Etsako Central Local Government was created from Etsako East Local Government Area on 1st October, 1996. The Local Government finally took off in January 1997. The headquarters of the Local Government Area is Fugar, which is located about 200 km from the State Capital.
The headquarters of Etsako Central Local Government Area is located on latitude 06’ 29.35 East and longitude 70 04.738’ North at an elevation of 675 feet above sea level. It shares its borders with Esan Central and Etsako West Local Government Areas to the south, Esan North East and Esan South East Local Government Areas to the south, and part of Etsako West to the west. To the east, it is bounded by Kogi State and part of the River Niger. The region features fertile land and a diverse mix of savanna, swamp, and forest vegetation.
Etsako Central Local Government Area, spanning 703 km2, boasts fertile low-lying land, ideal for agriculture. Riverine communities feature mangrove swamp vegetation. Abundant natural resources including coal, mercury, crude oil, sharp sand, raffia palm, palm trees, white sand, gravel, sandstone, and gypsum are present in various communities. Regrettably, these resources remain largely untapped, hindering the area's industrial development potential.
Etsako Central Local Government Area thrives in agriculture, yielding a variety of products like fish, groundnuts, cassava, rice, yam, plantain, sugar cane, cashew, and tomatoes, all distributed to local and state markets. Its forested regions host valuable economic trees such as Obeche and Iroko. Notably, the area excels in producing export crops like oil palm, palm kernel, timber, groundnut, and cocoa. Additionally, a diverse array of fruits including cashew, coconut, mango, pear, cherry, and duca-nuts flourish in this agricultural haven.
Etsako Central Local Government Area is made up of a heterogeneous group of people who originated from different ancestral linages. All the communities have slightly different custom, culture and tradition. The Afemai language is spoken and understood by all.
The people of Etsako Central Local Government Area are celebrated for their culturally rich heritage, marked by an array of traditional festivals like Esi, Esali, Aduikukua Utepa, Eda-ogbake, Eda Ikpodo (fishing festival), Eda-Gbana, Otsa, Ibaki, Ukpe, Okhe, Esi age-grade, and Ikpelo. Their cultural expressions encompass captivating masquerades and traditional dances such as the Akodo cultural dance, Ilue-Emosi women's dance, Agbi dance, Izi dance, Ibokobia dance, Ogumogu Masquerade dance, and Ilo Dance, among others. Additionally, their unique heritage includes distinctive songs, mythology, shrines, funeral customs, folklore, traditional attire (men in AGBADA and SHOKOTO, women in BUBA and WRAPPER), cuisine, and vibrant social traditions.
There are two major religions - Christianity and Islam; which are practiced peacefully by the people. Traditional religion is also practiced.
As of the 2006 census, Etsako Central Local Government Area had a population of 94,575, with a near-equal gender distribution of 48,612 males and 45,954 females. Projected by the National Population Commission in 2018, the population was estimated to have grown to 132,194, fueled by a 2.83% annual growth rate. Spanning approximately 703 km2, the area maintains a population density of around 188 individuals per square kilometer.
Agriculture serves as the cornerstone of Etsako Central LGA's economy, encompassing crop cultivation, animal husbandry, and fishing. This sector plays a pivotal role, employing over 70% of the local workforce. The region's advantageous climate and fertile soil create a promising environment for agricultural growth. In addition to agriculture, the community diversifies its economic activities, encompassing commerce, block manufacturing, welding, cloth weaving, motor and motorcycle mechanics, sawmilling, fashion design, video rental, hairdressing, furniture crafting, and small-scale trade, among various other endeavors.
While tourism in Etsako Central Local Government Area is currently underexplored, it harbors a wealth of hidden gems. From the captivating Fugar Woods to the mystical Oghodoghodo Caves, the area's natural beauty is waiting to be discovered. With attractions like Akaze Rock, Uzuo River, Isoka Lake, Akhaiebade Water Falls, Aruli Rock, Arha-Ode Stream, and Okhuozibo Hill, along with vibrant fishing festivals, Etsako Central LGA has the potential to become a thriving tourist destination.
Etsako Central Local Government Area has a well-structured community and rulership framework. There are three clans with over 78 settlements. The settlements are divided into 10 political wards for election and political administrative purposes.
There are three clans in Etsako Central Local Government Area:
There are ten political wards in Etsako Central Local Government Area:
The 2006 population census figure puts the Etsako Central Local Government Area population at 94,575 in a close ration of male: 48,612 and female: 45,954
Agriculture, including crop farming, animal husbandry, and fishing, is the primary economic driver, employing over 70% of the population. The community also engages in diverse non-agricultural activities such as commerce, craftsmanship, and petty trading.
Etsako Central LGA, with its hidden gems like Fugar Woods and Akaze Rock, holds promising tourism potential, bolstered by Akhaiebade Water Falls and vibrant fishing festivals.
