The 36 states and their slogans show how each part of Nigeria tells its own story. A state slogan is more than a catchy phrase. It is a short line that reflects identity, culture, and pride. It can highlight history, celebrate natural resources, or promote tourism by showing what makes a state stand out.
In this guide, you will find the complete list of all 36 Nigerian states and their slogans. Whether you are looking for quick information, cultural insight, or a refresher, this list is a clear and useful starting point.
What are State Slogans?
State slogans are short phrases that capture the identity of a place. They are designed to highlight what a state is proud of. A slogan works almost like a brand tagline, giving a quick snapshot of what the state stands for.
It is important to note the difference between an official slogan and a popular nickname. An official slogan is usually created and approved by the government. A popular nickname, on the other hand, grows naturally among the people. It may not be formally recognized, but it sticks because it reflects how citizens or outsiders view the state.
ALSO READ: The Nigerian Navy: A Breakdown of Their Ranks and Salary
Complete List of the 36 States, Their Capitals, Slogans and Year of Creation
| STATE | CAPITAL | SLOGAN | YEAR OF CREATION |
| Abia | Umuahia | God’s Own State | 1991 |
| Adamawa | Yola | Land of Beauty | 1991 |
| Akwa Ibom | Uyo | Land of Promise | 1987 |
| Anambra | Awka | Light of the Nation | 1991 |
| Bauchi | Bauchi | Pearl of Tourism | 1976 |
| Bayelsa | Yenagoa | Glory of All Lands | 1996 |
| Benue | Makurdi | Food Basket of the Nation | 1996 |
| Borno | Maiduguri | Home of Peace | 1976 |
| Cross River | Calabar | The People’s Paradise | 1967 |
| Delta | Asaba | The Big Heart | 1991 |
| Ebonyi | Abakaliki | Salt of the Nation | 1996 |
| Edo | Benin City | Heartbeat of the Nation | 1991 |
| Ekiti | Ado-Ekiti | Fountain of Knowledge | 1996 |
| Enugu | Enugu | Coal City State | 1991 |
| Gombe | Gombe | Jewel in the Savannah | 1996 |
| Imo | Owerri | Eastern Heartland | 1976 |
| Jigawa | Dutse | The New World | 1991 |
| Kaduna | Kaduna | Centre of Learning | 1967 |
| Kano | Kano | Centre of Commerce | 1967 |
| Katsina | Katsina | Home of Hospitality | 1987 |
| Kebbi | Birnin Kebbi | Land of Equity | 1991 |
| Kogi | Lokoja | Confluence State | 1991 |
| Kwara | Ilorin | State of Harmony | 1967 |
| Lagos | Ikeja | Centre of Excellence | 1967 |
| Nasarawa | Lafia | Home of Solid Minerals | 1996 |
| Niger | Minna | The Power State | 1976 |
| Ogun | Abeokuta | Gateway State | 1976 |
| Ondo | Akure | Sunshine State | 1976 |
| Osun | Osogbo | Land of Virtue | 1991 |
| Oyo | Ibadan | Pace Setter State | 1991 |
| Plateau | Jos | Home of Peace and Tourism | 1976 |
| Rivers | Port Harcourt | Treasure Base of the Nation | 1967 |
| Sokoto | Sokoto | Seat of the Caliphate | 1976 |
| Taraba | Jalingo | Nature’s Gift to the Nation | 1991 |
| Yobe | Damaturu | Pride of the Sahel | 1991 |
| Zamfara | Gusau | Farming is Our Pride | 1996 |
| FCT (Abuja) | Abuja | Centre of Unity |
How State Slogans Are Used
State slogans in Nigeria go beyond being catchy lines. They play an active role in different areas of public life and national identity.
1. Government Branding
Many state governments use slogans on official documents, websites, and campaigns. They appear on signboards, letterheads, and public projects to reinforce a sense of identity and continuity
2. Tourism Promotions
Slogans are central to attracting visitors. A state like Cross River promotes “The People’s Paradise” in tourism ads, while Plateau relies on “Home of Peace and Tourism.” These phrases serve as quick, memorable tags that sell the state’s unique attractions to Nigerians and foreigners alike.
3. Education and National Competitions
In schools, pupils learn the 36 states and their slogans as part of civic education. Slogans also appear in inter-school debates, quiz competitions, and even during events like NYSC orientation, where knowledge of Nigeria’s diversity is celebrated. This helps young people connect with national identity early on.
Through these uses, state slogans continue to shape how Nigerians view their states and how the states present themselves to the wider world.
ALSO READ: The Nigerian Air Force Ranks and Salary Structure
4 Questions Nigerians ask about the 36 States and their Slogans
1. What’s the oldest state slogan?
The oldest widely recognized Nigerian state slogan is “Centre of Excellence,” adopted by Lagos State not long after its creation in 1967. Over time, other states followed with their own slogans, but Lagos remains the pioneer with one of the most enduring and popular slogans.
2. Why does Nigeria have 36 states?
Nigeria has 36 states because the country went through a series of state creations between 1967 and 1996. The military governments of the time divided the regions into smaller units to promote balance, reduce ethnic tensions, and bring governance closer to the people. What started as 3 main regions in 1960 grew into 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory, making administration and representation more inclusive.
3. What is meant by slogan?
A slogan is a short, memorable phrase used to represent an idea, product, or identity. For Nigerian states, slogans act as identity markers that highlight a state’s culture, pride, natural resources, or values. For example, Benue is called “Food Basket of the Nation” to reflect its rich farmlands and agricultural output.
4. Who created 36 states in Nigeria and what year?
The creation of 36 states in Nigeria was carried out by different military leaders over time. General Yakubu Gowon started the process in 1967, when he replaced the 4 regions with 12 states. Later, General Murtala Mohammed, General Olusegun Obasanjo, General Ibrahim Babangida, and General Sani Abacha added more. The final structure of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) was completed in 1996 under General Abacha.
Conclusion
State slogans may be short, but they carry a lot of meaning. They highlight identity, celebrate culture, and showcase what each state wants the world to remember it for. From tourism and government branding to school lessons and everyday conversations, these slogans remain part of Nigeria’s story.
Whether you are a student preparing for exams, a traveler exploring Nigeria, or someone who enjoys quizzes and trivia, having all 36 states and their slogans in one place makes it easier to learn and remember. They also serve as a reminder of the diversity and pride that hold the country together.
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to bookmark this page for quick reference anytime.
ALSO READ: National Anthem of Nigeria: Full Lyrics and Everything You Need to Know
