Benin City facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Benin City
City
Benin
Aerial view of Benin City
Seal
Benin City Location in Nigeria
Country	Nigeria
State	Edo
Area
• Total	1,204 km2 (465 sq mi)
Population  (2016)
• Total	1,496,000
• Rank	4th
• Density	1,242.5/km2 (3,218.1/sq mi)
GDP (PPP, 2015 int. Dollar)
• Year	2023
• Total	$16.6 billion
• Per capita	$8,700
Climate	Aw

Benin City is a large and important city in southern Nigeria. It is the capital of Edo State. In 2006, it was ranked as the fourth-largest city in Nigeria, after Lagos, Kano, and Ibadan.

Where is Benin City?

Benin City is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the Benin River. It is also about 320 kilometers (200 miles) east of Lagos by road. The city shares borders with other major towns in Southern Nigeria, like Agbor, Oghara, and Ekpoma.

Climate

Benin City has a tropical savanna climate. This means the weather is hot and humid all year round. It often feels very cloudy, especially from July to September.

What Benin City is Known For

Benin City is a major hub for Nigeria's rubber industry. Palm oil production is also a very important business here.

The city was once the main center of the powerful Kingdom of Benin, which thrived from the 1200s to the late 1800s. This kingdom had strong trade links with Portugal for many years.

In 1897, British forces captured and burned the city. Many beautiful bronze sculptures from the Benin City palace, known as the Benin Bronzes, were taken by the British. After this, the British gradually took control of the area, making it part of Colonial Nigeria.

The native people of Benin City are the Edo people, also called the Benin People. They speak the Edo language or Bini Language. The Edo people are famous for their rich dress culture, especially their beads, body marks, bangles, and anklets. These beads often show royalty and are important during traditional weddings. They also farm crops like yam, plantain, and cassava.

History of Benin City

The Edo People and Their Kingdom

The Edo people are the original founders of the Kingdom of Benin. Their first rulers were called the Ogiso (meaning "King of the sky"). The land was originally known as Igodomigodo.

The first Ogiso, Igodo, was a popular and good ruler. After him, his eldest son, Ere, became king. Later, a power struggle happened between the last Ogiso's wife and his son, Prince Ekaladerhan. The prince was wrongly accused and sentenced to death, but the men sent to kill him let him go.

Prince Ekaladerhan went into exile and changed his name to Izoduwa, meaning "I have found prosperity." Meanwhile, in Benin, the elders searched for the banished prince. He refused to return because of how he was treated. Instead, he sent his son, Ọranmiyan, to rule in his place.

Ọranmiyan married a local lady named Ẹrinmwide, and they had a son. After some years, Ọranmiyan decided to leave. He called the land Ile-Ibinu, meaning "land of vexation," and said only a child raised in the local traditions could rule. This name later became "Ubinu," which the Portuguese changed to "Benin."

Ọranmiyan's son, Ẹwẹka I, became the first Oba (king) of the current ruling family. Around 1470, Oba Ẹwuare changed the name of the state to Ẹdo. Both the Yoruba and Edo traditions agree that Prince Ọranmiyan of Ife founded the Oba dynasty in Benin City.

The Benin Kingdom began to expand its power in the late 1200s under Oba Ewedo.

European Contact and British Rule

The Portuguese first visited Benin City around 1485. The city became wealthy in the 1500s and 1600s through trade within southern Nigeria and with Europeans. They traded goods like pepper and ivory.

In the early 1500s, the Oba sent a representative to Lisbon, Portugal. The King of Portugal then sent Christian missionaries to Benin. Even in the late 1800s, some people in Benin could still speak a mix of Portuguese. Many Portuguese words can still be found in the local languages today.

A Portuguese captain described the city in 1691 as "larger than Lisbon; all the streets run straight and as far as the eye can see. The houses are large, especially that of the king, which is richly decorated and has fine columns. The city is wealthy and industrious. It is so well governed that theft is unknown and the people live in such security that they have no doors to their houses."

Drawing of Benin City made by a British officer, 1897

On February 17, 1897, Benin City was captured by the British. This event, known as the "Punitive Expedition," involved a British force of 1,200 soldiers. They captured, looted, and burned the city after a previous British group was attacked.

During this expedition, many valuable "Benin Bronzes" were taken from the Benin City palace. These artworks include figures, busts, and groups made from iron, carved ivory, and especially brass. Many of these artifacts are now in museums in Western countries. In recent years, there have been calls for these artifacts to be returned to Nigeria. One famous piece, the Queen Idia mask, was used as a symbol for the Second Festival of Arts Culture (FESTAC '77) in Nigeria in 1977.

The capture of Benin helped the British colonize the area. It eventually led to the region becoming part of Colonial Nigeria. The British allowed the Benin monarchy to be restored in 1914, but the real political power remained with the British colonial government.

Nigerian Independence

After Nigeria gained independence from British rule in 1960, Benin City became the capital of the Mid-Western Region in June 1963. When the region was renamed Bendel State in 1976, Benin City remained its capital. In 1991, when Bendel State was divided into Delta State and Edo State, Benin City became the capital of Edo State.

Education

Benin City is home to several important schools and universities in Nigeria.

Some of the universities include:

• University of Benin
• Ambrose Alli University (located in Ekpoma)
• College of Education Ekiadolor
• Igbinedion University
• Benson Idahosa University
• Wellspring University
• Edo State Polytechnic (in Usen)
• Edo State University, Uzairue
• Auchi Polytechnic (in Auchi, Edo State)

There are also many secondary schools in Benin City, such as Edo College, Edo Boys High School, and Imaguero College. Vocational schools like Micro International Training Center also offer specialized training.

Environmental Challenges

Climate Change Effects

Scientists have observed changes in Benin City's climate, including increases in temperature, humidity, and rainfall between 1981 and 2015.

Flooding

Benin City often experiences flooding. Studies have shown this problem since at least 1993. Experts suggest ways to improve flood management, such as better control over building and land use. They also recommend community programs to help the city adapt and prepare for disasters. In June 2020, many people lost their homes due to city flooding. Residents blamed poor storm drains and a lack of ongoing flood prevention programs.

Urban Heat

The city itself is, on average, about 0.5 degrees Celsius warmer than the surrounding rural areas. This temperature difference is even bigger during weekdays.

Waste Management

A 2021 study in the journal Nature found that Benin City has not met the standards for waste management set by the Edo State Waste Management Board. The study surveyed many residents and found that most did not understand proper waste management or how it connects to issues like greenhouse gas emissions. Another study showed that most residents were unaware of the health problems caused by poor waste management.

Culture and Traditions

Benin City has many interesting attractions. These include the National Museum, the Oba Palace, and Igun Street, which is famous for its bronze casting and metal artworks. Other attractions are various festivals, the ancient Benin Moats (large ditches), the King's Square (also called Ring Road), and the city's traditional markets.

The Bini people are well-known for their bronze sculptures and their skills in art and crafts. Benin City is also home to one of the oldest ongoing monarchies in the world. Many festivals are held each year to celebrate historical events and seasons.

Festivals

The Igue festival is a popular annual event in Benin City. It marks the start of the new year and is a very important part of the local culture. People believe the festival renews the Oba Ewuare's special powers. It usually takes place between Christmas and New Year. The festival includes the Oba blessing the land and his people.

Benin City also hosts the Benin City Film Festival. This festival helps promote films made by local filmmakers and showcases works from new national and international filmmakers. It gives them a chance to connect with experienced people in the film industry.

Other Traditions

• Vadoo day: This event happens every January 10th and is observed by the people of Benin.
• Quintessence Film Festival
• Gelede Festival
• Waba Festival
• International Festival of the Dahomean Culture.

Bini Market Days

The "Bini" people have four special market days: Ekioba, Ekenaka, Agbado, and Eken.

Getting Around

Benin Airport serves the city. Five commercial airlines fly to it, including Green Africa Airways, United Nigeria Airlines, Aero Contractors, Arik Air, and Air Peace.

Notable People from Benin City

Suleiman Braimoh

Modupe Ozolua

Images for kids

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  Ameosa Motors

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  Baptist College of Theology

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  Baptist High School

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  Baptist Secretariat

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  Edo Specialist Hospital

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  Edo State House of Assembly

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  Endurance Education Centre

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  Investment House

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  Nigerian Television Authority

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  Oba of Benin Palace

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  Oredo Constituency Office

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  Ovia North East Line

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  Pension House

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  Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium

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  Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium

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  St. Patrick Catholic Church

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  St. Patrick Catholic Church

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  Welcome sign to the Oba of Benin Palace

See also

In Spanish: Ciudad de Benín para niños