Taraba is a state in north-eastern Nigeria, named after the Taraba River, which traverses the southern part of the state. It is known as "Nature's Gift to the Nation". Taraba state’s capital is Jalingo.
Map of Taraba State in Nigeria
Historical Background
Taraba state was created out of the former Gongola state on 27 August 1991 by the military government of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
Ethnic Diversity
The state is ethnologically heterogeneous with more than 100 ethnic groups. The state's main ethnic groups are the Jukun, Jenjo, Fulani, Mumuye, Mambilla, Kuteb, Karimjo Wurkun, Tiv, Yandang, Ndola, Ichen, Tigon, and Jibu. The northern part is mainly dominated by the Fulani, Mumuye, and Sho. The southern part is dominated by the Jukun, Wurkum, Tiv, Chamba, Kuteb, and Ichen. The central region is mainly occupied by the Fulani, Mambilla, Ndola, Tigon, Jibu, Wurbo, and Daka people.
Some of the languages spoken in Taraba include: Fulfulde; Dadiya; Dza; Jiba; Sho (bandawa); Jiru; kodei; Kulung; Kyak; Laka; Munga Lelau; Loo; Mághdì; Mak; Munga Doso; Mumuye; Nyam; Pangseng; Wurkun-Anphandi; Shoo-Minda-Nye; Yandang; Hõne; Kwa; Pero.
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The Jukun-Kona address themselves as Jiba and speak the Jiba dialect. They trace their origin to the Middle East, precisely Yemen. From Yemen, they migrated to Egypt and then to the Chad Basin where they settled at Ngazargamu (Bornu State of Nigeria) with the Kanuri people. Tussle for dynastic succession led to their disintegration with the Kanuri.
Geography and Climate
The Benue, Donga, Taraba and Ibi are the main rivers in the state.
The climate of Taraba state is marked by an annual average temperature of 33°C, with a notable high degree of coldness in January and an increased rainfall in August. The percentage of rainfall in Taraba state is 40.35% with 54.98% of relative humidity.
Taraba has vast landmass of about 59,400 square kilometers which lies roughly between latitude 6.30 and 9.36 Northern longitude 9.10 and 11.50 East located in the North geopolitical region of Nigeria. The state topography comprises undulating plains and raising hills with five vegetation zones unique to it compared to any other part of the county. These diverse five vegetations are: Sudan Savannah, Guinea Savannah, Derived Savannah, and High Forest Montane Forest.
The climate is distinctively characterized by two seasons which are rainy and dry. The rainy seasons which lasts between November and March, often marked from through October, which the dry season last between November and March, often marked by severe harmattan between January and February. The highest point in the state Mambila Plateau in Sardauna local government area which stands at well over 1,830 meters above sea level and noted to be the highest point in Nigeria.
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The major towns in Taraba state include Jalingo which is the state capital, Wukari, Takum, Gembu, Zing, Bali, Donbga, Mutum, Biyu and Karim-Lamido.
Government and Administration
Taraba State consists of sixteen (16) Local Government Areas (LGAs), which are governed by elected chairmen. The state government is led by a democratically elected governor who works closely with members of the state's House of Assembly.
The governor of the state is selected using a modified two-round system. To be elected in the first round, a candidate must receive a plurality of votes and over 25% of votes in at least two-thirds of the state and local government areas.
Economy and Agriculture
The major occupation of the people of Taraba state is agriculture. Cash crops produced in the state include coffee, tea, groundnuts and cotton. Crops such as maize, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava, and yam are also produced in commercial quantity.
Agriculture is largely the mainstay of Taraba's economy and economy and employs 80% of the state population on the average, contributing 65% to the state GDP with Rivers Benue, is ripe for dry season farming, a practical commitment to elevate agriculture to being the major export earner. The rich alluvial soil favourable climate conditions make farming very attractive and lucrative. More than 50% of the population is engaged in what is essentially subsistence farming. The tractor hiring Unit (THU) has in its pool tractors and pay loaders which are to be hired to farmers to assist in agriculture production. So far, a 15 hectare of commercial Agriculture in Jalingo to boost production of high quality vegetables for local and international markets.
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In addition, cattle, sheep and goats are reared in large numbers, especially on the Mambilla Plateau, and along the Benue and Taraba valleys. Similarly, the people of Taraba state undertake other livestock production activities like poultry production, rabbit breeding and pig farming in fairly large scale. In February 2024, the World Bank in Nigeria announced plans to empower 5,200 female livestock farmers in the state.
Communities living on the banks of River Benue, River Taraba, River Donga and River Ibi, engage in fishing all year round.
The state parades about 46 solid mineral deposits. government areas of the state. They include blue Sapphire, Limestone, barites, Tbauxite, gemstones, uranium and many others. official exploitation of those solid mineral. Although certain activities are being undertaken by unlicensed investors. Taraba leads in livestock prodcution in Nigeria. All breeds of domestic animals are Tfound in the state. rabbits. Poultry production covers an array of birds like chickens, ducks, guinea fowls, doves, pigeon, and so on. of four million in Jalingo and Mambilla Plateau which are veritable spots for the establishment of meat processing and Dairy industries.
The state has vast reserves of forest resources in different parts. they include Kurmi, Gashaka and several plantations on the Mambilla Tplateau. drought. They are also for the production of wood and timber. factories. check rapid deforestation. The Games reserves are found in Gashaka local government area. provide good habit for wild life and wild plants for their production. National Park is sanctuary for this purpose. tourist destination as well as for researchers.
Tourism and Festivals
Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Jalingo, Taraba, Nigeria! 🌍✨
The government has made concerted efforts to improve areas of tourist attractions like Mambilla Tourist Center, Gumpti Park and game reserve in Gashaka. Karimjo Abedahh festival and the Nwunyu fishing festival in Ibi, are usually held in April of each year, where activities such as canoe racing, swimming competition and cultural dances are held. Other festivals are Purma of the Chamba in Donga, Takum and Jibu culture dance in Bali, the Tagba of Acha People in Takum, Kuchecheb of Kutebs in Takum and Ussa, Kati and Bol of the Mambilla and host of others.
Jalingo: The Capital City
Jalingo is the capital city of Taraba State in north-eastern Nigeria, named in fulfulde (the word Jalingo means "superior place") and has been estimated with population of 418,000 as of 2018, The city has received the highest number of immigrants mainly from, Kano, Borno, Gombe and the neighboring Cameroon. The city is dominated (60%) and ruled by Fulani who settled during Fulani Jihad of Usman Dan Fodio. Mumuye, Kuteb and Kona are large minority 25%, 15% and 10% respectively.
Each local government in Nigeria is governed by caretaker chairmen. The elected Chairman of Jalingo during the last election in 2020 was Hon. Abdulnaseer Bobboji of People Democratic Party (PDP). He had been the Caretaker Chairman until when his tenure ended on Sunday, 3 July 2022. Following that, the Taraba State Governor, Arch. Darius Dickson Ishaku appointed the former Taraba Primary Health Care Development Agency Executive Secretary, Alh.
Climate in Jalingo
The wet season in Jalingo is oppressive and cloudy, the dry season is partly cloudy, and it's hot all year round. With an average daily high temperature of 96 °F, the hot season lasts for 2.3 months, from February 4 to April 15. With an average daily high temperature below 86 °F, the cool season lasts for 3.4 months, from June 25 to October 6.
| Month | Average High Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|
| February 4 - April 15 | 96 |
| June 25 - October 6 | Below 86 |
Environmental Challenges
Others include water and air pollution/Noise pollution, Global warming, draught, Improper wast disposal (waste management) Loss of farm land, Deforestation (loss of biodiversity), Lack of proper drainage plans, illegal mining activities, water and food insecurity, and climate change (Green House Gas emission, extreme weather event among others.
Africa, particularly Nigeria, is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to its geographical characteristics, including its arid northern border and coastal southern region. The region's heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture, coupled with prevalent poverty and limited response capabilities, magnify its susceptibility. This situation, combined with insufficient adaptation measures and financial constraints among individuals, results in significant threats to both the social and economic well-being of Africa's population. Adverse consequences stemming from climate change, such as heightened temperatures, diminished water resources, loss of biodiversity, and increased disease transmission, significantly impact livelihoods. The lack of awareness, especially among less educated communities, contributes to behaviors that exacerbate the issue. Mobilizing the sizable student population in Nigerian tertiary institutions for climate change awareness can serve as a pivotal solution, bolstering adaptive capacity and sustainable livelihood strategies for the region.
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