Taraba | Nigeria

Taraba State is one of Nigeria’s 36 states, located in the northeastern region of the country. Often called "Nature’s Gift to the Nation", Taraba is known for its stunning landscapes, cultural diversity, rich agricultural base, and ethnic plurality.

Here’s a detailed look at Taraba State:

1. Geography and Location

Region: North East Nigeria

Capital: Jalingo

Area: Approximately 54,473 km² (one of Nigeria's largest states by landmass)

Boundaries:

North: Bauchi and Gombe States

West: Plateau and Nasarawa States

East: Adamawa State

South: Benue State

International Border: Shares a boundary with Cameroon to the southeast

Topography: Includes mountain ranges (Mambilla Plateau), valleys, rivers (notably the Benue River), savannah, and forested regions.

2. History

Creation: August 27, 1991, from the old Gongola State during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

The state takes its name from the Taraba River, which flows through the region.

Historically part of the old Kwararafa Confederacy and home to many pre-colonial chiefdoms and emirates.

3. People and Culture

Ethnic Diversity: Among the most ethnically diverse states in Nigeria—over 80 ethnic groups.

Major ethnic groups: Jukun, Mumuye, Kuteb, Tiv, Fulani, Wurkum, Chamba, Ichen, Jenjo, Ndola, and others.

Languages: Multiple indigenous languages; Hausa is widely spoken as a lingua franca; English is the official language.

Religion:

A mix of Christianity (dominant in many parts), Islam (especially among the Fulani), and traditional religions.

Traditional Rulers:

The Aku Uka of Wukari is one of the most prominent traditional leaders in Taraba.

Numerous other chiefdoms and emirates exist with deep cultural significance.

Festivals:

Nwunyo Fishing Festival (Ibi)

Purma Festival (Chamba people)

Various traditional dances, rites, and communal feasts that reflect ethnic identities.

4. Administrative Structure

Governor (as of last update): Agbu Kefas

Number of Local Government Areas (LGAs): 16

Key LGAs: Jalingo, Wukari, Takum, Sardauna, Bali, Donga, Ibi, Gashaka, Kurmi, Zing, Karim-Lamido.

5. Economy

Agriculture:

Taraba is primarily agrarian, with fertile land and a favorable climate.

Major crops: maize, millet, rice, cassava, groundnuts, beans, yam, sorghum, and cash crops like tea and coffee (especially on the Mambilla Plateau).

Notable for cattle rearing, especially by the Fulani.

Fishery is also significant, particularly along the Benue and Taraba rivers.

Minerals: Untapped potential in barite, limestone, uranium, bauxite, kaolin, and precious stones.

Tourism Potential:

Natural beauty of the Mambilla Plateau, Gashaka-Gumti National Park, and cultural festivals.

6. Education

Improving but still faces challenges, especially in rural areas.

Key Institutions:

Taraba State University, Jalingo

Federal University, Wukari

College of Agriculture, Jalingo

Several polytechnics, colleges of education, and health science schools

7. Tourism and Natural Attractions

Mambilla Plateau:

Located in Sardauna LGA

Nigeria’s highest plateau (over 1,800 meters above sea level)

Cool climate, green hills, tea plantations, and cattle ranches

Gashaka-Gumti National Park:

Nigeria’s largest national park

Rich biodiversity: home to elephants, chimpanzees, lions (rarely), and many bird species

Shared between Taraba and Adamawa States

Barup Waterfalls, Gembu Hills, and Donga River Basin

8. Infrastructure

Roads: Internal road network is developing but many rural roads are in poor condition, especially during the rainy season.

Transport: No major airport within Taraba; the nearest major airports are in Yola (Adamawa) and Jos (Plateau).

Power and Water:

Mambilla region has potential for hydro and wind energy development.

Basic public water and electricity services exist in urban areas like Jalingo, though rural access remains limited.

9. Politics

Multi-party democracy, with the PDP and APC as the dominant parties.

Known for ethnic and religious balancing in political appointments.

Has experienced intercommunal tensions in parts of the state, often involving disputes over land and traditional authority.

Prominent political figures include Danbaba Suntai (former governor), Darius Ishaku, and currently Agbu Kefas.

10. Challenges

Insecurity: Communal conflicts in areas like Takum, Wukari, and Donga; clashes between farmers and herders.

Poor Infrastructure: Especially roads, health facilities, and schools in remote areas.

Poverty and Youth Unemployment: Despite natural wealth, development has been slow.

Climate Change Effects: Erratic rainfall, deforestation, and land degradation in some zones.