Tiv Ethnicity: It Is Important To Note These Things About Benue State
Benue State, situated in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, serves as a meeting point between the predominantly Christian South and the majority Muslim North. It shares borders with Cross River, Ebonyi, and Enugu states to the south, Kogi state to the west, Nassawara state to the north, and Taraba state to the northeast.
The state gets its name from the Benue River, the second-largest river in Nigeria. Established in 1976 alongside six other states, Benue State is primarily inhabited by the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede ethnic groups. Other minority groups include the Etulo, Igbo, and Jukun. The state’s capital is Makurdi.
Many individuals, whether for work, education, or leisure, have had opportunities to visit various states in Nigeria. If you plan to visit Benue State in the near future, here are some things to know beforehand.
Benue State, located in the North Central region of Nigeria, boasts a fertile agricultural area, earning it the nickname “The food basket of the nation.” The region is known for its extensive cultivation of crops such as yam, cassava, and potatoes and fruits like oranges, mangoes, and groundnuts.
When people refer to Benue as the food basket of Nigeria, it truly encompasses the abundance and affordability of food in the state. Food prices are generally low and reasonable, allowing individuals to shop in the market with limited funds and return with ample groceries.
Given the agricultural prominence, it is no surprise that most of Benue’s residents are farmers. With their fertile soil, they can easily achieve good harvests with minimal effort, cultivating a wide range of crops in their own backyard.
When visiting Benue State, particularly rural areas, it’s important to be aware that declining a food offer can be seen as offensive to the locals. Benue residents are known for their hospitality, even towards strangers, and offering food is a common way of welcoming people.
Accepting a meal when offered is customary, even if you are not particularly hungry. Rest assured, the people of Benue do not add anything harmful to their meals, so there is no need to worry about that.
Benue stands out from other states with its unique practices. For instance, when you purchase fruits like oranges, vendors in Benue often offer you a sample to taste. If unsatisfied, you can explore other vendors until you find one you like.
If you’re considering a business venture while visiting Benue, selling food to other states could be lucrative. The state offers diverse food choices that can be purchased in large quantities and sold elsewhere.
Furthermore, Benue State boasts a rich cultural heritage. It is home to various ethnic groups such as Tiv, Idoma, Igede, Etulo Abakpa, Jukun, Hausa, Igbo, Akweye, and Nyifon. The Tiv people comprise a significant portion of the population, occupying 14 local government areas within the state.
The vibrant cultural heritage in Benue is showcased through colourful attire, unique music, lively dances, and captivating masquerades.
Benue is known for its lively festivals, including the Igede-Agba Yam festival, which takes place around September. Additionally, the people of Benue, particularly the Tiv community, are renowned for their elaborate marriage ceremonies and entertaining dance competitions.
Otukpo, situated in Benue State, Nigeria, is a central location that links the Idoma and Igedeland communities. The city is renowned as one of the most desirable places to reside in Benue State. Otukpo is a town in the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria and is also identified as the eponymous name of a subgroup of the Idoma people.
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The largest market is known as the modern market, which offers various products for sale.
Makurdi offers remarkably low prices for food, housing, transportation, and other essential needs. It is widely recognized as one of the Nigerian cities where the cost of living is notably affordable, making it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
You can subscribe to living in Benue State if you are looking for a quite affordable state to base.
