Maitama Explained

Established Title:First settled
Established Date:1715
Established Title1:Incorporated
Established Date1:1 October 1984
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:Nigeria
Subdivision Type1:Federal territory
Subdivision Type2:Federal capital
Subdivision Name1:Federal Capital Territory
Subdivision Name2:Abuja
Governing Body:Federal Capital Territory Administration

Maitama is a district in Phase 1 of Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. The district hosts various foreign embassies, high commissions, and governmental buildings. It houses several of Abuja's most well known landmarks, such as the Millennium Park, Minister's Hill, the Unity Fountain, the IBB Golf Club, and the Transcorp Hilton.[1]

The district is situated to the north of Abuja, with the Wuse and Central Districts lying to its southwest and southeast respectively. Due to its rapid growth, the district is currently undergoing further extension as of 2023.[2]

History

The earliest known settlers to Maitama were the Koro people, who traced their migration from Likoro near Zaria back to 1715. Under the leadership of the then Wambai of Likoro, they migrated to Kagarko before eventually relocating to Maitama. The name Maitama is believed to have originated from the mining and iron smelting activities that were prevalent in the settlement. A fatal landslide in the mining pit forced them to abandon Maitama and establish a new settlement named Wuse.[3] [4]

References

  1. Web site: Which Local Government Is Maitama Abuja? - Around Abuja Blog . 2023-11-16 . aroundabuja.com . en-US.
  2. Web site: FCTA awards infrastructure contract in Maitama II - Daily Trust . 2023-11-16 . dailytrust.com.
  3. Web site: Origin of Koro tribe of Abuja (I) - Daily Trust . 2023-11-15 . dailytrust.com.
  4. Web site: Origin of Koro tribe of Abuja (II) - Daily Trust . 2023-11-15 . dailytrust.com.