Did You Know That Taraba State Was Carved Out of Gongola in 1991, but Its Story Began Long Before That?
Hi, I’m Simon Taki Zaku, proud Taraban and founder of IbiFoundry. Growing up in Jalingo, I often heard elders share fascinating stories about how our beautiful state came to be.
They spoke of its vibrant tribes, the struggle for statehood, and the visionaries who shaped its journey.
Today, Taraba is fondly called Nature’s Gift to the Nation, but there’s so much more to its story than meets the eye.
In this post, I’ll take you through the detailed history of Taraba State, from its origins in the days of Gongola to its creation in 1991, and everything that has happened since.
Stick around - you might discover things you never knew about our beloved state!
Let’s dive into the incredible history of Taraba State, a fascinating gem in Nigeria's northeast. Known as Nature’s Gift to the Nation, this state boasts a rich cultural heritage, diverse ethnic groups, and stunning landscapes.
Here’s everything you need to know, from its pre-creation days to its current status.
Taraba Zip Code: 672002
Before Taraba State Was Created
Before becoming an independent entity, Taraba was part of the defunct Gongola State. This region was home to many ethnic groups that lived harmoniously despite their differences.
These communities practiced agriculture, animal rearing, fishing, and crafts, laying a strong foundation for what would later become Taraba.
The Creation of Taraba State
Taraba State was officially created on August 27, 1991, by the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.
Its establishment was part of the military government's effort to bring governance closer to the people and accommodate the region's diverse ethnic groups.
Governance Through the Years
Since its creation, Taraba has been led by military administrators and elected civilian governors. Here’s a quick rundown of its leaders:
Adeyemi Afolahan (1991-1992) – The first military administrator.
Jolly Nyame (1992-1993, 1999-2007) – The first civilian governor.
Military administrators followed, including Yohanna Dickson, Emmanuel John, and Bala Nuhu.
Danbaba Suntai (2007-2012) – Known for his contributions despite a tragic plane crash.
Darius Ishaku (2015-2022) – Focus on the education sector and won the best state, Education.
Dr. Kefas Agbu (2022 till present) - Popularly known as OUR Starboy, fighting to make Taraba great again in every sector (Free Basic Education in Taraba state by Gov. Dr. Kefas Agbu since assuming office)
Local Government Areas in Taraba State
At the time of writing, Taraba is divided into 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs):
Ardo Kola,
Bali,
Donga,
Gashaka,
Gassol,
Ibi, (Yup! Where we got the name, IbiFoundry.Com.ng)
Jalingo,
Karim Lamido,
Kurmi,
Lau,
Sardauna,
Takum,
Ussa,
Wukari,
Yorro,
and Zing.
These LGAs serve as administrative hubs and reflect the state’s diversity.
Population and Demographics in Taraba State
As of 2005, Taraba had an estimated population of 2.7 million people.
The state is home to over 80 ethnic groups, including the Jukun, Chamba, Mumuye, Mambilla, Kuteb, Tiv, and Fulani.
Despite the diversity, Hausa often serves as a lingua franca.
Taraba State Geopolitical and Economic Overview
Capital: Jalingo.
Slogan: Nature’s Gift to the Nation.
Major Occupations: Agriculture dominates, with crops like yams, maize, cassava, and tea. Mineral resources like gold, bauxite, and gemstones are abundant but underexplored.
Tourist Attractions: Mambilla Plateau, Gashaka-Gumti National Park, and cultural festivals like the Puje of the Jukun and Kuchecheb of the Kutebs.
Famous Public Figures in Taraba State
Prominent figures from Taraba include:
Jolly Nyame, the first civilian governor.
Late Danbaba Suntai (former governor) is known for his service and resilience.
Ishaya Bamaiyi, former Chief of Army Staff.
T.Y Danjuma, former Chief of Army Staff.
What is the Political Landscape in Taraba?
The state has been a stronghold of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in recent years.
However, it has also seen shifts in political dynamics during elections.
Why Taraba Stands Out
Nicknamed Nature’s Gift to the Nation, Taraba offers a harmonious blend of cultural richness, economic potential, and natural beauty.
The state's tourism potential, combined with its untapped resources, makes it a beacon of opportunity in Nigeria.
Mineral Resources in Taraba State
Taraba State is rich in mineral resources, including gold, limestone, granite, and marble. These resources present opportunities for both local and international investment in mining and related industries. Key minerals include:
Solid Minerals: Lead, zinc, barite, limestone, bentonite, coal, and kaolin.
Gemstones: Sapphire, ruby, and tourmaline, especially popular in mining ventures.
Exploration Opportunities: The state government offers incentives like simplified licensing and geological data to encourage mining investments
.
Agriculture in Taraba State
Agriculture forms the backbone of Taraba’s economy, with fertile lands and favorable climates supporting diverse farming activities. Key agricultural products include:
Cash Crops: Cocoa, coffee, tea, cotton, and palm oil.
Food Crops: Rice, maize, cassava, yams, and millet.
Livestock: Cattle ranching, poultry farming, and aquaculture.
Agro-Processing Opportunities: Food processing, dairy production, and animal feed
.
Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, with Taraba being known for its diverse agricultural produce such as rice, yam, cassava, maize, sorghum, groundnuts, and beans.
The state also has significant livestock farming, including cattle, sheep, and goats.
The fertile land, especially in the Mambilla Plateau, makes it ideal for farming activities.
The state government supports agriculture through subsidies for fertilizers, improved seedlings, and modern farming technologies
Government Ministries and Agencies
Taraba State has several ministries and government agencies that focus on various sectors:
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Works and Transport
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Agriculture
Ministry of Finance and Budget
Taraba State Environmental Protection Agency (TASEPA)
Taraba State Economic Planning Commission
These ministries oversee the development of education, infrastructure, health, agriculture, and more across the state.
Educational Institutions in Taraba State
Primary and Secondary Schools:
There are several public and private schools across the state.
Some of the top secondary schools include the Federal Government College, Jalingo, and the Taraba State College of Education Secondary School.
Universities in Taraba:
Federal University, Wukari (FUWUKARI): A federal institution offering a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo: The state’s flagship university, with programs in various fields such as agriculture, education, social sciences, and health sciences.
Kwararafa University, Wukari: A private university with a focus on providing quality education in sciences, humanities, and management fields.
Courses offered at these universities range from natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, health sciences, and the humanities.
Taraba’s educational landscape is diverse, with institutions catering to a wide range of academic needs from primary to tertiary education.
Other Educational Institutions
In addition to universities, there are specialized institutions for technical and vocational training, such as polytechnics and colleges of education. These include:
College of Education, Zing
Taraba State Polytechnic
College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Jalingo
These institutions help in skill development, contributing to the workforce's readiness for the state's agricultural and industrial sectors.
This extensive network of educational institutions provides a well-rounded foundation for the future development of Taraba State.
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Simon Taki Zaku,
Founder, CEO, IbiFoundry.com.ng
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