Ifaki, a growing educational centre with Federal University Oye-Ekiti campus nearby.

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Ijero
HQ: Ijero-Ekiti
120,000
Population

Known for the Elekole of Ikole and major cocoa production. Important agricultural and commercial LGA.

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Ikere
HQ: Ikere-Ekiti
161,000
Population

Known for the Ogoga of Ikere kingdom and Federal Polytechnic Ikere. Major educational and cultural centre.

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Ikole
HQ: Ikole-Ekiti
190,000
Population

Known for the Oloye of Ikole and kola nut farming. Important commercial LGA in northern Ekiti.

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Ilejemeje
HQ: Iye-Ekiti
42,000
Population

Smallest LGA in Ekiti, known for the Iye kingdom and cocoa farming. Remote LGA in eastern Ekiti.

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Irepodun/Ifelodun
HQ: Ilawe-Ekiti
122,000
Population

Known for the Alaye of Ilawe kingdom and cocoa farming. Important commercial junction LGA.

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Ise/Orun
HQ: Ise-Ekiti
78,000
Population

Known for the Olomu of Ise kingdom and cocoa, yam farming. Borders Ondo State.

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Moba
HQ: Otun-Ekiti
93,000
Population

Known for the Olotun of Otun kingdom and cocoa farming. Agricultural LGA in northern Ekiti.

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Oye
HQ: Oye-Ekiti
108,000
Population

Home to Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE). Growing educational hub in northern Ekiti.

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History of Ekiti State

The Ekiti people are a distinct subgroup of the Yoruba nation, occupying the highland interior of what is today southwestern Nigeria. Their name derives from the Yoruba word "Okiti" meaning hills or hillocks, a direct reference to the granite inselbergs and undulating terrain that characterise their…
Historical Kingdoms: Ekiti kingdoms (16 traditional kingdoms), Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Orangun of Ila, Ooni of Ife (neighbouring)
🕐 Read Full History of Ekiti →

2026 Appropriation

₦415.6B
Total Budget — Ekiti State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Ekiti State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Ekiti State under Governor Biodun Oyebanji totals ₦415.6B. The budget details include capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal allocation (FAAC) and sector allocations covering education, health, infrastructure, security and agriculture.

See full budget details, sector allocations and year-on-year comparison →

Compare State Budgets

See how Ekiti State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →