Benue State: The Food Basket of the Nation
Benue State is one of the North Central states in Nigeria that was created in 1976. The state derives its name from Benue River, which is the second largest river in Nigeria. Benue is largely inhabited by three ethnic groups – Tiv, Idoma and Igede, and its capital is Makurdi.
The Tiv make up a larger percentage as they occupy 14 local government areas in the state. The people of Benue express their rich cultural heritage through their colorful attires, unique music, dance as well as their exotic masquerades.
One of the popular festivals celebrated in Benue State is the “Igede-Agba yam festival” which happens annually around September. The people of Benue, especially those from the Tiv region are also popular for their marriage ceremonies and dance competitions.
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Benue State is a rich agricultural region where varieties of crops grow and thrive. No wonder it is called the food basket of the nation. Some of these crops include yam, cassava, potatoes and fruits such as oranges, mangoes and groundnuts.
As a result of the great soil in Benue, almost all residents are farmers. Almost every family has a crop or livestock farm, no matter how small. There is so much food in Benue that a first-time visitor would attest to the different mouth-watering delicacies served in various host communities, restaurants or eateries at very cheap prices. In fact, it is common to be served with at least four varieties of soups with a bowl of hot pounded yam and assorted meats.
A typical Benue person is very entertaining, even to strangers. One of the major ways they welcome visitors is by offering them food, because they believe that having enough food gives hope for survival.
The abundance of fruits in Benue gives buyers the opportunity to taste every fruit before buying.
Benue State is also blessed with abundant mineral resources distributed in the various local government areas of the state. They include Limestone near Gboko and Kaolinite at Otukpo.
Have you visited Benue state before? Share your experience with us.