Plateau State Explained

Plateau
Type:State
Flag Alt:Flag of Plateau State
Image Blank Emblem:Plateau State Coat of arms.jpg
Blank Emblem Type:Plateau State logo
Seal Alt:Seal of Plateau State
Nickname:Home of Peace and Tourism
Coordinates:9.1667°N 54°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Nigeria
Established Title:Date created
Established Date:3 February 1976
Seat Type:Capital
Seat:Jos
Governing Body:Government of Plateau State
Leader Party:PDP
Leader Title:Governor[1]
Leader Name:Caleb Mutfwang
Leader Name1:Josephine Piyo
Leader Title2:Legislature
Leader Name2:Plateau State House of Assembly
Leader Title3:Senators
Leader Name3:

Leader Title4:Representatives
Leader Name4:Ahmed Idris Wase (APC)
Vincent Bulus Venman (APC)
Ajang Alfred Iliya (LP)
John Moenwul Dafaan (APC)
Fom Dalyop Chollom (LP)
David Ishaya Lalu (APC)
Gagdi Adamu Yusuf (APC)
Daniel Asama (LP)
Unit Pref:Metric
Area Total Km2:30913
Area Rank:12 of 36
Population Total:3,206,531[2]
Population As Of:2006
Population Est:4,717,300[3]
Pop Est As Of:2022
Population Rank:26 of 36
Population Density Km2:auto
Demographics Type1:GDP (PPP)
Demographics1 Title1:Year
Demographics1 Info1:2021
Demographics1 Title2:Total
Demographics1 Info2:$9.69 billion[4]
Demographics1 Title3:Per capita
Demographics1 Info3:$2,014
Timezone1:WAT
Utc Offset1:+01
Postal Code Type:postal code
Postal Code:930001
Blank Name Sec1:HDI (2021)
Blank Info Sec1:0.564[5]
· 22nd of 37
Iso Code:NG-PL

Plateau State is a north central Nigerian state. It is located near the centre of Nigeria and includes a range of hills surrounding the Jos Plateau.[6] Plateau State is described as "The Home of Peace and Tourism".[7] The state has a population of around 4.7 million people.[8] Its capital city is Jos.

Geography

Boundaries

Plateau State is located in the North Central Zone out of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.[9] With an area of 26899km2, the state has an estimated population of about three million people. It is located between latitude 8°24' N and 10°30' N and longitude 8°32' E and 10°38' E.[10] The state is named after the Jos Plateau, a mountainous area in the north of the state with rock formations.[11] Bare rocks are scattered across the grasslands, which cover the plateau.[12] The altitude ranges from around to a peak of above sea level in the Shere Hills range near Jos. Years of tin and columbite mining have left the area strewn with deep gorges and lakes.[13]

Adjacent states

Climate

Although situated in the tropical zone, the higher altitude gives the state a near-temperate climate, with an average temperature between 13 and 22 °C. Harmattan winds cause the coldest weather between December and February, with the warmest temperatures usually in the dry season months of March and April. The mean annual rainfall varies between 1317mm in the southern part to 1460mm on the plateau, with the highest rainfall during the wet season in July and August. The cooler climate has led to a reduced incidence of some tropical diseases such as malaria. The Jos Plateau is the source of many rivers in northern Nigeria, including the Kaduna, Gongola, Hadeja and Damaturu rivers.[14]

Geology

The Jos Plateau is thought to be an area of younger granite which was intruded through an area of older granite rock, making up the surrounding states. These "younger" granites are thought to be about 160 million years old. This creates the unusual scenery of the Jos Plateau. There are numerous hillocks with gentle slopes emerging from the ground like mushrooms scattered with huge boulders. Also, volcanic activity 50 million years ago created numerous volcanoes and vast basaltic plateaus formed from lava flows. This also produces regions of mainly narrow and deep valleys and pediments (surfaces made smooth by erosion) from the middle of rounded hills with sheer rock faces.[15] The phases of volcanic activities involved in the formation of Plateau State have made it one of the mineral rich states in the country.[16]

Tourism

Plateau State is officially nicknamed The Home of Peace and Tourism.[17] Although the tourism sector is not thriving due to perennial security issues and state government failure, its natural endowments are still attractions to tourists, mostly from within Nigeria.

Natural resources

Natural resources in the state include: barite, bauxite, bentonite, bismuth, cassiterite, clay, coal, emeralds, fluoride, granite, iron ore, kaolin, lead / zinc, marble, molybdenite, pyrochlore, salt, tantalite / columbite, and tin / wolfram.[31]

History

Plateau state has been adjusted to its present borders many times. Colonial manipulation was from a desire to protect the railway construction and guarantee safe passage of mined tin to the coast. There was also an attempt initially to create a province of largely non-Muslims under one Resident. Later alterations came from strong local desires for self-government.

The British began to exert colonial control of Nigeria in the early 20th century. At that time, much of Plateau State was part of Bauchi Province. In 1926, Plateau Province, made up of Jos and Pankshin Divisions, was carved out of Bauchi.[32] The border changed several times in subsequent years as the government sought not to split ethnic groups. In May 1967, Benue and Plateau Provinces were merged to form the large Benue-Plateau State. At this time Nigeria had twelve states.[14]

Following the civil war, Benue-Plateau State was one of several large states which were further split up following pressure on the federal government. Under the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon, the country was further divided into nineteen states in 1976 and Plateau State was created from Benue-Plateau covering the area of the original Plateau Province. In 1996, Plateau State was further subdivided to create Nasarawa State which was carved out of the western half of Plateau State by Sani Abacha's military regime.

Tin mining activities began in 1902 under the British and continue to the present day.

21st century conflicts

See main article: Boko Haram insurgency, Herder–farmer conflicts in Nigeria and Nigerian bandit conflict. During the 21st century, there have been several major attacks in Plateau State, including in the capital city of Jos, including riots and bombings by jihadist Boko Haram insurgents. Plateau State has been a venue of clashes between the minority Muslim Hausa-Fulani herders and predominantly Christian farmers like the other states of Middle Belt area of Nigeria.[33] In June 2018, ethnic violence in Jos killed 86 people.[34] The group Christian Solidarity Worldwide reported that 238 people were killed by Fulani herders in one weekend in June 2018 alone, and 1,061 were killed in the first three months of 2018.[35] In November 2021, Al Jazeera reported that while said clashes in the state are often viewed through an ethnic and religious lens, some analysts point to climate change and land scarcity as exacerbating tensions.[36] In 2022, a bandit gang attacked several villages. In December 2023, at least 200 died during a series of new massacres.[37]

Government

The Plateau State administrative structure consists of the state cabinet, the House of Assembly and local government areas.[12]

The state government is run by the governor (chief executive), deputy governor, secretary to the state government, commissioners (cabinet members), special advisers, permanent secretaries, board chairmen and general managers. The current governor is Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.[38] He was sworn in on 29 May 2023 under the party PDP.[39]

The House of Assembly consists of 25 members and 11 special advisers.[40] The current Speaker of the house is Rt. Hon. Moses Sule who was elected on 13 June 2023 by the members of the 10th assembly.[41]

The local government is headed by a chairman, who is the chief executive, while his cabinet consists of elected councilors who make up the legislative arm.[42]

Plateau State is also divided into 17 local government areas, each encompassing ethnic groups who share common affinities or distant bloodlines.[43] Leaders of these local government areas are elected by the people from amongst several contestants who may not be related to any past chiefdom leaders.[44]

Local government areas

See also: List of villages in Plateau State.

In 1976, Plateau State consisted of fourteen local government areas (LGAs). New LGAs were carved out of the large ones in 1989, 1991 and 1996, so that the new Plateau State is subdivided into the following seventeen LGAs:[45]

Demographics

The state has over forty ethno-linguistic groups. Some of the indigenous ethnic groups in the state are:

These ethnic groups are predominantly farmers and have similar cultural and traditional ways of life. People from other parts of country have come to settle in the state; these include the Idoma, Igbo, Yoruba, Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Ijaw, and Bini.

Each ethnic group has its own distinct language, but as with the rest of the country, English is the official language in the state. Hausa is also a common medium of communication and commerce as is the case in most parts of the state.[46]

Religion

Plateau state residents are predominantly Christians with a Muslim minority.

The Roman Catholic Church includes 830,714 faithful in the Archdiocese of Jos (1934) with 60 parishes under Archbishop Matthew Ishaya Audu (2020), and two suffragan dioceses of Pankshin (2014) with 32 parishes under Bishop Michael Global Gokum (2014), and Shendam (2007) with 31 parishes under Bishop Philip Davou Dung (2016).

The Anglican Diocese of Jos (1980) within the Province of Jos, is led by Bishop Benjamin Kwashi (2008).

Transport

Federal Highways

A3 highway (Nigeria) northeast from Kaduna State at Jenta via Makera, Bukuru and Jos to Bauchi State at Rafin Jaki A236 highway (Nigeria) northwest from Jos as the Kakwonka-Tudun Wada Rd via Mista Ali and Jere to Kaduna State at Jengre as the Pambeguwa-Jengre Rd.

Other major roads

Railways

The 1067 mm Cape Gauge Eastern Line north from Lafia in Nasarawa State via Jos to Bauchi State.[47]

Airport

Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos with flights to Abuja and Lagos.

Education

Tertiary institutions in Plateau State include:

Languages

Languages of Plateau State listed by LGA:[56]

LGA Languages
Barkin Ladi Berom; Ron; Ibaas
Bassa Amo; Buji; Cara; Iguta; Izora; Janji; Jere; Kuce; Panawa; Rigwe; Sanga; Chokobo; Jere; Gus; Bache (Rukuba); Tarya; Lemoro;
Bokkos Bo-Rukul; Duhwa; Hasha; Horom; Kulere; Mundat; Nungu; Ron; Manguna;
Jos East Afizere
Jos North Afizere; Iguta; Berom; Hausa
Jos South Berom
Kanam Boghom; Duguri; Ngas; Tarok; Yangkam; Saya
Langtang Ngas; Tarok; Wãpha; Yangkam; Ywom
Langtang South Wapan; Tarok
Mangu Mwaghavul, Jipal, Pyem Chakfem, Bijim and Kadung
Mikang Ywom
Kanke Ngas;
Pankshin Fyer; Mhiship; Ngas; Mupun; Pai; Sur; Tal; Tambas;Kadung;Bijim
Qua'an-panKofyar (Pan:- Doemak; Kwagalak; Mernyang; Bwal, Doka; Teng), Ngas,
Riyom Berom; Iten; Takad (Tyap)
Shendam Boghom; Dass; Goemai; Jorto; Koenoem; Miship; Montol; Pyapun; Tiv; Wapan; Wãpha; Ywom
Wase Boghom; Bole; Como Karim; Tarok; Wãpha; Yangkam; Fulani
others Ganang

Notable people

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. See List of governors of Plateau State for a list of prior governors
  2. Web site: 2006 PHC Priority Tables – NATIONAL POPULATION COMMISSION. population.gov.ng. en-US. 2017-10-10. https://web.archive.org/web/20171010054745/http://population.gov.ng/core-activities/surveys/dataset/2006-phc-priority-tables/. 2017-10-10. dead.
  3. Web site: Plateau State: Subdivision . www.citypopulation.de.
  4. Web site: 2022-10-13 . Okeowo . Gabriel . Fatoba . Iyanuoluwa . State of States 2022 Edition . 2023-03-07 . Budgit.org . BudgIT . 2022-10-13.
  5. Web site: Sub-national HDI – Area Database – Global Data Lab. hdi.globaldatalab.org. en. 2018-09-13.
  6. Web site: Nigeria Culture, History, & People. Encyclopedia Britannica. en. 2020-05-28.
  7. Web site: Nigeria . Opinion . 2022-08-02 . Plateau State: Home Of Peace And Tourism -By Muhammad Jaafar – Opinion Nigeria . 2023-06-18 . en-US.
  8. Web site: Ibrahim . Abubakar . 28 February 2022 . Add citation .
  9. Web site: Geopolitical zones in Nigeria and their states. 20 March 2017.
  10. Web site: Plateau state, Nigeria Britannica . 2022-09-04 . www.britannica.com . en.
  11. Web site: Online . Tribune . 2017-10-10 . SHERE HILLS: Amazing hills and rock formations . 2022-09-04 . Tribune Online . en-GB.
  12. Web site: pictda . Welcome! Home Plateau State Government Website . 2022-09-04 . Laravel . en.
  13. Web site: Diala . Sam . THEWILL . 2022-02-27 . State of the States: Plateau State . 2022-09-04 . en-US.
  14. Web site: Plateau State, Nigeria, and Capital Britannica . 2023-05-05 . www.britannica.com . en.
  15. http://www.onlinenigeria.com/links/Plateauadv.asp?blurb=461 Nigeria: PHYSICAL SETTING – Plateau State
  16. Hodder. B. W.. Dick Hodder. Tin Mining on the Jos Plateau of Nigeria. Economic Geography. 35. 2. 1959. 109–122. 0013-0095. 10.2307/142394. 142394.
  17. Web site: Plateau State of Nigeria :: Nigeria Information & Guide . 2023-06-23 . www.nigeriagalleria.com.
  18. Web site: 2018-11-05. A guide to planning a wild adventure to Jos Wildlife Park. 2021-06-16. Pulse Nigeria. en.
  19. Web site: Nok Culture. World History Encyclopedia. 2020-05-28.
  20. Web site: Museum Of Traditional Nigerian Architecture – Crafts Village HUB. 2021-06-16. en-US.
  21. Web site: Solomon Lar Amusement Park Jos. 2021-06-16. AfricaBizInfo. en.
  22. Web site: Jos Zoo Plateau State :: Nigeria Information & Guide. 2021-06-16. www.nigeriagalleria.com.
  23. Web site: 2017-09-26. Assop Falls, pride of Plateau State. 2021-06-16. Tribune Online. en-GB.
  24. Web site: Kurra Falls 2021 top things to do in plateau, jos plateau, reviews, best time to visit, photo gallery HelloTravel Nigeria. 2021-06-16. www.hellotravel.com.
  25. Web site: Plateau State of Nigeria :: Nigeria Information & Guide. www.nigeriagalleria.com. 2020-05-28.
  26. Web site: Kolawole. Folarin. 2015-12-10. The Magnificent Inactive Volcanoes of Jos Plateau. 2021-06-16. PR2J3C4 – Nigeria @ Her Best. en-US.
  27. Web site: SHERE HILLS: Amazing hills and rock formations » Arewa » Tribune Online. 2017-10-10. Tribune Online. en-GB. 2020-05-30.
  28. Web site: RIYOM ROCK FORMATION. 2021-06-16. Visit Nigeria Now. en-GB.
  29. Web site: Pandam Game Reserve Plateau State :: Nigeria Information & Guide. 2021-06-16. www.nigeriagalleria.com.
  30. Web site: 2020-05-31. 10 Beautiful Rock Formations Around Nigeria. 2021-06-16. The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. en-US.
  31. Web site: Natural Resources – Welcome To The Embassy of Nigeria. 2022-02-08. en-US.
  32. Web site: pictda . Welcome! Home Plateau State Government Website . 2023-06-19 . Laravel . en.
  33. News: 2019-12-17 . Meet the peacekeepers of Nigeria's Plateau State . Washington Post . 2019-08-26.
  34. Web site: Stephanie Busari . 25 June 2018 . Nigeria: Scores killed, homes burned in Plateau State attacks . 2021-06-17 . CNN.
  35. Web site: Attacks on Nigerian Christians escalate . 2021-06-17 . www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  36. Web site: Olufemi . Alfred . 2023-11-28 . Horrors on the Plateau: Inside Nigeria's farmer-herder conflict . 2023-12-29 . . en.
  37. News: More than 100 killed in central Nigeria during attacks by military gangs . 29 December 2023 . . 25 December 2023 . France24.
  38. Web site: Governor Of Plateau State Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang . 2023-06-19 . Nigeria Star News . en.
  39. Web site: pictda. Welcome! Home Plateau State Government Website. 2022-02-07. Laravel. en.
  40. Web site: All 24 Members of Plateau Assembly to Sit Thursday – THISDAYLIVE . 2022-09-04 . www.thisdaylive.com . 25 November 2021 . en-US.
  41. Web site: David . 2021-10-28 . Plateau Assembly impeach Speaker, elect Yakubu Sanda . 2022-09-04 . The Sun Nigeria . en-us.
  42. Web site: Nwafor . 2021-10-11 . Plateau: Lalong swears-in elected Chairmen of 17 LGA . 2022-09-04 . Vanguard News . en-GB.
  43. Web site: Stephens . Matt . 2018-11-12 . List of the 17 Local Government Areas in Plateau State ⋆ NaijaHomeBased . 2022-09-04 . NaijaHomeBased . en-US.
  44. Web site: Pwanagba . Agabus . 2021-10-11 . Plateau LG polls: It's an appointment, executive rascality, rape of democracy – PDP . 2022-09-04 . Daily Post Nigeria . en-US.
  45. Web site: jlukmon . 2023-05-03 . List of 17 Local Governments in Plateau State and their Headquarters. . 2023-05-05 . ABOUT NIGERIANS . en-US.
  46. News: 200 more killed in Nigeria attacks by Fulani Herdsmen. 2018-06-24. Global Christian News. 2018-07-04. en-GB.
  47. [Rail transport in Nigeria]
  48. Web site: jobadung. 2020-03-18. NTA College Jos Available Programmes And Entry Requirements. 2021-06-17. Jobadung. en-US.
  49. Web site: Academy. Samphina. 2019-02-27. Courses Offered in College of Education, Gindiri (COEGINDIRI). 2021-06-17. Samphina Academy. en-US.
  50. Web site: Federal College Of Animal Health And Production Technology, Vom, Plateau State. 2021-06-17. www.manpower.com.ng.
  51. Web site: Home. 2021-06-17. www.fcepankshin.edu.ng.
  52. Web site: National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies – MacArthur Foundation . 2023-06-23 . www.macfound.org.
  53. Web site: Fapohunda . Olusegun . List of Courses Offered by Plateau State Polytechnic . 2022-09-04 . www.myschoolgist.com . 9 July 2021 . en.
  54. Web site: Fapohunda . Olusegun . List Of PLASU Courses and Programmes Offered . 2022-09-04 . www.myschoolgist.com . 9 October 2021 . en.
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  59. Web site: Nseyen . Nsikak . 2023-02-27 . Election results: PDP's Bagos wins Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency seat . 2023-06-27 . Daily Post Nigeria . en-US.
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  65. Web site: 2021-11-07 . First Governor Of Benue-Plateau State, Late JD Gomwalk To Be Granted State Pardon Before End Of 2021-Lalong . 2022-09-04 . en-US.
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