Description of Taraba state

The Taraba River, which runs through the state's southern region, gives the state of Taraba in Northeastern Nigeria its name. The capital of Taraba is Jalingo. Fulani, Jukun, Chamba, Tiv, Kuteb, and Ichen make up the majority of the state's southern population, while Wurkum, Mumuye, and Kona are the dominating groups in the state's northern region. Mambila, Chamba, Fulani, and Jibawa are the major ethnic groups residing in the region's central portion. In Taraba State, you can find around 40 distinct tribes and their associated languages. The military government of General Ibrahim Babangida established the state on August 27, 1991, from the old Gongola State.

The Benue River and its tributaries drain the vast northern portion of the state, which is primarily a forested savanna. South of the state's center, mountains reach heights of above 3,300 feet (1,000 m). Many people in the state make their living growing various crops such cassava (manioc), sorghum, millet, rice, yams, sugarcane, and corn (maize). The economic significance of river fishing and the herding of cattle, goats, and sheep cannot be overstated. Rubber trees and oil palms have been brought to the state's southwest, and the Mambilla Mountain section of the Adamawa Plateau provides a tsetse-free grassy highland area that is excellent for cattle raising in the state's extreme south. The majority of the inhabitants in Taraba state are Christians from the Jukum (Jukun) and Mambilla ethnic groups.

Leather goods, ceramics, metalwork, and hand-dyed textiles are among products of the state's thriving cottage industry. Ibi hosts a popular yearly fishing event that draws many visitors. There are roads leading to Yola to the north, Bauchi to the west, and Makurdi to the south, and the Benue Water allows for river transit.

Jalingo is the state capital of Taraba in eastern Nigeria and a major city. After the 1991 partition of what had been Gongola state into Adamawa and Taraba states, it was designated as the capital of one of the new states. To the southeast of the Benue River, around 25 miles (40 km), you'll find Jalingo, a town in the savanna-covered foothills of the Shebshi Mountains. Connected by road to both Yola and Wukari, it serves as a market town and is home to a government dairy farm.

Tourism hotspots have benefited from government investment, including the Mambilla Tourist Center, Gumpti Park and game reserve near Gashaka, and the Nwunyu fishing festival in Ibi, which features canoe races, a swimming competition, and cultural dances in April. In addition to these, there are many additional celebrations, such as the Purma of the Chamba in Donga, the Takum and Jibu culture dance in Bali, the Tagba of the Acha People in Takum, the Kuchecheb of the Kutebs in Takum and Ussa, the Kati of the Mambilla, and many more. The state of Taraba is known as "Nature's gift to the nation" because of its abundance of resources and diverse population, which includes the Fulani, Kuteb Chamba, Yandang, Mumuyes, Mambila, Wurkums, Janjo, Jukun, Ichen, Tiv, Kaka, Pena, Kambu, kodei, Wawa, Vute, Hausa, and Ndola.

Geography

Taraba State is bordered by Nasarawa State and Benue State to the west, Plateau State to the northwest, Bauchi State and Gombe State to the north, Adamawa State to the northeast, and Northwest Region of Cameroon to the south.

The major rivers of the state include the Benue, Donga, Taraba, and Ibi. They originate in the Cameroonian mountains and stretch nearly the whole width of the state north to south, eventually meting the River Niger.

Economy

Farming provides the majority of income for the residents of Taraba State. The state's economy relies on the sale of commodities like cotton, coffee, tea, and groundnuts. Other cash crops include maize, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava, and yam. Additionally, the Mambilla Plateau and the valleys of the Benue and Taraba are home to extensive livestock farming, including cattle, sheep, and goats. In a similar vein, the populace engages in relatively extensive pig farming, rabbit breeding, and poultry raising. Those who make their homes near the rivers Benue, Taraba, Donga, and Ibi fish throughout the year. Other crafts and trades are also practiced across the state, including ceramics, textile production, dyeing, mat making, woodworking, needlework, and blacksmithing.